Burwood-Pegasus sustainability candidate announced

Sustainable Canterbury have announced their candidate for the Burwood-Pegasus ward by-election in February. The local environment watchdogs are running the group spokesman, Rik Tindall.

“Christchurch East needs strong advocacy based on good understanding of the enormous issues here,” says the former regional councillor for the area. "Land shortages must be addressed, with due care for the holders of damaged land that must not be allowed to put people at risk again."

“On top of rehousing, training and employment needs, there is urgent work to be done around emergency planning as well as recovery,” Tindall says. “The district needs energy, dedication and expertise, that I offer this vital community in seeking their electoral support.”

Tindall cites an $80,000 cost-reduction, by avoiding the further by-election due should either community board candidate be elected to Council, as one reason for voter consideration of the Sustainable Canterbury campaign. “Being born and raised in this diverse area, with Environment Canterbury experience, I am highly committed to building a brighter future for Burwood-Pegasus,” Tindall says

“My Civil Defence and Emergency Management work and my relative youth will bring active benefits to the ward,” says the fifty-one-year-old father of one - a geography student.

Sustainable Canterbury have been lobbying for industrial transformation of the region for the past two and half years. They believe a different agriculture can raise returns and productive diversity, and reduce emissions while conserving water and biodiversity

“More jobs based on innovation and energy independence, as well as food and other exports, are the future we need,” says Tindall. Sustainable Canterbury has a vision of low-cost and renewable building materials, locally made for an holistic rebuild effort.

The group wants improved local democracy, with consultation for a tangata whenua representative seat on council and proportional representation (STV) begun.

“An inclusive, environmentally sustainable economic future - for all of Canterbury - is the key to rapid Christchurch East recovery,” Tindall says. “This involves spurring a whole new building development phase into action, with new materials, research and employment.”

Water quality is another Burwood-Pegasus issue that Tindall wants accountability on: “Why is ECan cutting its water testing program at just the moment when it is needed most?” he asks.

“Once reduced pollution of ocean and estuary can be guaranteed, we should proceed with the saltwater pools facility long sought after by New Brighton people - as an immediate and insurable replacement for QE2 swimming complex loss, and as a focus of attraction for the beach-side area as a destination,” Tindall concludes. “Voter support for these proposals is warmly invited.”

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