All posts in the topic Introductions (Short link)
Summary
- There are 45 posts — by 34 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Paul de Spa at Aug 04 09:23 UTC
I think it is a good idea for participants in this forum to post an introduction. This forum is for conversations, and those work best when people know each other. Please post your own introduction. To post your introduction, just reply to this email, or log in and 'add to' the Introductions topic on the web. http://canterburyissues.org.nz I am writing this introduction from the Community Room at Plains FM in Christchurch. There is small gathering of members of the Steering Team who have collaborated to open this forum, and some members' partners. We are sharing a small glass of fizz to celebrate the opening of the forum, and especially that we have exceeded our target of 200 registered members on opening. The folks in the Steering Team have been planning for this day since September 2006. http://plainsfm.org.nz I am Projects Director at OnlineGroups.Net, where we make collaboration software, and help all sorts of organisations to create successful online groups. It was my idea to start this forum in Canterbury, so it makes sense that I am the first to take up the role of Forum Manager. I found out about online public issues forums from Steven Clift, when he visited New Zealand in 2002, talking about the online public issues forums that have been running in Minnesota for over ten years. I have always been interested in what Steve and the other folks at E-Democracy.Org have been doing, as they do online groups, just like I do in my business, OnlineGroups.Net (called GroupSense in those days). Since then, Steve and I have kept in touch. In 2004, Steve engaged my company to help set up some online public issues forums in the UK. He helped us to get some new features on our software GroupServer, and to package its first version released as open source. Since then, E-Democracy.Org have migrated their forums to GroupServer, and started the other forums that you see on the site that our forum now shares. In 2005, I visited Steve and Tim Erickson in Minnesota, and became truly 'dipped in the cauldron' of edemocracy. http://e-democracy.org http://forums.e-democracy.org http://onlinegroups.net http://groupserver.org So in late 2005, I decided that, knowing how to start an issues forum, and knowing that it would be worthwhile, I would do what I needed to, to get this forum started. Ron Kjestrup of PlainsFM, quickly joined me in this venture, seeing the connection between this forum, and the kaupapa of community access broadcasting. My vision for this forum is that it develops enough momentum to be self-sustaining, and that I go on to help start similar forums in other regions. So, thank you for signing up for this forum. I hope that it provides valuable opportunities for you to engage with the Canterbury community. I encourage you to post, and to encourage others to join. If you are interested in joining the Steering Team for this forum, please do. The best way to do that is to join 'Democraseed', the online group where we have been planning this forum. http://onlinegroups.net/groups/democraseed But post your introduction here first! And, if you have any questions about this forum, please ask, either by posting to the whole group, or emailing me directly.
Hi All,
Thanks for the intro, Dan. I am a member of the Steering Team for this forum
and had the good fortune to share some fizz (and rather good pizza) with Dan
and other members of the team earlier tonight.
I am a software developer specialising in the database side of larger web
sites, and am also very interested in online democracy practices and
technology, having participated in online forums starting around 1988. I'm
really looking forward to contributing to and learning from this forum !
Cheers, Andrew.
Hello Everyone
I am also a member of the steering committee an a large number of you
are foundation members of this forum because you and I have met, and
exchanged words, however briefly.
I believe in the power of listening to and responding to the ideas of
other people. The internet gives us ALL to opportunity to join groups
(many groups) of like minded people. There is power in that, to teach
you who you are, and to discover both what you know, and where your
knowledge is thin or entirely missing. If you join groups and if you
"listen carefully, you will become a different person". (Quote from a
BBC play about the Hindu legend The Mahabharata.)
I am a network weaver in many ways, I'm strongly linked to other people
across the globe and welcome the opportunity to be more closely linked
to people in my own home town, Christchurch.
People here may know me as a dancer in many styles, and from
Toastmasters. I'm chairman of the Deep Well's Trust. I've been active
in community and business development for more than 30 years.
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Hello
I am also a member of the sterring group for this forum. I was proud to see it
opened yesterday with a good membership list.
I am the Station manager at Plains FM and we have lent our support to this
project by offering a governance umberella through the Canterbury
Communications Trust and publicity. Plains FM believes strongly in supporting
concepts of participation and community discussion and we saw the obvious
synergies with this onlne democracy project.
That's my professional involvement but I joined this forum as an individula
citizen.
I am a great believer that there are many opinions out there but too few
informed opinions. However, I also believe that it is unproductive to discount
an individual's contribution just because I don't believe they are fully
informed. Lord knows I am a great one for leaping into debate feet first
myself! I believe that the best way of creating informed debate is to engage
with all the ideas being put forward; identify the passions, interests and
enthusiasms that underpin the contributions; and use that energy toward
developing solutions.
I am looking forward to tossing in my twopence worth and having my own
preconceptions and prejudices challenged.
Well done on the opening of this list. Things seem to be very deliberate. My family will be in Christchurch for five weeks or so. We'll be there throughout the month of May. I hope to meet each of you when I'm in town to talk about local issues and the internet. My wife is leading a course at the University. We'll have a bit of time on our hands as well. I could do some work to pass out posters and even attend events. Beyond the technology elements, I would also love to meet politicians and candidates -- past and present. In my home town, I'm very active and liberal with the sharing of my political messages as well as community building. My blog is at: http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com More news from me again soon.
Only a couple of people introduced themselves to the forum. I certainly hope that more will join in with a short introduction. If we are to have a conversation in this forum, its nice to know a little bit about some of the other participants in the forum and the issues that interest them. I've now had the pleasure of being involved in the launch of about 5 of these local issues forums (in US and UK) and can attest to the importance of simple introductions. My name is Tim Erickson. I've never been to Caterbury, but I have hosted Dan Randow in my home (in Minnesota, USA) and hope someday to visit him in New Zealand. I work with E-Democracy.Org and help provide support to local Issues Forums like this one in the US, UK, and now hopefully in New Zealand. I've been involved in E-Democracy.Org, ever since stumbling accross one of their forums while I was a stay-at-home dad, looking for some kind of intellectual engagement between diaper changes and feedings. My children are now 8 and 12. I love the power of online discussions and in addition to working with E-Democracy.Org also set up my own (now dormant) web site called Politalk.Com (& politalk.org) where I hosted a number of very interesting international online discussions. For four years, I was the forum manager of the St. Paul Issues Forum, in my local community. I've learned a great deal about my own city (where I've lived for 42 years) from this forum. http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues/index.html In addition to promoting online democracy, I'm also a amateur juggler (I can juggle 5 balls for a few minutes or three flaming torches - I'll bring them with when I come to visit). I look forward to reading your introductions (and meeting you, when I finally get to visit Dan). Also, please share some ideas for local issues that might make for good discussion in this forum! Thanks, Tim Erickson St. Paul, Minnesota E-Democracy.Org
Thank you, Paula Lambert for your introduction. http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/1Y9lGbCjtCWIMaWnd9EDzj Others, please post an introduction to this topic. When people have introduced themselves, it is easier for others to appreciate their point of view. And that's what we're here for. By the way, to "post to this topic", either reply to this email, leaving the subject unchanged, or log in and visit the bottom of the topic page. http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/8UqVIIwgdV5J4aHGes4jG
Hi, I am Bob Parker, writing from my home in Central Christchurch.
I was born in Christchurch, grew up in Heathcote Valley (next door to the
Valley Inn Pub!)in Flavel Street.
Went to Heathcote Primary, South Intermediate, Cashmere High and University of
Canterbury (1 year). Then went to Wellington to study pharmacy and later
returned to Christchurch.
Later I worked as a broadcaster based in Nelson, Christchurch, Wellington and
Auckland before being involved in a computer software/hardware startup (video
edit systems) in a joint venture with Aoraki Corporation (Jade Software).
I chose to return to my home town of Christchurch around 16 years ago, bought
an old house in Akaroa, and maintained a small apartment in the Arts Centre in
central Christchurch. More recently Joanna (my fiancee) and I have purchased an
older apartment in the central city which has become our home.
I have three adult sons (Nick -electronic engineer in Perth, Anson - software
and design in California, Daniel - broadcaster in Auckland), and I am about to
remarry.
I am currently a councillor with the Christchurch City Council and will be
putting my name forward as a candidate for the Mayoralty in the local
government elections in late September/early October this year. Joanna is
currently completing a post-grad course in Art Curatorship at Uni, and is an
artist in her own right.
I have had 14 years experience in local government at the level of community
board, councillor and for 5 years as the mayor of Banks Peninsula, now part of
Christchurch. Following the merger of the City and Peninsula I stood in the
by-election and was elected to the CCC as a councillor.
I have chosen to stand in the mayoralty as a non-aligned candidate and do not
belong to any political party (now or in the past).
As the mayoralty must represent a City with many perspectives, political,
cultural, social and economic, many people have told me that they think it is
important to have a mayor who is above party politics - and I agree with them.
And in a nutshell, that's a bit about me.
Sincerely,
Bob Parker.
Hi Sally, Many thanks for being a Guest Speaker, and for your introduction. http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/15nXuFh7RounFTQBuhSn3b I'm reposting that here, so that we have a full set of intros in this Topic. cheers Dan . . . . . Here's Sally Buck's Introduction, from "Guest Speakers". http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/15nXuFh7RounFTQBuhSn3b Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this forum. I grew up in Christchurch – we lived in North Beach and New Brighton. Later I graduated from Canterbury University with a Masters degree in Education and also qualified as a teacher and speech/language therapist. It was in this area that I worked, for a few years before becoming an early intervention teacher and advisor. Later I became a lecturer in special needs and after that worked as an employment consultant. Then I was employed as an ESOL teacher for adult new migrants for 5 years before I stood for Council. My husband and I were married in 1977 and we lived in Auckland for about 6 years but came back to Christchurch in 1983. We have four adult children - three sons and a daughter. We currently live in the Burnside area. In 1998 I stood for Council as an independent and was elected to represent the Waimairi ward. In 2004 the wards were amalgamated so I now represent the Fendalton-Waimairi ward. I have no political party affiliations. This is my third term as a councillor. In Council my interests are many and varied - the environment, sustainability, energy, waste, recycling, sewerage and drainage, water reticulation, planning and public transport. I have been a strong advocate for waste minimisation and cleaning up our environment especially the water-ways. My voting record shows I have consistently voted for sustainable projects and policies. I support cycle ways and better public transport. Although I can usually see other peoples point of view I find it very hard to compromise my views on issues which will have long term effects for Christchurch such as our future drinking water supply. I have not supported the Central Plains Water Scheme and I will do a separate posting on this issue under topics. I also take a keen interest in planning as I believe we have not had any town planning in New Zealand for at least 15 years and the effects of this are showing with 2-3 storey poorly designed ‘sausage flats’ all in a line on long narrow sections. The areas in which these are predominant will be the slums of the future. Recently I initiated a sustainability working party which will have input into the development of a Sustainability Policy which will help Council meet its legal requirements under the LGA 2002 in terms of taking a “sustainable development approach” (Part 2, Section 14) and in considering present and future, social, environmental and economic wellbeing etc (Part 2, Section 10). I hope that people who have knowledge on climate change and sustainability and wish to be involved in this working party will contact me so we can involve these people. I have enjoyed reading the postings on this forum and am looking forward to hearing from you about the issues that you see as the most pressing for our city. Sally Sally Buck Info about Sally Buck: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/sallybuck
>I hope that people who have knowledge on climate change and
sustainability and wish to be > involved in this working party will
contact me so we can involve these people.
Hi Sally,
If we put our name forward, do we get paid, or would this be like
volunteer work?
Dear Natalie,
Thank you for your email
At this stage it is envisioned that there could be two levels of
participation with the working party:
1) Core members including Councillors, Staff and invited representatives
that would sit on the Working Party throughout. Possibilities for
invited members include representatives from Sustainable Otautahi, The
Natural Step and the Sustainable Business Network.
2) People that are invited from time to time to provide their
perspectives and specialist knowledge etc.
This could include representatives from the various stakeholders
referred to in the Terms Of Reference, for example:
Central Government agencies - environment, health, energy, economic
development etc
Crown Research Institutes - Landcare Research, National Institute of
Water and Atmospheric Research etc
Environment Canterbury
Enviro-Schools Organisation
Sustainable Living Organisation
Project Port Lyttelton
Lincoln Enviro-town Organisation
Universities - Canterbury and Lincoln
Payment for either core members or invited people has yet to be decided
on.
I hope this is helpful.
Regards
Kia ora,
I am Tim Barnett, the (Labour) Electorate Member of Parliament for Christchurch
Central. I am delighted that this Forum exists, since debate on issues is the
lifeblood of our political system.
I have just returned from a trip to a forgotten corner of the Pacific Islands,
Bougainville, which is an Autonomous Region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) with
strong aspirations to become independent of PNG. I was there to help train the
members of their House of Representatives in how to operate Parliamentary
Committees, the major listening element of any Parliamentary institution.
The relevance to Christchurch and canterbury? Two aspects. The peace
agreement from the vicious 1990s war in Bougainville was forged in Burnham in
1997 and completed at Lincoln University in 1998. Every major speech during my
visit was peppered with visions of snow-covered Canterbury miountains, and the
vision of New Zealand as the peacemaker of the Pacific. And, more generally,
we are the peace city located in a far from peaceful region of the world.
Bougainville and (more generally) PNG exist in a delicate state. Tonga
sometimes seems like a volcano. The Solomons and Timor-LEste have a fragile
peace. In all those places (speaking as a politician) the need for good
governance is paramount. What role can our city play?
Best wishes,
Hi everybody,
My name is Alec Neill and I am a Canterbury Regional Council Councillor, often
better known as "Environment Canterbury" or "Ecan". I am delighted to have
been invited to be the guest speaker this forum from July 17th to July 23rd
2007. This is a new experience for me. I hope during the next week other
members of the forum will take the opportunity examine and cross examine me at
length on issues "close to your heart"
ALEC NEILL the person - A thumb nail sketch. I am 56 years old, a lawyer by
qualification, an Environment Canterbury Councillor, a company director and a
RMA commissioner. Nicky Wagner and I were together elected to Environment
Canterbury in a by-election in April 2003 – the by-election resulting from the
deaths of Peter Yeoman and Neil Cherry. We represent the constituency of
Christchurch West. Nicky is retiring in October and Rosanne Hawarden has been
selected to contest the seat with me under the ‘Independent Citizens” banner.
www.independentcitizens.co.nz
I am not Cantabrian by birth rather I am a Cantabrian by choice. I was born in
Dunedin and raised on a family farm at Allen's Beach on the Otago Peninsula. I
attended the Hooper’s Inlet primary school, a very small rural one teacher
school before going to St Kevin's College in Oamaru as a border. When I left
school I wanted to be a farmer however there was no room on the family farm,
as I was the youngest of eleven children [6 girls, 5 boys] so I attended the
university of Otago and obtained a law degree. I was a partner in the law firm
of Berry Alty & Neill (Oamaru) for 15 years before being elected to parliament
as the MP for Waitaki in 1990. I retained that seat for 6 years until the seat
of Waitaki disappeared under the MMP reorganization. My wife Diane and I shift
to Christchurch in 1997 where I practiced law and spent a further three years
as a National Party list MP.
Participants in this forum may very well ask what qualifications or life
experiences are required to be an Environment Canterbury Councillor. The
simple answer is "None. - I encourage anyone who has an interest in business
and environmental issues to stand at the next elections. Environment
Canterbury needs an injection of "good old fashioned common sense" fiscal
prudence and responsibility, and an understanding of the differing roles of
governance and management. My background involvement in the commercial sector
of the law, company administration, chairing parliament’s Environment Select
Committee and being National’s spokesperson the in such areas as Conservation,
Local Government, and RMA reform have been helpful
I am looking forward to the 2007 Local Government elections in Christchurch at
Environment Canterbury level. The community of Christchurch really will have a
choice this year between “more of the same” under 2021 Labour leadership or “A
new era at Ecan” under Independent / Independent Citizens leadership.
I have read the existing contributions under a number of topic headings. There
is no heading specific to Environment Canterbury issues so tomorrow I intend to
open a new Topic named ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY (Ecan) ISSUES and look forward
to your contributions.
Cheers
Alec Neill
Monday 16th July 2007
Hi everybody,
Thanks to Dan and the team for the opportunity to be guest speaker this week on
the forum. I am looking forward to discussing and debating a range of issues
with you over the coming days.
Congratulations to all those involved in getting this forum up and running. It
is an asset to the city and the region and can only serve to add to local
democracy.
I will deal with issues under specific headings - but firstly some basic facts
about me.
I was born raised and educated in Christchurch. As an adult, I have chosen to
stay and make my life in my hometown and am passionate about our city. After
completing a doctorate at the University of Canterbury in 2002, I briefly
lectured New Zealand political and social history at Canterbury and Victoria
Universities. From here, I took up a position with a local high-tech company
commercialising technology which had been developed here in Christchurch. In
this role I learnt much about the challenges facing small companies and
developed hands-on business experience. In my current role, as a Business
Manager at Crop & Food Research, I have strengthened my business skills and
deepened my appreciation of the value that research, science and technology can
add to local economies. Motivated by a desire for ordinary people to have a
real say in the decisions affecting their lives and the future of our city, I
ran for and was elected to the Spreydon Heathcote Community Board in 2004. I
live in Spreydon with my partner Michael and my 12 year old step-daughter.
Thanks for the invitation to be guest speaker this week 31 July to 6 August
My name is Richard Budd and I have been a councillor on Environment Canterbury
since 1995. In this term of council I have Chaired the Regional Planning
Committee and the Air Quality and Energy Portfolio. It is the relationship
between air quality and energy that I wish to discuss on the forum this week.
This is the second term that I have chaired the Air/Energy Portfolio with
responsibility for the 'Clean Heat' scheme. This scheme is an assistance
program to help people insulate their homes and replace polluting forms of
heating with clean heat sources. The scheme is removing 26,000 solid fuel
burners and open fires from Christchurch. We are well on the way with 10,000
already removed and improvement in air quality evident.
There has been a lot of discussion about removing a renewable fuel like fire
wood and putting people onto the national grid. This discussion is fuelled by
concern around the robustness of the electricity system. With recent snow falls
and power cuts to some country areas for extended periods these concerns have
come into sharp relief.
Is Environment Canterbury causing a problem cleaning up the air? Can the
electricity system cope with this extra heating load as well as the economic
growth occuring in the region? These questions were addressed in 2005 in the
Energy Forum run by ECan. A series of meetings to address energy related issues
in the Canterbury Region. An outcome of these meetings was the establishment of
the Canterbury Regional Energy Forum. The Forum objective is to address those
two key questions of the resiliance of the electricity network and the
reliability of supply.
This is a first for New Zealand. Since the deregulation of the electricity
market it has been difficult to plan at the regional level. Now with industry
representatives and organisations like the Centre for Advanced Engineering and
the Employers Chamber of Commerce we are making excellent progress.
Tomorrow I will start the week with the topic of transmission lines. This is
central to these discussions as while we plan to delay the construction of a
new line to Christchurch by peak load demand management, the question is when
not if this will be required.
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Kia ora everyone
My name is Matt Morris and I'm a 2021 candidate for Christchurch City Council
and Community Board for Shirley Papanui.
I'm doing this because I'm passionate about Christchurch becoming a truly
sustainable city. We talk about this all the time, I know, and it has perhaps
become a bit meaningless. When I talk about sustainability, I obviously mean
ensuring we look after the needs of the present generation without compromising
those of future generations. But more than that I mean developing grass-roots
solutions to the challenges confronting us with wide buy-in from all sectors.
So this forum is a brilliant piece in the jig-saw of public voice, and I'm
really happy to see membership picking up.
My particular interests are dealing with traffic - which to me means fewer cars
and better busses - engaging with our young people and involving them in our
democratic processes, and protecting our greenspaces against encroaching infill
and the proposed intensification of suburbs flagged in the Urban Development
Strategy.
I have worked for a number of community organisations looking at innovative,
grass-roots solutions for our city. These include the Organic Garden City
Trust, the Christchurch Community Gardens Association, our local Agenda 21
Forum, Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch, Community Employment Initiatives
Group, and many others. I've been involved with Green politics for many years
and also duty manage a supermarket - so I understand business needs as well.
I'm love living in Christchurch - I live in Shirley - and have always lived
here. Currently I'm writing a weekly column for the Gardening section in the
Press based on my Ph.D. research on Christchurch's social and environmental
history, so have a look.
I'm keen to hear your views.
Regards
Matt Morris
Gidday All My name is Mark Ross, and Im running for Mayor of Christchurch. I'm probably what you'd call the dark sheep of the bunch. Born and Grew up In Auckland (please don't be to Harsh), reached form Seven before Joining the New Zealand Army and more specifically The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. (1RNZIR Infantry Corp Training, Linton, Palmerston North). I Then moved to Invercargill in 2003 where I studies Environmental Management and Environmental Science Via Correspondence from A.U.T. I found my passion for Politics via TV. I always saw politicians throwing their toys out of the cot, and Labour Blaming national because 87 years ago they did the same, its just crap. No Accountability, no pride, no respect, just plain rubbish. I Moved to Christchurch on 2nd Janurary 2006 and (please dont laugh) fell in love with the place! I'll be honest, the only reason I moved was because my partner was offer a job here, her name is Megan and she is an Intensive Care Nurse at Christchurch Public Hospial. So my first job (after applying for 27 jobs) in Ch-Ch was a Porter at Clearwater Resort. Paying rent every week was a real effort and eventually turned impossible when my hours were dropped to 30 hours. I then moved off to Excell Corporation that have the contract for all the Street Cleaning in the C.B.D. Ive been out there everyday cleaning our streets, 6 days a week for a year and what I've noticed that there are serious problems in terms of the council not listening to 'The People (Their Employers)'. I'm the hardest working, most honest individual for the honour of being your mayor. Im paying everything myself (Well, my credit card is, CULLEN wouln't approve, but he can get stuffed) Time for a real change! For more detail, check out my 'Propoganda website' http://www.christchurchmayor.co.nz if you have any queries or questions don't hesitate to email me at <email obscured> for a quick response (If I'm not Cleaning) and I will really listen, not pretend to listen, in fact ill take what you say on board and will even act on it if it is in the best interest of christchurch, not a political party, or a funded independent Cheers for your time. p.s. no I'm not taking the piss, and I'm highly serious, I just want what you want. I'm hoping thats a better Christchurch, one where you can walk down the street without being smashed in the face with a Speights Bottle p.s.s I wrote this by myself, without any one else telling me what to say. Regards. Mark Ross Street Cleaner 2007 Mayor Candidate New Brighton
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Hi everyone,
I thought I'd share my intro with you all. I'm proud to be a Christchurch 2021
Community Board candidate for the Shirley/Papanui ward.
I'm married to Paul and we have three gorgeous daughters - Stephanie (11),
Holly (8) and Emma (nearly 6). We also have Fred a lovely Jack Russell who
would even welcome a burglar with a wag of his tail - he's a useless watch dog
and we also have Kodi our cat.
But enough of the personal stuff. This is my second go for the Shirley/Papanui
Community Board. I've had over 22 years' of community service which includes
the Shirley/St Albans Plunket branch, Council of Social Services, and
Volunteering Canterbury. I've also served in various capacities for some
disability organisations. I'm presently chairing Elmwood School's 125th
jubilee I would love to hear from former pupils and staff from this school) and
am a member of the Shirley Resident's Assn and the National Council of Women.
I believe that we need good public transport systems, more cycleways, better
street lighting, access for all in terms of facilities. public buildings and
housing, and an equiable sharing of resources and money throughout the entire
ward of Shirley/Papanui.
Please feel free to contact me at <email obscured> or you can look at
www.2021.org.nz. I also enjoy watching Mike Yardley's show as it's a great way
to find out what the real hard issues are, the only thing is the show's not
quite long enough!
Cheers to everyone
Tracey Dorreen
Hi everyone
I have been a member of this forum since the beginning and have followed all
the discussions with interest. I have decided to introduce myself as I am about
to add a new topic.
My husband and I emigrated from South Africa in 1995 and Christchurch has been
our home since then. Our two daugthers were born here and this has given me an
opportunity to participate in our adopted community. I have just started my
second term on the Board of Trustees for their school and I am interested in
all aspects of our wider community, especially as I work and live in the same
area.
We became NZ citizens in 1999.
Hello everyone,
My name is Bob Kirk and I have been a Councillor at ECAN for almost one term
from October 2004. My constituency is Christchurch South and I share that with
Sir Kerry Burke, Chair of ECAN. Thank you for the opportunity to be a Guest
Speaker for the week 14-21 August.
At ECAN I am Chair of the Coastal and Navigation Safety Portfolio Committee, a
member of the Water Portfolio Committee, the CEO Performance Review, and I
served on the Representation Review Committee. In September 2006 I was elected
Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, a role vacated by Nicky Wagner. I am
an RMA Qualified Hearing Commissioner.
Sytarting in October last and running right through into 2008 I have been a
member of the Hearing Panel listening to submissions and making decisions about
the "water chapters" of the Proposed Natural Resources Regional Plan (PNRRP).
Because that work is in progress I will not discuss matters being addressed by
submitters in those hearings.
I am Emeritus Professor of Geography at the University of Canterbury. I am a
Physical Geographer intersted in the processes that form and shape the land.
Human actions of many kinds are among the largest influences. I was 35 years on
staff and had a strong research group working with coastal processes, harbours,
estuaries and lakes all over New Zealand and in other countries. I published
many scientific papers on the 800km of distinctive Canterbury Coast and I wrote
a few less than 150 Technical Reports on shoreline management matters. As well
as developing knowledge of coastal and lake resources I taught and advised in
coastal and lake management throughout New Zealand. I was often before the
courts as a technical witness or adviser. Many of my former students are
environmemntal and resource management professonals in NZ and overseas. I
served a term and a half as a Head of Depatment. For the last 6 years I served
in the executive of the university, initially to support development of
research by staff and students. I was then appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor and
worked with two Vice Chancellors in that role. I served as Acting Vice
Chancellor for 6 months. As a member of the University Council in addition to
my management experience I also had governance experience and am keenly aware
of the different requirements of these roles. As well as its teaching and
research roles the university is run in a business-like manner; very big
business. Its budget then was of the order of $180 million per year and it has
thousands of staff and students. I was heavily involved in the Financial
Recovery Plan and the Restructuring of the university into colleges. I
therefore have experience of running large, publicly funded, complex
people-focussed institutions.
To ECAN I bring my wide knowledge of Canterbury resources and their management,
understanding of science in the environment and its limits; governance and
management experience, plus a fair amount of experience and a qualification in
Resource Management Act matters.
My wife, Judy, is a specialist in diagnosis and treatment of learning
difficulties. She is standing for election to the Riccarton-Wigram Comunity
Board. We have three adult offspring and one grandchild.
My subject post will concern funding, finance and rates in regard to ECAN since
these matters have been subject of fairly loose, negative comment in this
forum.
Bob Kirk
Thanks for your intro, Marcus, I've copied it (see below) to this "Introductions" topic, http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/6BGfPTjturo8Sk6fXiatWY as it is not directly relevant to 2021's Election Signs. Others, please post your intro to this topic, or have a look at the introductions that are here already. If you are not familiar with "topics", this one is a good place to start. (You can get to is via the link above, or by the link in the bottom of every email sent via the forum. cheers Dan . . . . . From: Marcus Puentener Date: 2007-08-22 10:49 (UTC) http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/6mSp8UDy8ay1gsP23mhbiU This seems like as good a time as ever to jump into the forum and introduce myself. My name is Marcus Puentener and I am standing for council and community board in the Burwood/Pegasus Ward as an independent candidate. Just this morning I was having a discussion on hoardings sprouting up all over the city. I must say, it isn't only 2021 though. I agree with Mark Ross and Natalie in that a person should not be elected on the size of their campaign budget or public profile but what they have to offer the community they want to represent. (I say the less other commitments, ie directorships, businesses to run, the more time you can comitt to the community). I don't have the money to waste on promotion. I am realistic about my chances of being elected and my main motivation for standing is to question other candidates and get some straight answers on their policies. Not that keeping promises has ever mattered - this is one thing that must change. So, here's my spiel For too long, Christchurch residents have been victim to ineffective representation. I would like to restore the public’s faith in the Council by keeping other councilors honest. We all want A Better City, and for that we need a Council that listens to community concerns and acts on them. I believe in: Sympathetic and sustainable development, protection of our parks and waterways, better consultation, better vision and better representation. Thanks for the chance to contribute Dan.
Hello everyone
Thank you for the invitation to be a guest speaker. The forum is an excellent
initiative. My name is Eugenie Sage and I am standing for the Canterbury
Regional Council because I believe that a healthy environment is the basis for
a sustainable economy, and strong and healthy communities. For more information
on my background and views see www.esage.org.nz.
I grew up in Auckland and have spent the last 17 years in Canterbury. I love
the region’s big skies, expansive landscapes, and braided rivers. Favourite
places include Bealey Spur, Peak Hill above Lake Coleridge, Lyttelton,
Kaitorete Spit, and Banks Peninsula’s bays.
I have degrees in law and arts and a Diploma in Journalism, and am currently
studying public policy (by distance). My working life has focused on
environmental management and community advocacy, much of it using the Resource
Management Act. Highlights include working as a Parliamentary researcher,
Ministerial speech writer and press secretary, freelance journalist, and 13
years as environmental advocate for the conservation organisation, Forest and
Bird. Achievements there included working with Fish and Game on the Rangitata
water conservation order, helping establish the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands
Park near Porter’s Pass, and to protect West Coast forests from logging. I am
a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biosecurity.
If elected, I will work to promote better protection of versatile soils and
sustainable solutions for water and energy efficiency. Effective pest and weed
control and more assistance for landholders to safeguard indigenous vegetation
and habitats are important. So is clean heat for Canterbury homes to help
improve the air we breathe. Public transport services should be expanded to
better connect Christchurch and the diverse and growing townships on the Plains
and Peninsula.
I look forward to the discussion.
Eugenie Sage
Candidate for Canterbury Regional Council
Selwyn/Banks Peninsula constituency
Eugenie Sage wrote:
>Hello everyone
>
>Public transport services should be expanded to better connect Christchurch
and the diverse and growing townships on the Plains and Peninsula.
>
>
>
Dear Eugenie
How would your proposed expanded public transport services be funded?
Yours sincerely
David Lloyd
Greetings
ECAN's Annual Plan provides for spending of $34.7 million on public passenger
transport in the 2007/08 financial year. Around half of this ($17 million)
comes from Government grants through the Land Transport NZ with another $16.7
million coming from targeted rates. On a Christchurch residential property
with a capital value of around $300,000, for example, the annual urban
transport rate is around $118. Only $46,000 of ECAN’s spending on passenger
transport this year will come from general rates.
Some Tai Tapu residents for example want changes to the present Christchurch to
Lincoln bus services so that these connect to Tai Tapu. Improved passenger
transport services can be funded from:
a) successful advocacy by ECAN and other regions that a greater proportion of
national land transport funding should be invested in public transport. In
recent years roading projects have received billions of dollars of extra
funding from Government, while spending on public transport has lagged behind.
Government is currently funding “the largest road building project the country
has ever seen” despite experience in cities around the world that more roads
create more traffic, more congestion, and more pollution. Correcting the
balance in favour of public passenger transport can reduce the growth in
traffic congestion and CO2 emissions help tackle peak oil and promote a more
sustainable transport network.
b) targeted rates for those areas benefiting from expanded services.
c) a regional petrol tax. Michael Cullen’s 2007 budget allows regions to raise
funds through a regional petrol tax for particular transport capital projects
which would not otherwise get funded in the timeframe sought regions. This
includes infrastructure for public transport.
d) a larger regional share of a bigger Land Transport NZ grant pie if
Government decides that all revenue generated from the excise duty on petrol is
made available for land transport expenditure, including public transport.
Regards
Eugenie Sage
Candidate for Canterbury Regional Council
Selwyn/Banks Peninsula
Eugenie Sage wrote:
>Greetings
>
>ECAN's Annual Plan provides for spending of $34.7 million on public passenger
transport in the 2007/08 financial year. Around half of this ($17 million)
comes from Government grants through the Land Transport NZ with another $16.7
million coming from targeted rates. On a Christchurch residential property
with a capital value of around $300,000, for example, the annual urban
transport rate is around $118. Only $46,000 of ECAN’s spending on passenger
transport this year will come from general rates.
>
>Some Tai Tapu residents for example want changes to the present Christchurch
to Lincoln bus services so that these connect to Tai Tapu. Improved passenger
transport services can be funded from:
>
>
Greetings
Why doesn't ECAN try a new funding strategy for improved passenger
transport services. How about those residents who want changes paying
the full unsubsidised fare? Why should rate and taxpayers always have to
foot the bill?
Hello to everyone
Thank you for the opportunity to be a Guest Speaker for this week.
I am Jane Demeter a member of the St Albans Community and candidate for ECan
in Christchurch North. I mention community member first before my candidacy
as I am a big believer in our communities being the strength of our society
and that the community voice needs to be heard and respected more. As an
ECan candidate I am aware that the purpose of the Resource Management Act is
to provide for our economic, social, cultural and environmental needs. I ask
the question: Is one of these needs being met at the expense of the others?
Can we do a better job in providing for a better balance between these needs
as they are all dependent each on the other to ensure we have healthy and
vibrant communities?
My childhood was spent on a mixed sheep and cropping farm that bordered the
Hurunui River near Cheviot. I am still very involved in that community and
am fortunate to be in that area most weekends. I know first-hand about
rabbits, gorse, erosion and flooded farmland. I've worked on shearing gangs
and high country sheep stations. All good things to know about if you want
to make informed decisions on both rural and urban issues at ECan whose huge
responsibilities cover resource issues in the vast area from Kekerengu in
the north to Kurow in the south.
Having been a High School Science and Biology teacher after graduating from
U.Canterbury with a BSc, I have moved into a career in healthcare software
development. As a business owner I am currently fulfilling a contract with
USA based General Electric Healthcare. I'm environment rep for the
Christchurch branch of the National Council of Women, NZ and involved in
communications with Shirley/Papanui Civil Defence. I'm back at U.Canterbury
doing post-grad environmental sciences studies.
My journey to ECan candidacy started after getting sick on rural supply
water sourced from the Hurunui River. Having subsequently learned about the
state of our waterways it is unacceptable to me that over 80% of our lowland
streams are in poor ecological health. We should be able to take our kids
swimming at the Ashley River or Coe's Ford without putting our health at
risk as is often the case in summer months. As co-founder of citizens group
WaterWisdom (www.waterwisdom.co.nz) I am constantly working to increase the
knowledge and awareness of our water issues. I anticipate that water
allocation and quality will be the big issue for this upcoming term of ECan.
We face huge issues that will require a willingness of all parties to come
to consensus rather than talking past each other because we must improve our
processes and try to minimize the current adversarial nature of decision
making.
My vision for Christchurch and Canterbury is a vibrant long term economy
underpinned by a healthy environment. More about this in subsequent posts.
Having spent over 250 hours of my own time attending monthly ECan workshops
and meetings in the last eighteen months as well as hearings and field
trips, I'm well informed on the role and responsibilities of an ECan
councillor and ready to go to work for you, not for a party.
For more about me and my views please visit www.janedemeter.org.nz
And 'beep' the car horn if you see me out and about in my 'resource car'
Cheers
Jane
Jane Demeter
Christchurch North ECan Candidate
Hello everyone. It seems that I have confirmed my unfitness for the
technological age by failing to be able to log onto the forum for a variety of
reasons, including the fact that my system crashed every time I tried to log
onto the site. The 'expert' who came to fix things this afternoon assured me
that it had nothing to do with my wanting to participate in e-democracy. But
even after all that I couldn't log onto the site - hence the e-mail. It's my
second attempt at that as well! I am embarrassed therefore to make this
introduction as Lianne Dalziel, MP for Christchurch East and Minister of
Commerce, Small Business & Women's Affairs. I thought I would start from the
Women's Affairs perspective in the context of the elections that are happening
right now. I believe that with rights come responsibilities and that we should
always respect the latter when exercising the former. The right to vote is
something that has an important status in our country. We led the world in
granting women the right to vote. So I believe we owe it to those who fought
for that right to exercise that right. I did some preparation for women's
suffage day on 19th September when we celebarated 114 years of the right to
vote. I discovered that some women could vote before 1893 and that was in
local government elections. Women who owned property and paid rates were
allowed to vote in local government elections in Otago and Nelson as early as
1867. That's 26 years before New Zealand women achieved universal suffrage.
This right was extended to other provinces in 1876. So I suppose in the context
of the times, local government was actually pretty progressive, although I am
sure the numbers of female property owners who were mainly widows and
spinsters were very low and therefore did not constitute a threat to the more
conservative thinkers of the time. The situation certainly gave little
satisfaction to the suffragists and from the late 1860s the clamour for
universal suffrage began to grow louder and more persistent. I do not believe
the personal contribution of leading suffragist Kate Sheppard to the
suffragists struggle can be overestimated. This indomitable Christchurch woman
worked tirelessly from 1887 distributing pamphlets, writing letters to the
press, giving talks to a variety of groups, making personal contact with
politicians, and of course circulating petitions, because she believed that
women should take part in society and politics. She also believed rightly
that women could not make any of the changes needed in society without first
winning the right the vote. What I hadn't appreciated was that 1893 was not
the first attempt to gain suffrage. Suffrage bills were defeated in Parliament
in 1888, 1891 and 1892, but Kate Sheppard and other suffragists continued to
campaign for the vote. On the 19th of September 1893, Prime Minister Richard
Seddon telegraphed Kate Sheppard to tell her the governor had signed the bill
that gave New Zealand women the vote. The Governor, Lord Glasgow, honoured Kate
as a political leader by presenting to her the pen with which the bill granting
womanhood suffrage had been signed. The 1893 elections were held in late
November, and over 90,000 65 % of women over 21 exercised their new right to
vote. But 114 years later, we appear to be heading towards a record low in
turnout in our local body elections. I know that cental government has always
polled aound the 90% mark, but for a mere third of eligble voters to determine
the governance arrangements and democratic representation of our city, regional
council & DHB is nothing short of a disgrace. If 65% of eligible voters
voted in these elections then at least that would reflect what the suffragists
could produce in the 2 months between the law change and the election. So
that's my message. Vote. As an elected representative myself, I can say how
much it means to know that the majority of constituents of Christchurch East
who voted in the last election support me in my role - it gives me a mandate
for what I do. We should offer the same for the men and women we elect to the
Community Boards,the Council, E-Can and the DHB.
Hi I'm Colin and I'm just starting to follow the Canterbury Issues
Forum. My interests are more North Canterbury focused being the MP for
Kaikoura which comes down to the Ashley river north of Kaiapoi.
I love sport, aren't to worried about the outcome or who wins, will be
watching the RWC final, going with Lynnette to Kaiteriteri canoeing over
the long weekend. Looking forward to being part of the forum and would
welcome your views when raise a topic.
Colin King
Thank you Karen Gorton, for posting your introduction. http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/6tu2agmwxGxtlZK7Q62GM6 I've copied it to this "Introductions" topic, so that it can easily be found, along with the other intros people have posted. The Introductions posted to the forum can be found at the following link. http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4PUFz7pMorl5F9WtRUhA6d Posting an introduction to the forum makes it easier for others to appreciate your point of view. For some this will lend your opinions more weight. Others, will be more able to see why you hold your opinions, even if they don't agree with them. This helps to create a culture where all voices can be heard. So, if you have not already posted an intro, please post one here. cheers, Dan . . . Dan Randow, Forum Manager Canterbury Public Issues Forum http://canterburyissues.org.nz <email obscured> ph 03-377-5377 . . . From: "Profile on Karen Gorton", posted by Karen Gorton From: Karen Date: Mar 14 17:06 NZDT. http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/6tu2agmwxGxtlZK7Q62GM6 Hello, my name is Karen Gorton, born in Liverpool England and lived in Christchurch for 20 years.I I have a B.Com in business studies, and can speak fluent Arabic as a second language, I have a diverse set of skills in dealing with differnt cultural backgrounds. I am aged 48 married to Roy who is a Kiwi and have two children Martin 22 a Registered A Grade Mechanic and Gary nearly 21 completing his level 4 Electrical Apprenteship, I run my own busy Nursing Agency in Christchurch in which I employ 150 to 200 staff and value all the employees that work for me. I endevour to always be avaible for them even if it is not work related. I enjoy public speaking, debating and finding solutions to enviromental problems and Health and Safety. My main aim is to keep Christchurch the ultimate safe city to live in. My passions are: A) To be an advocate for the youth in Christchurch B) To produce an education package for people wanting to work in the health industry that is both cost effective and enjoyable to learn with plenty of hands on work not just bookwork.
Tena Koe Dan
Would be most appreciative if you could take me off this Public Forum data
base I have enjoyed reading these postings but find now that my PC is
experiencing a very low megabytes I have a high work rate at the moment and
need all the space I can get. Thanking you.
Thanks for the invitation from Dan and his team to be a guest speaker
this week, starting Tuesday 8 April.
My name is Bryan Jenkins, Chief Executive of Environment Canterbury and
I have more than thirty years' experience in natural resource and
environmental management. Prior to joining Environment Canterbury in
2004 I worked in government administration of environmental protection,
in a university as a professor of environmental management, and as a
consultant. I have previously worked throughout Australia and in 14
countries principally India, China, Thailand and the United States.
I live in Merivale with my wife, Janet, and we have two adult daughters
and one grandchild.
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Thanks Dan, I previously had a media career that’s included being a
parliamentary journalist and campaigning newspaper editor. The ‘fair go’ and
opportunities which we got as a working-class family of six kids sealed my
politics.
I was raised in Wellington, trained as a journalist and was covering Parliament
by my early twenties. With my wife Philippa and two daughters, I moved to
Marlborough in 1994 as Editor of the province’s daily newspaper. We are now
settled in Christchurch while our daughters, 22 and 20, are at different
universities.
I played a key role in establishing Marlborough’s economic development trust
and spent eight years on the region’s polytechnic council, with a particular
focus on encouraging trade training to help boost skills and wage levels.
As an Editor, I took a stand against council attempts to privatise
Marlborough’s water supply, sell its pensioner housing and contract out
services. Running The Press’ parliamentary office, I’d seen the wholesale
transfer of state assets into private hands and what we had lost. Suggestions
that the local hospital could be closed by the National government saw another
campaign.
I have run my own communications business for the last 2 and a half years, with
much of my work promoting broadband. Helping Christchurch achieve a fibre optic
network that provides high-speed connectivity is hugely important. I want to
see Christchurch as New Zealand’s best-connected city.
I believe Christchurch faces the challenge of future proofing itself. There’s a
big industrial base. We need to ensure the skills are tuned to 21st century
needs.
I also want to help ensure more low-moderate cost housing is built in
Christchurch Central. We will have rapid redevelopment in the inner city
suburbs amid rising fuel prices.
Last year I ran an energy efficiency campaign for a government department.
Christchurch winters are no picnic, yet many houses remain poorly insulated.
Some great work is being done but we need to insulate every home, no matter
what the income.
And I want to see a review of our liquor laws. Excess alcohol consumption is
the cause of most of our problems with violence and vandalism. I will explore
this further in my post – thanks for reading up till now.
Hi Brendon, We do indeed need a comprehensive review of our Liquor Laws as one
way of reducing the Violence and vandalism and alcoholism/binge drinking that
is concerning all Christchurch Citizens.
I hope any review will include a look at The Liquor Licencing Authority
For one thing it has needed more teeth to prevent "UNDESIRABLES" gaining
licences to operate hotels/bars as evidenced last year and reported in The
Press of December 12th 2007 whereby it took Two Years to cancel the Licence of
an "Undesirable operator at a pub that was described as the worst pub in
Canterbury and one who continued to trade even after the licence was cancelled
The report said the Licencing system was geared to protect the licencee
particularly the dodgy ones There needs to be a faster system that stops these
undesirables operating hotbeds of criminal activity. I look forward to a wider
community discussion as in my own suburb there are new liquor outlets being
built inc. a new cafe bar close to each other which we dont need. Cheers,
Graeme Stanley
Dear Forum Colleagues, This is by way of introduction. I'm Dr Kennedy Graham -- Ken from now on -- and it is my pleasure to be the pointsman (-person) for this week. I look forward to discussing any topic that people might wish to, through this very useful democratic medium. By way of background, and sorry about this, but I was born, and grew up, an Aucklander. In those days we had the better rugby team but no longer and so I am happy to be down here now, for so many reasons. More to the immediate point, I served 16 years in the NZ diplomatic service and then worked overseas in 9 countries all up -- in and with the United Nations: USA, Canada, Thailand, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Bangladesh (briefly), Jordan (during 9/11), & Belgium. Returned to NZ (Christchurch) in August 2005. Now I teach at Canterbury University and Victoria University (Wellington) in international and international politics. Love being back home. I am also International Secretary for the Green Party, having joined in 2005, and am standing for Parliament in the Ilam electorate. I ranked 9th on the List, so somewhere around 8% of the party vote might see me in in there. If you check out http://KenGraham.blogspot.com - you'll find my various ideas... Looking forward to our dialogue. With best regards, Ken
Hi all, My name is Matt and I will be with you for Youth Week providing my perspective (as a youth in Christcurch City) on what is going on around town, like Dan metioned above. I am 15 years old and have lived in Christchurch all my life, currently attendng Cashmere High School. I do volunteer work with a group called the White Elephant Trust. I am ivolved in many aspects of the Trust, which includes me organising and managing a DJ school. I'd also like to mention a group called WE-Care, who looks after the general well-being of people who attended our all-ages events. I will discuss this part of the Trust more specifically in this particular topic: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/canterburyissues/messages/post/rufQtMg5S5wQzZdpQVaac Last week i was interviewed by Rebbecca Todd from The Press for an article titled "Looking forwrd with hope" which appeared in the Mainlander section of Saturdays edition or it can be read here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4558355a13135.html I hope my views on our city are appreciated by you all. I look forward to discussing them with you and answering any questions you may have.
Hi All, It looks like we've had quite a few new members sign up recently (we're up to 224) - welcome to you all ! It would be great to hear from the new members if you would like to introduce yourselves (you can get an idea of how others have introduced themselves here: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1RLpU7uU9klLvwfxNxPpDV) To add to the existing topic, simply reply to this message with your introduction. Also, I'd love to know how people are finding out about this forum so if you could include that in your introduction as well, that'd be marvellous. Cheers, Andrew. Forum Manager
Hi Andrew, thanks for the work you are doing I think it's great:)
Maybe some new members signed up after a meeting in St Albans last
Thursday, we had a sustainable / transitional communities type meeting
which was very inspiring for me so maybe needs it's own subject.
Anyway I just wanted to say hello to all the new comers, it's great to
see comments and thoughts from, or descriptions of the new people so
please try not to be shy.
If you feel strongly about a Canterbury issue please state your case;)
Yours in anticipation Kerry McKenna
Hi everyone By way of a self-introduction - I'm Yenping, an e-government policy researcher with the State Services Commission. While working on a major report on the progress of e-government last year, this forum was picked up in our research and I thought you might be interested to know that you have been highlighted as an exemplary community initiative using ICT. The full report can be downloaded from http://progress.e.govt.nz. The Canterbury Public Issues Forum is mentioned specifically on page 39. We released the report through a blog post here http://blog.e.govt.nz/index.php/2008/06/19/progress-toward-transformation/ . It is very heartening to see this vibrant engagement taking place within the community, and even better to know that months from our first spotting the site (during the research phase), it is not only still alive but thriving! I don't live in Christchurch, so I don't anticipate that I'll be contributing to the discussions on this forum on a regular basis. However, I will certainly check back on this forum now and then as a community resource. And of course, if you have any questions or thoughts concerning the report, you are welcome to contribute to the blog (http://blog.e.govt.nz ) or write to me directly (<email obscured>). I would be very happy to hear from you. And keep up the good work! -Yenping <email obscured> 04 439 6301
Hi Yenping, On Thu, 2008-07-24 at 17:36 +1200, Yenping Yeo wrote: > By way of a self-introduction - I'm Yenping, an e-government policy > researcher with the State Services Commission. While working on a > major report on the progress of e-government last year, this forum was > picked up in our research and I thought you might be interested to > know that you have been highlighted as an exemplary community > initiative using ICT. That's awesome, thanks for the feedback. I guess when the report was written there was a significant amount of discussion around local government issues on the forum. However, it would be fair to say that, away from the skewing influence of an election, we've had some lively debates around issues such as liquor reform and boy racers that are real concerns for a number of members. Also, while local government has a part to play in these discussions I want to stress that, first and foremost, this is initiative by and for all Cantabrians. [Shameless plug warning] This forum owes it's existence and success in large part to Dan Randow and the team at Onlinegroups.net (http://onlinegroups.net). The software has been developed in Canterbury, continues to be maintained by Dan's team in Christchurch, and embodies Dan's considerable experience in e-democracy.