Second to last Council meeting of the year filled with decisions
A plethora of decisions were made in the Council Chambers on Tuam St on Wednesday morning as Canterbury Regional Council met for their second full Council meeting of the triennium to decide committee arrangements.
Council confirmed the reappointment of standing committees – and their relevant terms of reference – which included:
- Audit and Risk Committee
- Chief Executive Employment, Performance, and Remuneration Committee
- Strategy and Policy Committee
- Regional Delivery Committee.
They went on to appoint Councillors to committee positions, as well as positions on various joint committees and partnership forums.
They also appointed three core service leads to guide the Council’s work in environmental regulation and protection, community preparedness and response to hazards, and public transport.
Chair Dr Deon Swiggs, chairing his first full meeting, was pleased to confirm these important leadership positions.
“Having a strong leadership team will be crucial for our Council over the next three years, as we navigate the significant changes to come to resource management and other legislation,” Swiggs said.
Deputy Chair Iaean Cranwell echoed Chair Swiggs’ sentiment.
“We have a responsibility to provide clear and stable leadership through this time of change, and as a Council we are committed to representing our constituencies and mana whenua to the best of our ability, and staying connected to our communities,” Cranwell said.
For full details of appointments, you can read more here.
The Council also confirmed dates for Council and committee meetings for the remainder of 2025 and decided on dates for 2026.
The last Council meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Beginning of triennium speeches
Councillors began their beginning of triennium speeches at this meeting. Councillors Campbell, Cranwell, Davies, Faulkner, Gerard and Lamont all spoke, outlining their intentions and aspirations for the term ahead. Councillor Mackenzie abstained from speaking.
The remainder of Councillors will have their opportunity at the 10 December Council meeting.
Te Pūrongo ā-Tau | Annual Report 2024/25
Council adopted the Canterbury Regional Council’s Te Pūrongo ā-Tau | Annual Report 2024/25 and He Whakarāpopototanga Te Pūrongo ā-Tau | Annual Report Summary 2024/25.
These documents provide accountability to ratepayers, outlining Council’s service delivery over the last year, as well as its financial performance against objectives outlined in its Annual or Long-Term Plans.
Biosecurity Activities Report
Council discussed and received the 2024/25 Biosecurity Activities Report, which tracks progress against the annual Operational Plan and the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan (CRPMP). These documents set the strategy and deliver action to manage pests across the region.
This year's Activities Report highlights strong results in exclusion, containment, and control programmes, while signalling that some objectives will be reassessed during the 2028 CRPMP review to ensure the Waitaha Canterbury environment remains protected for future generations.