From our Deputy Chair: Regional council resolute in face of change
We stand at a critical juncture for local government in New Zealand. Significant resource management, water, housing and infrastructure reforms are coming our way, and with the change in national direction, it has never been clearer that we need comprehensive local government reform, now.
We know this is a politically challenging path for central government, one they are currently reluctant to tread. In this absence, we cannot afford to wait. We must act.
Clear shared positions for stronger leadership
My hope is that the work we are doing will allow us to shift from a reactive stance to one of proactive influence.
We will not simply respond to central government proposals; we will shape them, ensuring Canterbury's voice is heard at the highest levels.
A proactive approach is crucial, and I am proud of the work we have done as a Council to develop positions that support proactive strategic work and advocacy opportunities.
In uncertain times, clarity is paramount, and we have done the work as a council to develop some shared positions on a range of issues, including:
- managing environmental effects
- managing natural resource use
- economic prosperity
- structure of local, regional and central government
- Treaty partnership.
These positions provide a coherent basis for our message to central government, mana whenua, stakeholders, and our communities.
Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs, Environment Canterbury
Canterbury is unique, and we need a locally informed approach
We have about 70 per cent of New Zealand’s groundwater, as well as braided rivers, diverse ecosystems, and productive farmlands.
- Our Council champions the region and provides a regional lens to central government, ensuring national standards are complemented by our specific needs and knowledge.
- We understand our region and the importance of fostering ecological coherence, integrated catchment-based thinking and a ki uta ki tai approach.
- We are committed to ensuring that our significant freshwater resources and highly productive farmlands are managed with the nuance they require.
Driving economic prosperity
Our region is a powerhouse for national economic prosperity.
- We are committed to fostering that prosperity, valuing what we have – including our food-producing ability – while embracing innovation and ensuring our infrastructure is resilient against the impacts of climate change.
- We recognise our region’s contribution to the country's long-term economic prosperity and the need for active environmental management alongside openness to innovation.
Respecting our partnership
Importantly, we are united as a Council and want to reaffirm our deep and maturing partnership with Ngāi Tahu based on mutual respect, shared understanding and shared values.
This is not just a statutory obligation; it is a shared vision and a relationship that underpins all our work.
Current funding model isn’t working
We want to tackle the elephant in the room: the unsustainable structure and funding of local government.
Even if central government is hesitant, we must continue to advocate for the regulatory clarity, better alignment, and diversified funding tools that our communities desperately need.
The current structure and funding of local government service delivery are unsustainable, and we are calling for New Zealand’s systems of government to adjust and respond accordingly.
The reforms are happening now, and the implications that come with them are significant, not just for our role and function as a regional government, but for our region.
We will not stand idle and have change done to us. We are taking every opportunity to champion and advocate for Waitaha/Canterbury.