Cr Alec Neill, former MP for Waitaki and a Canterbury regional councillor since 2003, has been elected chair of Environment Canterbury, 8 votes to 6.
The vote for a new chair followed the vote to remove the chair, Sir Kerry Burke, also 8 votes to 6.
Cr Neill represents Christchurch West on the regional council and has chaired the regulation hearing committee and regulation overview committee in the past two terms. Cr Neill, a consultant solicitor for Lane Neave, chaired Parliament’s planning and development select committee which oversaw the passing of the Resource Management Act 1991 - noted at today’s meeting.
Cr Jo Kane, representing North Canterbury on the regional council, was re-elected deputy chair unopposed, having earlier tendered her resignation from that position. Cr Kane also chairs Environment Canterbury’s air quality/Clean Heat Project portfolio as well as the region-wide regional transport committee, which includes transport agencies and members of territorial councils. Cr Kane is a former deputy mayor of Waimakariri District Council.
Councillors voting for Alec Neill as chairman were Jo Kane, Pat Harrow, Carole Evans, Ross Little, Angus McKay, Bronwen Murray, Mark Oldfield and Cr Neill.
Councillors who voted to retain Sir Kerry Burke as chairman were Jane Demeter, Bob Kirk, Eugenie Sage, David Sutherland, Rik Tindall and Sir Kerry. Sir Kerry thanked councillors who had spoken in support of him at the meeting and said he was proud of his role as chair.
In speaking to his nomination as chairman, Cr Neill said he wanted to focus on the future and not rake over the entrails from the past. He acknowledged the work done by Sir Kerry as a councillor and chair of the council, but change had been called for, not just by the council but by the community.
“My concern is what is best for Canterbury and the Canterbury Regional Council. At local Government level we must enhance work done in the past, but rumblings in Wellington do need to be addressed.”
Cr Neill said he had read the letter from Local Government Minister Rodney Hide to the Canterbury mayors on the performance of the regional council. He was satisfied Environment Canterbury could address the issues raised and avoid any formal intervention from central Government. “These mayors are concerned about leadership and want a more co-operative style,” he said.
Cr Neill said he believed his leadership style could better address relationships with the Christchurch City Council and the Timaru District Council, which were at a low ebb. He said that Environment Canterbury was blessed with a wonderful staff and directors who deserved leadership and vision at the top. “I will endeavour to have that discussion with you Mr CEO and your directors. I intend to be inclusive and equal to all councillors and to support them.”
He wished to allay concerns about the “razor gang” approach to council budgets he had previously promoted as prudent and responsible fiscal management. “The reality is the LTCCP (Long Term Council Community Plan) passed some time ago…staff can be satisfied there will be no wholesale changes in that regard.”
He also said there would be minimal changes in portfolio committee structures, chaired by councillors.
Cr Neill urged the council to move forward as a team, “all 14 of us.”
“This is a caretaker position for 13 months, colleagues. The time for side-shows is over. It is now time to move forward in a positive manner. I can’t achieve what I’d like to achieve for this council with six, seven or possibly eight councillors supporting me. I want the person who wins this vote to get everyone’s support.”
Contact details : Alec Neill, Chairman Environment Canterbury, alec.neill@ecan.govt.nz, 0274 403 731 or 03 342 4253 (home).
All councillor contact numbers north to south : Ross Little 0274 779, Jo Kane 027 323 2326, Jane Demeter 027 469 7165, Carole Evans 027 240 3096, Alec Neill 0274 403 731, Pat Harrow 021 045 3595, Rik Tindall 027 406 0077, David Sutherland 027 475 0073, Sir Kerry Burke 0275 425 848, Bob Kirk 0274 485 131, Eugenie Sage 021 155 3937, Angus McKay 0274 345 513, Mark Oldfield 0274 374 360 and Bronwen Murray 027 206 2878.