Category: Uncategorized
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Bittern in our backyard
The low boom of a bittern greeted Councillor Joe Davies and myself this morning as we visited Te Rauakaaka at the Waimakariri River Regional Park with Regional Park Ranger, Brad. The area is located on the True Right of the river adjoining the Styx River and Brooklands Lagoon. The bittern present today in New Zealand…
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One Year On
8th October, Today marks one year since my election to the role of Canterbury Regional Councillor, and what a year. I left my Environmental Trust GM role of twelve years early in February to concentrate fully on “being a Councillor” and I’m glad I made that call. It has been a year of numerous briefings,…
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Green Bin options, Bromley
3 September 2023 I have been asked what I think of the options proposed by Christchurch City Council for the green bin organics which go to the Bromley Organics Processing Plant. Reading the consultation document, I am making the assumption that short-term relates to the time it will take to establish the replacement site. Based…
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“The end of History” interview
The End of History is a monthly programme presented by the Canterbury Socialist Society where we discuss the class struggle, contemporary unionism, economics, and current affairs in order to promote working class history and socialist ideas as they apply to the 21st century. In this episode, host Sionainn, talks to Environment Canterbury Councillor Greg Byrnes about his…
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Dunedin 16 | 12 Friday, 10 March 2023 Greg bows out of Tuhaitara Coastal Park The Tuhaitara team . . . University science students, from left, Mikaela Woods and Zeta Hawke, ‘grandfather’ of the park Rex Anglem, Greg Byrnes, and rangers Nickolai Leary› Anglem and Emily Dawson. The girls organised last weekend’s open day. PHOTO: RACHEL MACDONALD Twelve…
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Biodiversity, whose responsibility?
I felt compelled, not only as a Councillor but as Chair of the Biodiversity & Biosecurity committee, to respond to the article in yesterdays The Press reporting the previous days Council meeting regarding the draft 23/24 draft annual plan. Specifically a comment attributed to the Chair “fundamentally biodiversity isn’t our responsibility” (I have been advised…
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Draft Annual Plan 2023/2024
24 April 2023 This week we will be engaged in feedback hearings on the proposed Annual Plan 2023/2024. We have received 170 feedback responses, with 47 indicating that they would like to present their feedback to Council in person. I am really looking forward to hearing from these individuals and groups, as I know how…
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Living Wage
The Living Wage means thriving, not just surviving. Yesterday, 3rd April 2023 Environment Canterbury became New Zealand’s first accredited Living Wage Regional Council.This was work done by the PSA, our CE and the previous council, especially Chair Jenny Hughey and Cr Phil Clearwater. I was very pleased to go along to the accreditation event alongside…
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First three months
The first three months as a regional Councillor have past by in a blur….. We have had a wide range of briefings from Te Tiriti, regional civil defence and legislation, to land, the work ahead in this trimester and the possible future of local government. I have loved every minute. We have established our Committees…
