Well that’s meeting #602 of the Canterbury Regional Council done and dusted along with the end of this triennium. (officially 22 days to go)

The big talking point of course was the passing of the Notice of Motion by Councillor Vicky Southworth that Council Declares a ‘Nitrate Emergency’. There is a ton of information on this from both sides of the debate, but I voted in support.

Prior to the meeting there was a turnout of 50- 70 people (I didn’t count and am useless at estimating) for the Greenpeace drinking water protest and it was a poignant reminder as we went into debate Vickys nom.

We had two public forums and one petition

Paul Hodgson and Kevin provided a very good presentation on their observations of fish screens on the Waimakariri River, and Justin Boyd, who was presenting to a council for the first time did a very good job of presenting petition on behalf of the Yaldhurst residents and surrounding areas regarding a lack of public transport in their community.

With Vickys NoM, that took us through to the lunch break.

We started the afternoon session with another three Notice of Motions, all from Clr Nuk Korako. I was very happy that he brought them to the table and even happier to support them. They all rightly passed.

We then adopted the updated Tuia Relationship agreement (awesome value for the people of our region), the Canterbury Regional Council Terms of Reference for Flood Protection/Drainage Liaison Groups’ and adopted the revitalised Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy. Those of you who have followed this page will know my opinion on the strategy and I am so happy to see this. The big test will be the commitment to it and I spoke of Dr Wayne McCallum who was the initial Biodiversity Coordinator when the first version was released. He was a huge part of it being embraced and in my opinion it fell away after that position went.

All of the administrative reports and those to be noted were adopted approved etc and we finished off with valedictory speeches from myself Vicky and Chair Craig (not restanding).

Theirs were awesome and reflective of what one should be. Mine, well, I spoke of everyone knowing about my three years and opinions and admiration for staff (having been one years ago) and of riding on the number 3 bus on the weekend and hearing Tracy Chapmans Fast Car on my ipod. Over the course of the ride, I modified the verses to reflect our councillors in a gregarious manner (me by name and nature I think)

I started with apologies to Tracy Chapman and advised that I wouldn’t sing it as not to cause offence.

The first verse follows and if you’re interested it’s at the very end of yesterday’s livestream on the ECan youtube channel

Peters got a fast car

But Ian got the ticket anyway (kept that very quiet)

Joe and Deon maybe make a deal

Maybe together you can get somewhere

For Craig a bigger place looks better

And why not, you got nothing to lose

Maybe Vicky might join you too

Me myself I got nothing to prove