VICTORIA HENSTOCK
Independent Councillor for PAPANUI
A Professional and Experienced leader
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Thanks for visiting my website,
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I'm proud to be the independent voice representing the Papanui Ward on Christchurch City Council — focusing on community, not politics. I am a strong local voice at the council table, one that isn’t tied to a political party or hidden agenda.
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I’m genuinely excited about the future of Christchurch. We are entering a pivotal chapter, with the upcoming completion of two landmark civic projects set to elevate our city’s profile and transform how we live, play, and connect.
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The One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is set to open in April 2026, delivering a world-class venue with capacity for 30,000 spectators at sporting events and up to 37,500 for concerts. Meanwhile, the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, expected to be completed by October 2025, will become New Zealand’s largest aquatic and indoor recreation facility.
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These projects represent a significant milestone—a true watershed moment—for Christchurch. They will energise our city, boost our economy, and enhance quality of life.
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“If you want to create effective and sustainable change for our community over time, then you must work with your local community, you must listen to what they say, and you must not force change against them because they will only get resentful.”
Victoria Henstock The Press
As we look to the future with optimism, it’s equally important that we stay focused on fiscal responsibility and deliver the core services our communities rely on. Getting the basics right must remain our priority as we grow. My key areas of focus are:
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Keeping Rates down!
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Spending Smarter- Focus on what matters — safe streets, reliable infrastructure, and services that enhance community wellbeing. Cut wasteful projects and over-the-top spending, like unnecessary speed humps or over-engineered cycleways. Let’s build a financially fit city.
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Getting the Basics Right - Improve traffic flow, fix roads, improve services, and maintain the places we love. No frills, no fuss — just a Council that gets things done.
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Protecting Our Environment - Take practical steps to keep Christchurch green, liveable, and future-ready. Smart climate action; more trees; efficient, flowing transport — no grandstanding, just progress.
Prior to my election in 2022 I was a practicing lawyer for 20+ years, before embarking on a career in executive management, including:
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Executive Director of the post-earthquake Independent Hearings Panel for the City's long-term District Plan,
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Executive Director of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust
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General Manager, Strategy and Influence for Ngai Tahu.
With a strong history of community service, and a professional background in law, governance and executive leadership I am a strong advocate for Papanui, not afraid to have tough conversations and will continue to fight for the right of our people to have a say in their own future.
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I am a pragmatic and strategic thinker. I have brought a mix of vision, practical and inclusive decision-making, professionalism, and experience to the Council table.
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Victoria Henstock
Proudly Papanui
Let’s build a financially fit city.
No frills, no fuss — just a Council that gets things done.
Keep rates down
Get the basics right!
A Strong
Local Voice
Family focused and community minded
Practical
not Political