If one can possibly ignore the horror of the starvation and bombing of a confined population in Gaza, which in my mind represents a genocide, along with the escalation of conflict with the attack upon Iran, there are in fact both direct and indirect consequences upon the people of Canterbury Waitaha from the Israel regime actions, especially now that they have attacked Iran, which necessitate the condemnation of the Israeli regimes actions.

The Canterbury Regional Council Annual Plan has been drafted with a presumption of lower interest rates and costs, than those projected in the Long Term Plan 2024 – 2034.

Al Jazeera has reported that “Oil-importing countries around the world could experience higher inflation and slower economic growth if the conflict persists”.

Looking ahead, analysts warned that central banks would face reduced policy flexibility in trying to control rising prices.

According to Goldman Sachs, a worst-case scenario involving blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, a possible outcome of Israel’s attack on Iran, could push oil prices above $100 per barrel.

The impact on the operating costs of Public Transport in Canterbury through higher fuel costs highlight both the likely significant financial impact upon rate payers, and also the short sightedness of the Government to move away from co-investing in public transport upgrades including electric buses.

This too will be reflected in freight and transport costs and significantly impact our rural and agricultural areas and industries directly, thereby creating a flow through to consumers.

It also highlights the flaw in the Government’s reluctance to invest in our regions rail and coastal shipping infrastructure, which will result in added costs to our communities.

While some may argue that higher fuel costs will benefit the environment and public transport, we know that the truth will be that many cannot utilise public transport and we don’t currently have the fleet capacity to significantly increase our services, much less afford it.

There will also likely be significant cost implications for imports and exports, again having a flow through to our communities.

The NZ Government report “Social effects of Canterbury Earthquakes” published 8 October 2014 reported that the Canterbury earthquakes had significant and lasting negative impacts on the mental health of the population. Research indicated increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and major depression among those exposed to the earthquakes. Many residents experienced heightened psychological distress, with some reporting ongoing feelings of insecurity, uncertainty, and hypervigilance. I believe this could be extrapolated to many within the Canterbury region who are deeply affected by the nightly visions of starving and deceased citizens including women and children.

During a debate in 2024 to update the Canterbury Regional Council procurement policy, I stated we have a set of organisation values on our website. These values include putting people first, Manaakitanga and integrity Pononga, these values do not cease at the region’s borders.
Many, along with myself, watched the Weapons of Mass Destruction justification for the destruction of Iraq and subsequent resource grab. I would hope the world learnt from that and condemns the latest narrative that Iran is on the verge of weapons of mass destruction.

Finally, I personally cannot ignore the horror of the starvation and bombing of a confined population in Gaza, which in my mind represents a genocide, and neither can many of my constituents.
Gb