The Regional Question

We mustn’t lose sight of the importance of regional governance. A conversation with ECan Chair Craig Pauling.

In the lead up to  local-body elections it is important that we, as politically responsible citizens, educate ourselves on the issues affecting our local and regional areas. New Zealand has had a poor history in regards to voter turnout in our local-body elections, dropping as low as 42% in 2022. Thus, it is paramount, especially in times of economic instability and divisiveness, that we politicise the population through education, and thus consequently, legitimise our local authorities.

Considering this, an interview with Craig Pauling, Chair of Environment Canterbury Regional Council, was instrumental in providing information on Canterbury’s regional condition. Craig has acted as Chair since 2019, his opinion is one of experience and diligence. 

Craig described the role of the regional council clearly, detailing that the regional authority is largely focused on resource management and environmental prosperity. Important systems like the managing of air, water, waste, and protecting the environment all fall under the responsibility of the regional council. Conversely, the district and city councils (local council) are focused on public facilities. Regarding New Zealand’s poor local political participation, many do not know the differences between regional and local councils, and to go further, some people forget they even exist or matter. However, unlike the central government, which usually bloats the front-page like a soap opera, headlined with bold statements and political trigger words, regional and local authorities deal with very real and immediate issues, concerned with material problems, rather than ideological drama. 

Craig detailed that the upkeep of water, especially in regards to water quality and availability for both domestic and rural usage, has been a persistent ­problem for Canterbury. As a region heavily involved in agriculture, particularly dairying, high levels of nitrates are a common source of pollution, which affects our waterways. 

Important issues of resource management, like the provision of clean water, have been amplified by the new agenda of the current government. Serving as Chair since 2019, Craig has seen how the change in government has altered the trajectory of territorial authorities, such as ECan. Craig described the current government's mindset as divisive, focusing on ‘property rights’ whilst undoing a significant amount of the previous government's work. The repeal of the Climate Change Adaptation Act and the Natural Built Environment Act, which were put in place to ensure sustainability, biodiversity and to assess the long-term effects of projects, has been a clear indicator of what this government now prioritises. Craig views these repeals as a significant step backwards for New Zealand's ecological policies. Under the current government, short-term fiscal profit and economic growth have taken the spotlight, pushing the aforementioned acts into the shadows. Craig highlighted that the Climate Change Adaptation Act and the Natural Built Environment Act were important for our country, as it resembled a significant step towards a green future. These actions and repeals demonstrate the government’s focus on short-term economic growth, so as to please the frustrated groups of business owners and farmers who have experienced vast financial instability over the past few years. However, an economy that is not intertwined with the cycles and health of nature is doomed to fail. 

Craig described some of the actions of this government as disingenuous, like the repeal of the Climate Change Adaptation and Natural Built Environment Acts. The government’s promise to cap rates is another example of this. Craig assured me that councils do not take these things lightly; candidates and governments that promise to not raise rates do not understand how most councils operate. Rates must continue to match inflation and the economic conditions of the time, adequately paying for the provision of services and infrastructure. To advertise the capping of council rates can be seen as an immature and impulsive political strategy, employed to gain popularity. 

Speaking to the multitude of individuals and households, who feel alienated and unmotivated to vote in the local-body elections, Craig suggests that one must only look at the road in front of your house, look at the drains, the park, library, walkways and cycleways. These are all under the control of local authorities. Some may not believe that it matters, because it is not big gun politics in the Beehive. But it is the accumulation of minor things, like public bins, which shape your day-to-day life. If you want some control over your life, you must participate in politics. First: get enrolled. Second: get informed. And third: get out there and have a say. Craig extended this further to the general election, stating that, “if you are young, if you don’t like the divisiveness that is being spread… then get out there.”

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