PRESS RELEASE
LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2007

Independent Citz To Target Ecan

Independent Citizen chairman, Errold Paynter has announced that Independent Citizens will be targeting all the Christchurch seats of Environment Canterbury at the local body elections in October. Independent Citizens will be fielding a full muster of eight candidates to represent Christchurch City in the constituencies of Christchurch North, Christchurch East, Christchurch South and Christchurch West.

“There is a mood for change at Environment Canterbury for representation of Christchurch City. We have selected eight excellent candidates, who would collectively bring a variety of talents to the Environment Canterbury board table. They understand governance but more importantly understand business management and the need for sustainability,” Errold Paynter said.

Regional Council representation for Christchurch has been dominated by 2021 Labour Councillors, however with the retirement of Councillor Judy Waters, the door has been opened in Christchurch North for a challenge to that dominance. Independent Citizens say they are ready to take up that challenge. “Independent Cits acknowledge that candidates Carole Evans and Dennis O’Rourke will provide honest competition in Christchurch North but Environment Canterbury should not be seen as a rest home for ageing retired City Councillors”

“Sir Kerry Burke’s seat in Christchurch South is also very much at risk. Sir Kerry has presided over a Council that has increased expenditure from $74 million to $103 million during his stewardship of three years. There has been strong opposition and criticism of expenditure and of bloc voting by his 2021 Labour colleagues. Independent Citizens has no party political affiliations. The community do not wish for central party political involvement at local government level. We intend to give 2021 Labour a run for their money in Christchurch this year. The community will have a choice,” said Errold Paynter.

Full list of Environment Canterbury Candidates for Independent Citizens:
Christchurch North – Terry Donaldson and Helen McLeod.
Christchurch East – Michael Campbell and Diane Hunt.
Christchurch South – Murray Francis and Clem Parfitt.
Christchurch West – Rosanne Hawarden and Alec Neill.

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