We started with public forums by John T on a bus service from Governors Bay and weed control.

This was followed by Yvette, co-chair of the Whakaraupo Healthy Harbour Governance Group regarding their programme.

Both were very informative and indicative of the community input to making our part of the world a better place, for both our communities and the environment.

We then went through the previous minutes and activity status reports.

I was then confirmed as the Council appointee to the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust. I am very pleased to have this opportunity and have enjoyed the two meetings I have attended to date.

Next was a paper on funding as part of the Public Transport Futures programme including the implementation of the frequency uplift of route 7 and the purchase of new electric buses.

There was a lot of discussion around this paper and the resolutions before it passed, given that we will not know if we receive Waka Kotahi co funding to support this until August next year, when the National Land Transport Plan is confirmed.

I did, while recognising it a bit of crystal ball gazing, ask if there were red flags around future Waka Kotahi joint funding given the National Party has said they will divert $2 billion from the Climate Emergency Response Fund to assist paying for tax cuts and are roads focussed.

I also reminded Councillors that the previous Council had called a Climate Emergency, thereby requiring us, in my opinion, to do what we can to show the community we are committed to that and are a Council that walks the talk.

We then had a paper on whether to establish a Māori constituency. The recommendation from staff was that Council resolve not to.

I explained that I was in some turmoil with this recommendation.

While I recognise the Rangatiritanga of Mana Whenua, Ngāi Tahu and the ten Canterbury Papatipu Rūnanga, and the feedback we received that they do not support the establishment of a constituency, I pointed out that there are 37,000 people in Canterbury who identify as Māori, but not Ngāi Tahu (census 2018).

That number is equivalent to the ratio of constituents of the two South Canterbury Councillors (1 to 32,000).

I also mentioned that in my experience, Ngā Maata Waka have many intergenerational communities who have contributed greatly to Canterbury. I used the Rehua community and the trade training programs as an example, while recognising the koruru is Tahu Potiki.

Sadly, we did not receive feedback from the established Ngā Maata Waka roopu, however the timeframe provided to them was grossly inadequate for such an important decision.

A number of our Councillors engaged in the debate, and I appreciated the different perspectives. I especially picked up on the comments around Ngāi Tahu and the ten Canterbury Papatipu Rūnanga supporting Ngā Maata Waka interests, including gifting land and resources to establish Turangawaewae.

Another referred to the comments by the National party stating they would disestablish the Ngāi Tahu appointed Councillor roles and that by establishing a constituency, we would be helping them do that i.e., “they have a Māori ward so no need for the Ngāi Tahu appointed Councillors.

Another spoke of the need for diversity around the table, which I fully support. Interestingly, from a superficial facial perspective there are obvious similarities. However, on a quick scratch below that surface we have four born outside New Zealand and at least one other with dual citizenship, four identifying as Māori, over half born outside of Canterbury, multiplicity in education, family make up, careers, interests and socioeconomic background.

The resolution was passed with one abstaining.

The next paper allowed staff to receive and administer a $4.1 million grant from the Crown for the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme. This will be used for maintenance of areas which have had initial control.

We were in-committee for a bit and closed around 2.15pm.