Closer Than Council.

Understanding the often overlooked ballot which shapes your neighbourhood.

Upon picking up this edition of The Memo, you should already be aware that Local Government elections are only weeks away. The opportunity to choose your elected representatives is either a religious act or one of minimum effort. For your Community Board representatives, it tends to be the latter, something I’d like to convince you otherwise of.

Let’s get the basics out of the way. Under Christchurch City Council, Community Boards are made of the two Community Board members and the Councillor from three fairly interconnected wards for a total of 9 members. It’s just as important to tick for your two Community Board members as it is for your Councillor. If you live locally around UC, you’re likely going to be covered by either the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Board or the Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Board.

While Council focuses on city-wide issues, you might find your local complaints don’t meet that threshold. Community Boards are the direct line of contact between residents and Council. In an organisation so large and bureaucratic, it’s one of the best vehicles for direct democracy in our community. It’s the embodiment of by the community, for the community. In the past, Community Boards have heard submissions on bus lanes, derelict property, and Council facilities just to name a few. For their size and scope, Community Boards have some of the most potent punch and tangible impact of any Council body in this city.

While it doesn’t focus on rates or assets, it does have extensive powers over infrastructure and distributing community funding. From youth scholarships and sports funding to structural funding for community organisations, these boards can change lives and communities. Its members are often focused on local issues with a higher awareness of what’s happening in your neighbourhood.

Just like all of the other races occurring this election, make sure to cast an informed vote for someone who represents your vision. Reach out to candidates and ask for specific positions on local issues, and test their knowledge of your community. Make sure you’re enrolled to vote and that you cast your ballot when it turns up. Your community will thank you for it.

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Harrison McEvoy is a community board candidate standing in the Papanui ward in the Christchurch City Council elections:

"I’m standing for Community Board representative to bring positive and sensible action to the table. I live, shop, and advocate locally, and see the potential and diversity our area has to offer. Our community voice is what I want to bring to the decision-making table.

I’m a high-school teacher, a local Residents’ Association chair, and have been a board director in a national charity. This decade’s worth of experience I have is how I plan to bring, and amplify, our community’s voice in the decision-making process.

Like you, I’m concerned about the state and safety of our roads and footpaths, wary of how rating affects individuals, and keen to take positive action on our environment. I believe in the kaupapa of implementing sensible, long-term solutions to these issues. I want to see missing renewals revisited, parks and green spaces protected, and our community invested in.

I’m local, connected, and committed to serving Papanui as your representative. I offer my skills and knowledge to help keep Papanui the great place to live that it is."