Statement from Chair Peter Scott

Following recent publicity about my personal behaviour, it has become increasingly apparent that the focus on me is a distraction from the work of the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).   

Although this publicity has not been directly related to my work as Chairman, I recognise the damage it is doing to this organisation, and I have decided to step down as Chair, effective tomorrow (Friday 27 September). Councillor Pauling will be Acting Chair until the Council meeting on 23 October, when the Council will appoint a new Chair for the remainder of the term.

I’m proud to have led the Council through some important and challenging work since the October 2022 elections. I make no secret of my ambitions for the region and as Chair I have advocated strongly on Canterbury’s behalf – something I will continue to do.

As a Council and an organisation, we’ve achieved a lot but there is more work to be done. I will be staying on as a councillor for South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi so I can contribute to that work. The Council has set an ambitious path for the organisation in the delivery of its core services over the next 10 years through the Long-Term Plan. We're making good progress and I want to remain part of that work.   

I acknowledge I’ve made mistakes from a personal perspective, and these are for me to learn from. By stepping down as Chair, I expect the focus to shift from me to the work we need to deliver for the environment and the people of Waitaha/Canterbury. 

Please note, neither Environment Canterbury nor Peter Scott will be making any further comment on this issue.