Media Release
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

Thank You, Christchurch City Residents’ Associations
CHRISTCHURCH, 20 April 2012

The current cacophony of political rhetoric and in-fighting will not detract from Christchurch City residents' associations gathering to discuss their big issues and plan solutions, at a forum this weekend.

Director of the National Residents Association Database and forum organiser, Jarrod Coburn, says the city's groups remain focused on their communities despite the distraction of debate over the central city and the future of the city council.

"There is a lot of public debate happening about the future of the Christchurch City Council, the role of CERA and what this and that politician thinks", says Mr Coburn, "With that many loud voices in the public's ear it's essential we provide a platform for people from the communities to have their say".

"This forum is a small way of recognising the hard work and sacrifice the committees of residents' groups in the city have made in the past 18 months."

Mr Coburn says the day-long forum will see at least half the active groups in the city come together for serious discussion about the future of the community governance sector in Christchurch, including the bulk of those most affected by red-zoning.

"There will be debate, there will be solutions found," says Mr Coburn, "But if there is one thing I want them to take away it's that they play an incredibly important role in democracy, and their efforts are very much appreciated".

ENDS

www.residents.org.nz

© Scoop Media