Christchurch City Councillor Aaron Keown has launched a new website designed to give residents a clear picture of how councillors have voted on key issues.

A different kind of campaigning !
The legendary Couplands Marathon passed through Papanui — 43km, 9 bakeries, and compulsory munchies at every stop! Only in Christchurch! 🥧🏃‍♂️🥧🏃‍♂️🥧🏃‍♂️

The proliferation of speed humps in Christchurch has become a hot election issue. Many candidates blame them for disrupting traffic, while others say it is a populist issue designed to distract voters from the real issues. Tina Law reports.

New restrictions and safety measures have been urgently implemented at the access site of Grassmere Estates, a fledgling housing development attracting complaints from neighbours.

Victoria Henstock

The first-term independent councillor representing Papanui was voted in on a promise to revisit the Wheels to Wings cycleway on Harewood Rd. She succeeded.

The council will instead go ahead with a scaled down, staged approach, and will install traffic lights at the Harewood/Gardiners/Breens Rd intersection, and will link up two other cycleways, the Nor’West Arc and Northern Line.

Henstock is blunt in her debates and questioning of staff, and does not shy away from saying what she thinks. She is seeking re-election.

Meetings attended: 75/77

Briefings attended: 111/111

Victoria HENSTOCK
Your Local Independent Community Voice

My principal place of residence is in the Papanui Ward area.

The City is buzzing, and for good reason. Te Kaha—One New Zealand Stadium is about to make its spectacular debut, and what better way to mark the moment than with Super Round in April 2026! Ten Super Rugby Pacific teams will converge on Ōtautahi for three epic days of sport, music, and celebration.
I can't wait!
Congratulations to everyone for the hard work and vision to pull this weekend together.
https://crusaders.co.nz/latest/news/super-round-is-coming-to-christchurch-in-2026/

I was delighted to attend the Wheelie Awesome event at Braintree Wellness Centre on Friday in support of the The Adult Conductive Education Trust.
It was inspiring to see whānau, supporters, and the wider community come together during National Conductive Education Awareness Month, raising funds and awareness for such an important cause.
A big thank you to everyone involved for the fun, energy, and heart you brought to the day!
If you would like to make a donation, please follow this link - https://wheelie-awesome-wheel-a-thon-2025.raiselysite.com

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!