From our Chair and Deputy Chair: An open letter to election candidates

The decisions made in Wellington don't stay in Wellington. They shape what happens in our communities, our businesses, our farms and across our region.

As candidates travel the country seeking support ahead of this year's General Election, we have a simple request on behalf of our communities: Commit to Canterbury (PDF file, 2.13MB)

Canterbury’s contribution to New Zealand

Waitaha Canterbury makes a major contribution to New Zealand's success – we are the largest region in Aotearoa and contribute more than 12% of GDP.

We are home to nationally significant natural resources - we have 70% of New Zealand’s groundwater and more than 60% of its braided river systems. We are proud of our productive land - we produce 15% of the country’s goods exports. 

Our communities are growing - it’s expected 700,000 people will live in Greater Christchurch by 2050. And we support critical infrastructure –  Waitaha roads support 14% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s vehicle-kilometres-travelled.

The decisions made by the next Government will help shape our ability to protect our resources and assets, support economic prosperity and prepare our communities for the future.

Regional challenges, national opportunities

The opportunities and challenges facing our region reflect those facing the whole country. How we adapt to a changing climate while investing in resilient infrastructure. How we protect our environment while supporting economic growth.

How we provide efficient transport networks and essential services for growing communities, and how we create systems that enable local solutions to national challenges.

Strong partnerships for better outcomes

Meeting these challenges requires partnership. Strong relationships between central government, local government and mana whenua are essential to delivering better outcomes for our communities and the environment.

In Waitaha Canterbury, partnerships with Ngāi Tahu and papatipu rūnanga help shape how we care for our land, water and natural resources, and will continue to be critical to our region's success.

Seven priorities for Canterbury’s future

We have identified seven practical and achievable priorities where together, we can make a lasting difference for Waitaha and Aotearoa. We are asking all candidates to support:

• Investment in flood resilience.
• A stronger national approach to biosecurity.
• Strong environmental stewardship.
• Investment in public transport and connected communities.
• Sustainable funding and financing tools for local government.
• Infrastructure investment (PDF file, 1.89MB)  that reflects Waitaha Canterbury's contribution to New Zealand.
• Carefully sequenced reform so councils can keep delivering for their communities.

These priorities are not about politics. They are about ensuring communities have the certainty, tools and investment they need to thrive, adapt and succeed.

Turning priorities into action

We encourage you to consider the role regions play in our collective future. Waitaha Canterbury's success is closely linked to New Zealand's success.

The decisions made over the next three years will shape the resilience of our communities, the health of our environment and the strength of our economy for decades to come.

We invite you to work with us and with Waitaha communities to turn these priorities into action and deliver lasting benefits for current and future generations.