31 May 2016

Deon Swiggs to Stand for Christchurch City Council in Upcoming Local Body Elections

Rebuild Christchurch founder Deon Swiggs has announced his intention to stand for the Christchurch City Council in the upcoming local body elections.

Swiggs (28) intends to contest the newly-created central Christchurch ward, advocating for a vibrant city that meets the current and future needs of its residents.

Swiggs, who founded the popular Rebuild Christchurch website two days after the September 2010 earthquake, has a vision to progress the city into the next stage of the recovery.

He says that a new Christchurch is “being built for future generations, younger people need to be in the mix to drive forward the vision of tomorrow”.

“Through my work with Rebuild Christchurch and other roles, I have developed a strong understanding of the recovery environment and a strong commitment to community involvement, democracy and openness in decision-making,” he says.

Over the past 6 years, Swiggs has supported residents of Christchurch by providing information through the popular Rebuild Christchurch online portal and associated social media sites, reaching an estimated audience of 200,000 people each month.

“I listen, bring people together and support people to take action. I understand governance and am in touch with a broad base of communities, which means I’m well-placed to represent a community voice on the council.

“Christchurch central is a big focus of regeneration and recovery,” says Swiggs. “There is so much happening in Christchurch but the work taking place must take into account the current and future needs of residents,” he says.

“With a vibrant central city community, our whole city will prosper.

“I look forward to campaigning and bringing a positive voice to the council and work alongside all community stakeholders and the business community to lead our city to future prosperity,” he says.

Swiggs is a 28-year-old Christchurch resident. He is the founder of Rebuild Christchurch Foundation and a co-founder of Canterbury Insurance Advisory Service (CIAS). He recently completed a MBA though the University of Adelaide.

Prior to the earthquakes Deon worked in his own successful business developing communications and marketing strategies for business clients. Prior to that, Deon was an officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

ENDS

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