Final election results confirm the make-up of Canterbury Regional Council, with eight councillors returning and six new faces around the table. The Christchurch South/Ōwhanga constituency has entirely new representation, while the other five have a mix of new and returning councillors.  

First time Environment Canterbury councillors are: John Faulkner, Sara Gerard, Ashley Campbell, Nettles Lamont, Andrea Davis and Nick Moody.

Councillors and constituencies:

• North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke: Claire McKay and John Faulkner
• Christchurch North East/Ōrei: Ashley Campbell and Joe Davies
• Christchurch West/Ōpuna: Deon Swiggs and Sara Gerard
• Christchurch Central/Ōhoko: Genevieve Robinson and Nettles Lamont
• Christchurch South/Ōwhanga: Andrea Davis and Nick Moody
• Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi: Ian Mackenzie and John Sunckell
• South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi: Nick Ward and Peter Scott

Direct Ngāi Tahu representation

In accordance with the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Act 2022, the 10 Papatipu Rūnanga have appointed two Ngāi Tahu Councillors.

Iaean Cranwell will return for his second term as Ngāi Tahu Councillor. He formerly held a role on Council from 2016-2019, then served as Tumu Taiao from October 2020. 

Megen McKay has also been appointed. She has previously served as Te Taumutu Rūnanga representative at Selwyn District Council, and is a lawyer and independent commissioner.

Three councillors from the 2022-2025 term, Vicky Southworth (Christchurch South/Ōwhanga), Greg Byrnes (Christchurch Central/Ōhoko), and Paul Dietsche (Christchurch South/Ōwhanga), as well as Chair Craig Pauling (Christchurch West/Ōpuna), chose not to stand.

Ngāi Tahu Councillor Tutehounuku ‘Nuk’ Korako withdrew from the Councillor Reappointment Application process prior to the election.

Grant Edge (North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke) and David East (Christchurch North/Ōrei) were unsuccessful in seeking re-election.

Lisa Goodman, Deputy Electoral Officer and Environment Canterbury General Manager Governance, said this year’s voter turnout range was between 34.26 per cent and 49.56 per cent, compared with the range of 36.66 per cent and 49.65 per cent in 2022.

Councillors will be sworn in at the first meeting on Wednesday, 29 October, where they will also decide on a Chair and Deputy Chair.

© Scoop Media