Date: 29 June, 2010
Subject: Water quality and the Christchurch mayoralty
Christchurch water quality remains the deciding issue in the October
local body elections, a mayoral candidate contends. Save Our Water
spokesman Rik Tindall has entered the electoral contest, that recent
polls show to be led overwhelmingly by MP Jim Anderton over incumbent
Mayor Bob Parker
“In 2007, public awareness of water quality issues did much to shape the
local election campaign, and the resulting regional council, through
Save Our Water and other representation. But the risk to pure water
supplies has since been made even greater, throughout Canterbury,”
Tindall explains.
“Amongst the many quality of life concerns for which families choose
Christchurch and Canterbury, as a healthy place of residence for raising
their children, the untreated and abundant groundwater has been
preeminent. The pure taste of our water is second to none, along with
accessible and clean natural surrounds to enjoy in recreation,” Tindall
says. ”Forward-looking policies to protect Christchurch’s water and
environmental quality are desperately needed, but Bob and Jim do not
offer them - quite the opposite, in fact.”
Tindall cites Parker’s lead in the demolition of public control of the
Canterbury environmental regulator, ECan this year, and Anderton’s
long-term advocacy of rural intensification of agriculture and
fluoridation of all urban water supplies as primary reasons why Parker
and Anderton are unelectable in 2010.
“The courage that Christchurch residents demonstrated in supporting Save
Our Water in 2007 needs increase this year,” Tindall says.
“Christchurch’s natural water quality is not for sale. As your city
mayor, I will ensure that Christchurch’s pure water supply is properly
valued and protected, into the future and under whatever local
government framework is decided for us by Parliament,” Tindall promises.
A conservation-oriented team, with clear community values and for
sustainable economic development, is gathering to contest representative
seats again this year, under a bright new banner: Our Water Our City.
Ilam community activist Juliana Venning has joined the Save Our Water
group, and will run for Riccarton-Wigram Community Board.
More Our Water Our City candidates are being sought, and more
information can be found at http://ourwaterourcity.org
The campaign launch date for Our Water Our City is yet to be announced.
[Ends]
Contact: Rik Tindall - 03-332-1069 / 027-406-0077 / <email obscured>
Juliana Venning - 027-486-6713 / <email obscured>