News 29 Jun 2025 I’m standing again! I’m proud to announce I’m standing for re-election as your Independent Councillor for Papanui. Read More 27 Jun 2025 Wheels to Wings Cycleway deferred 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. Read More 15 Jun 2025 Another Great Day Planting at Papanui Bush. 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. Read More 10 Jun 2025 Drop In Session This Thursday Come and see me at the Papanui Library between 1-3pm this Thursday Read More 3 Jun 2025 Papanui Bush Planting Day 7 June Join me at the Papanui Bush Community Planting Day Saturday 7 June 2025 9am – 12.30pm Read More 30 May 2025 Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in Christchurch 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. Read More 26 May 2025 Murchison Park Native Urban Forest Plan Christchurch City Council is proposing to restore parts of Murchison Park as native forest. (Consultation has now closed) Read More 26 May 2025 Project Update Wairakei/Aorangi Road, wastewater upgrades, street renewal and cycleway construction. Read More 26 May 2025 Tree Planting at Papanui Domain Christchurch City Council is proposing to plant more trees in Papanui Domain (Consultation has now closed). Read More 20 May 2025 Come in and see me! Drop-in session 2-4pm Thursdays at Papanui or Redwood Library Read More 8 May 2025 We Love Our Trees 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 Read More 3 May 2025 The Wonderful New Court Theatre 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! Read More 4 Mar 2025 New Track For Papanui TocH 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 Read More 3 Dec 2024 Staff Recommendation Ignored 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 Read More 19 Mar 2023 Sail GP - Stunning Event for Christchurch 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. Read More 19 Mar 2023 Saturday stunner! Enjoyed a fabulous day out on Saturday at the Richmond Gala at Richmond Community Garden, Avebury House. 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. Read More 14 Mar 2023 Submit to Annual Plan NOW 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. Read More 9 Mar 2023 Cycleway to be paused for more community consultation 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. Read More 9 Mar 2023 Cancer Society Visit 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. Read More 9 Mar 2023 Globemaster in Christchurch 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. Read More

< Back Wheels to Wings Cycleway deferred 27 Jun 2025 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. I fought hard, alongside Aaron Keown Councillor for Harewood to review the design, focusing on what really matters to local residents. We now have a solution backed by the community, and built on common sense. Together, we’ve landed a better solution. Key changes include: - Traffic lights at the Harewood/Gardiners/Breens Road intersection - A signalised pedestrian crossing and widened footpath outside Harewood School - A new pedestrian crossing on Harewood Road (between Matsons Ave and Chapel St) - A completed cycle connection at the eastern end of Harewood Road, linking the Northern Line and Nor’West Arc cycleways - Deferring the remainder of the cycleway project This is a win for common sense — and I’m grateful to my colleagues for backing a great result for our community. Previous Next

< Back I’m standing again! 29 Jun 2025 I’m proud to announce I’m standing for re-election as your Independent Councillor for Papanui. I’m running again because I’m genuinely excited about our city's future. Christchurch is growing in confidence, energy, and ambition. This is a city on the rise, vibrant, welcoming, and fast becoming a place where people want to live, invest, and belong. It’s been a privilege to represent the people of Papanui — standing up for common sense, responsible spending, and practical results. I’ve worked hard to ensure your local voice is heard at the Council table — putting people before party politics and focusing on practical results that are achievable and affordable. I’m proud of what we’ve delivered. Throughout my term I’ve run weekly drop-in sessions at Papanui and Redwood libraries, listening to residents, answering hundreds of individual queries, and actively advocated on local issues. There’s more to do, and I’m ready to keep delivering for Papanui and Christchurch. With a background in law, governance, and executive leadership, I’ll keep pushing for a strong, resilient, well-run city. Let’s build a city that works — for everyone. Your City. Your Rates. Your Voice. Previous Next

Practical and Independent Learn More

< Back Another Great Day Planting at Papanui Bush. 15 Jun 2025 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. Some background by Ali Jones: Where settlers once felled mighty tōtara, mātai, kahikatea and kanuka to build a growing city, residents are now planting the same trees to restore a unique piece of Canterbury’s natural heritage. Papanui Bush, fifteen minutes from the centre of Christchurch, was completely cleared of trees in the mid-1800s, as the city grew and the settlers were hungry for timber to build. Only one of the original significant areas of native bush remains in the city – Riccarton Bush, but one local man has remained focused on changing that for the better. Denis McMurtrie has spearheaded the revival of Papanui Bush for many years and says thanks to the passion of a number of people and organisations, the transformation of the once cleared space in just seven years, is remarkable. “So many people have worked incredibly hard to achieve what we have,” he says. “Of course the area that Papanui Bush originally covered was huge, and we have been focusing on a smaller space called Bridgestone Reserve, just off Langdons Road in Papanui.” Since 2018, hundreds of native trees have been planted to recreate the wetland and forest ecosystem that once defined the area. Mr McMurtrie says volunteers of all ages gather regularly to assist with planting, weeding, and caring for the young forest. They come from community groups, local schools, Rotary Papanui, and the Christchurch City Council. “The work is as much about healing the land as it is about educating future generations on the value of native biodiversity,” he says. “The continued involvement of volunteers is not just about conservation but also about restoring identity, memory, and belonging.” A major milestone in the project was the recent completion of the Papanui Bush Loop Track, a one kilometre, wheelchair-accessible path that winds through the growing forest, designed for walkers, families, and those with limited mobility. “It’s a lovely, easy walk where you can enjoy the beautiful native plants, see young trees thriving, and enjoy the trickle of the stream running through the reserve,” adds Denis. As Christchurch continues to recover from past environmental and seismic disruptions, Denis says the story of Papanui Bush offers a model for community-led restoration. “It proves that even small urban spaces can reclaim their ecological and cultural value when people come together with purpose, enabling locals and visitors alike to reconnect with a landscape that had been erased for generations.” Previous Next

< Back Drop In Session This Thursday 10 Jun 2025 Come and see me at the Papanui Library between 1-3pm this Thursday Previous Next

< Back Murchison Park Native Urban Forest Plan 26 May 2025 Christchurch City Council is proposing to restore parts of Murchison Park as native forest. (Consultation has now closed) What’s Planned? Large areas of mown grass will be replaced with native trees, creating a 2.25-hectare forest. Why? · Support the Urban Forest Plan · Improve biodiversity and birdlife · Create a peaceful, natural space for the community · Reduce long-term maintenance costs Key Features: · New and existing walking trails, including loops · Retained open grass area for recreation · Outdoor learning space · Safe design with clear sightlines and multiple path options Important Points to note: · Tree planting to Special Character Parks will continue the established theme. · Trees will be positioned appropriately to allow for debris management. · Tree species shall be well suited to the local conditions. · 100% of new tree plantings will be natives. · No tree shall intrude through the recession plane at maturity. · No tree shall be planted closer than 3.0m from a pathway. · No tree shall be planted closer than 5.0m from a sports field and no tree canopy drip line shall extend above a sports field. · All trees are planted at their early stages in the winter months, varying from heights of 15cm to 150cm. We expect trees to take approximately 30 years to reach maturity. Previous Next

< Back Tree Planting at Papanui Domain 26 May 2025 Christchurch City Council is proposing to plant more trees in Papanui Domain (Consultation has now closed). What’s Planned? We are planning on planting 62 new trees. Because the park is used frequently for local sports teams the planting will be around the playground and the edge of the domain so as not to interfere with the playing space. 43 trees will be small (5-10m),12 will be medium (11-15m), 5 will be large (16-20m) and only 2 will be very large (20m+). Why? · Support the Urban Forest Plan · Improve biodiversity and birdlife · Reduce long-term maintenance costs Key Features: · Retained open grass area for recreation · Safe design with clear sightlines · CCC will aim for 40 - 60% of new trees to be natives. Important Points to note: · Trees species will be well suited to the local conditions. · Tree species will be positioned appropriately to allow for debris management. · Tree spacings will be a minimum of 5.0 m apart to allow for easy lawn mowing. · No tree shall be planted closer than 3.0m from a pathway. · No tree shall be planted closer than 5.0m from a sports field and no tree canopy drip line shall extend above a sports field. · All trees are planted at their early stages in the winter months. We expect trees to take approximately 30 years to reach maturity. Previous Next

< Back Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in Christchurch 30 May 2025 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. It was a privilege to speak alongside dignitaries including Madam He Ying and MP Reuben Davidson, and to acknowledge all those who worked so hard to bring this celebration to life. Your efforts are deeply appreciated, and the joy in the room was a testament to your mahi. What struck me most was how traditions like these don’t just survive — they thrive when they are shared. I loved learning about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival, and especially the story behind the delicious sticky rice dumplings ( zongzi ) we enjoyed together. The Dragon Boat Festival is rich with cultural meaning, commemorating themes of loyalty, remembrance, and unity. These values were reflected throughout the day’s proceedings and were noted as being especially relevant in a multicultural city like Christchurch, where diverse communities continue to shape the city’s identity. The event served as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the role of shared traditions in building mutual understanding. Organisers were acknowledged for their efforts in delivering a well-attended and inclusive celebration that highlighted the strength and contribution of Christchurch’s Chinese community. Previous Next

< Back Project Update 26 May 2025 Wairakei/Aorangi Road, wastewater upgrades, street renewal and cycleway construction. Revised Timeline The return to two-way traffic on Wairakei Road, originally expected mid-June, is now scheduled for late July. This delay is due to persistent wet weather, difficult ground conditions and elevated groundwater levels. This has required more cautious excavation and trench backfilling. Current Traffic Management • Wairakei Road: The citybound lane remains open. The airport-bound lane between Pitcairn Crescent and Jennifer Street remains closed until end of July. • Bus Route #8 (Port-to-Port): The airport-bound service continues to detour via Blighs Road, Condell Avenue, and Greers Road. • Aorangi Road (north): One-way system remains in place — entry via Condell Avenue only, with a left-turn exit onto Wairakei Road. This setup will remain in place until the end of August. Work Hours Construction work is occurring Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm. Lane and road closures will remain in place outside of these hours. Some night work may be required during Phase 3; residents will be notified in advance. Previous Next

A Professional and Experienced leader I am active in the local community having chaired the PTA and Board of Trustees at Waimairi School. Currently I am on the Board of St Francis of Assisi School, and Chair of a newly established Charitable Trust providing information and support to pregnant women in need. Previous roles include being a trustee of the YMCA and working extensively with Women’s Refuge, and Community Law Centres. I was a practicing lawyer for 20+ years, before embarking on a career in executive management, including: Executive Director of the post-earthquake Independent Hearings Panel for Otautahi, to deliver the City's long-term District Plan, Executive Director of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust working with the Crown and the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch to reinstate the iconic Christ Church Cathedral. Most recently I was General Manager, Strategy and Influence for Ngai Tahu. I am currently a consultant working on executive management and governance issues. Nothing will change if nothing changes! Our community needs a strong local voice at the council table, one that isn’t tied to a political party. I have been a resident for the last 20 years, and love living in Papanui. As Councillor for Papanui I would bring a mix of vision, practical decision-making, professionalism, and experience to the table. The recent Council satisfaction survey showed that public confidence in this Council has plummeted to its lowest level ever. It’s time to introduce new faces and strong local voices to the Council table. Fresh energy and fresh ideas are needed to drive our City into the future! Papanui residents are telling me they want Council to listen, and stop excessive spending on non-priority projects. They are concerned about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety. They also want the focus to be on getting the basics right like fixing roads and footpaths, maintaining and improving our parks and playgrounds. With the likelihood of increased density of housing in the area, these are real issues for Papanui residents, and the City. Let’s focus on building community infrastructure that benefits everyone, not a select few. We need to make sure our community assets are maintained properly and are fit for purpose, both for now, and for future generations. This means fixing what we have, and being aspirational about what we want the Papanui Ward, and the City, to look like in the next decade, and beyond. I would love to see improvements to our public spaces, making them greener and more attractive for people to enjoy. I am frustrated at some of the spending priorities and decisions being made by our current Council. The current rate-and-spend mentality is not sustainable. I believe we should spend smarter and refocus our priorities. I want the people of Christchurch to have confidence in their elected officials to spend their money wisely, and focus on getting the basics right. I am uneasy about the Government’s 3-Waters Scheme, the looming Resource Management Act reforms and Future for Local Government Review. These will have significant implications for our City, and the future of local democracy. I agree that we need to look closely at these matters, but I don’t agree that Wellington bureaucrats are the best people to make decisions about our local neighbourhoods. These things really matter to our community and we need to ensure we have the right people at the council table to work our way through these tough issues, and fight for our right to make our own choices at a community level. With a legal background and experience working with central and local government and Iwi, I am well placed to help navigate these reforms and fight for the right of Christchurch residents to have a say in their own future. A Strong Local Voice Family focused and community minded Practical not Political "Christchurch needs to be more aspirational because it seems our ambition as a City has stagnated lately. We need to be clever and excited about our future and create the right environment to attract businesses and talent to aim higher and get our city moving forward. That’s a future Christchurch I would love to be part of creating.” "I am a pragmatic and strategic thinker, a very good listener, and like to focus my attention on delivering the best possible outcomes for people in any given situation. Not afraid to have tough conversations when needed. I hold myself accountable, and others accountable for their work. I would be proud to serve the people of Papanui and the City of Christchurch."

Spend Smarter Review priorities and stop wasteful spending (e.g. grandiose cycleways & unnecessary raised platforms) Be clever with our assets and explore options to leverage growth for future generations Reduce debt Get the Basics Right Deliver core Council services more effectively Improve accessibility for all by fixing our roads and footpaths Maintain and improve our parks and playgrounds Make traffic flow more effectively Protect our Environment Invest wisely in affordable and achievable climate action appropriate for Christchurch Increase our city-wide tree canopy cover Increase investment in our parks and create more urban green space Invest in safe and simple cycleways Improve public transport services Continue to develop long term options for mass rapid transit Better Community Engagement Review how we engage with the wider community to achieve more inclusive outcomes Listen to the community Learn More