I’m proud to announce I’m standing for re-election as your Independent Councillor for Papanui.

You asked — We delivered!
I’m thrilled to report that this week Council finally approved a more sensible, and affordable solution for the Wheels to Wings cycleway — one that reflects the priorities of our local community.

Perfect conditions for planting on 17 June at Papanui Bush, with community legend Denis McMurtrie and the dedicated team from the Rotary Club of Papanui and the Christchurch City Council community parks staff.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who turned out in force — your support and energy are what make projects like this possible. A great day for community, conservation, and connection.

Come and see me at the Papanui Library between 1-3pm this Thursday

Join me at the Papanui Bush Community Planting Day
Saturday 7 June 2025
9am – 12.30pm

This afternoon at Tūranga Library, I had the great honour of joining our community to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival — a vibrant and deeply meaningful occasion in the Chinese cultural calendar.

Christchurch City Council is proposing to restore parts of Murchison Park as native forest. (Consultation has now closed)

Wairakei/Aorangi Road, wastewater upgrades, street renewal
and cycleway construction.

Christchurch City Council is proposing to plant more trees in Papanui Domain (Consultation has now closed).

Drop-in session 2-4pm Thursdays at Papanui or Redwood Library

Park upgrades are happening at Murchison Park and Papanui Domain.
We are planning additional tree plantings in Murchison Park and Papanui Domain. You can help shape the tree planting plan. There’s lots of information available in the link below about different species and shade modelling. Consultation is open until 26 May. Tell us what you think: https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/treeplantingplans?fbclid=IwY2xjawKY36tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrZjVMclNJY3Z1NjduY2V4AR5sAslXJCnz52SM7oDfDdpWknn3N9TdPS2iUY7GgdS6xAfNNj7kA4a3dpRSRg_aem_0JcQd3T5n5qsOvSxS2_owg

The Court Theatre is a fabulous addition to the City Center.
Enjoyed a fabulous evening at the Gala celebration for the opening of the new Court Theatre last night. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to deliver The Court Theatre’s “forever home” in the heart of our city. The first performance of The End of the Golden Weather was outstanding!

What a great asset for Papanui! Congratulations to the Papanui Toc H Athletic Club for opening their new track at Papanui High School. It was a tremendous team effort - raising funds and managing the project. The track was officially opened this week by Canterbury sprinting legend, 88 yr old Buzz Jones . Special thanks to club President Vanessa Buchan and Tim Macioce

Today's Council vote on improving traffic flow on Cranford St was infuriating.
The Council decided to support the local Community Board which ignored the staff recommendation and expert advice for a clearway. Public consultation also favoured the clearway. It is not surprising the public are frustrated and fed up with Council processes that they, understandably, feel are pointless and ignore their views.
Today some Councillors reinforced a 'we know best' mentality in an effort to force people on to busses.
There is a time and a place to prioritise the efficiency of our transport network. This was the time. This was the place.T

A fabulous coupl of days at Sail GP New Zealand in Lyttleton Harbour. Congratulations to Ali Adams and her team at ChristchurchNZ for putting together this outstanding international event!

Photo Credit to my good friend Steve Addison - amazing shots of the races.

Great to support this superb community event with fellow Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board Members Emma Norrish - Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board, Dr. Sunita Gautam Community Board Member-Central Ward , Emma Twaddell - Papanui/Innes/Central Community Board Member , John Miller, and Councillor Jake McLellan. Wonderful to see the Richmond Community Garden in full festive flair. Special mention to Michael Reynolds and Liesbeth van Bruchem-Hoogland from Toha Kai Otautahi for the fabulous organic produce, Flossie Blundell and her dad Tim for the lovely garden apples, Charles Labye and Leonard Veuzin for the savoury waffles and the outstanding entertainment from the colourful Soul Star Tribe - Tribal Belly Dance Collective and Polonus - Polish Folk Dance Group Christchurch NZ.

Our Draft Annual Plan is open for feedback. Please tell us if we have it right. Have your say on things that matter to you.

Mayor Phil Mauger is encouraging Christchurch residents to have their say on a budget that aims to keep rates increases down while continuing to invest in the city’s future and deliver the basics.

Thanks to my motion in Council last week you can now have a say on pausing construction for the Wheels to Wings Harewood Rd cycleway.

Mayor Phil Mauger and I recently visited the new Cancer Society Canterbury-West Coast cancer centre under construction in Papanui. This is a much needed facility for cancer patients and their families from across the South Island. It’s great to see this project nearing completion.

What a privilege to check out the C-17 Globemaster at Christchurch Airport lrecently and learn more about our Antartic Programme. Thanks to the team at ChristchurchNZ for coordinating the visit.