Media Release

17 November 2015 Confidence the most important outcome of restructure

Property Council believes the most important outcome of Environment Canterbury Regional Council’s governance restructure is how it will influence regional growth.

The restructure must facilitate confidence for the private sector and wider community in assisting the rebuild, providing for future growth and managing the environment.

Property Council has submitted on the Environment Canterbury (Transitional Governance Arrangements) Bill 2015 as it transitions towards a fully democratically elected governance model.

Chief executive Connal Townsend welcomes this transition, but stresses that while four out of the seven councillors will be elected from Christchurch, the interests of wider Canterbury must be taken into account when selecting the remaining representatives.

“We would also like to see the six Government-appointed members come to the table steadfast with the needs and aspirations of wider Canterbury. This is particularly important because of Environment Canterbury's environmental and transport responsibilities and the changing demographics of the region in a post-earthquake environment.

“It is also important that the appointees bring in the right mix of knowledge and experience to promote economic growth via a better understanding of actions and outcomes in terms of costs/opportunity, and taking a sustainable development approach to managing the region’s resources.

“The wider community needs to know that the appointed members have the relevant experience and understand the unique set of circumstances and challenges facing not only Christchurch but Canterbury. Appointing members with the right qualifications will build more private sector and community confidence in Environment Canterbury.”

Property Council also commends Environment Canterbury for the positive changes it has achieved over the last five years which include better water quality and processing consents on time.

Processing time has soared from just 23% to 98% – a significant improvement that makes a substantial difference to delivering projects on time.

Mr Townsend welcomes the improvement for the certainty it provides, and the time-delays and associated costs it reduces.

“Consenting is a big part of the development process and can often add thousands of dollars to a project. We are more than pleased to acknowledge Environment Canterbury’s massive improvement in this regard.”

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