South Island candidates
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PRO-RAIL south island CANDIDATES RUNNING IN THE 2022 LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS
Tane apanui
Environment Canterbury - Christchurch North East/Ōrei
Rail and simplified transport
Have worked in transport and infrastructure for twenty years.
Would like to see logistical problems sorted without roads as the default solution and rail added to the natural land transport list.
I'd also like to see rail used for long distance Pt.
Have worked in transport and infrastructure for twenty years.
Would like to see logistical problems sorted without roads as the default solution and rail added to the natural land transport list.
I'd also like to see rail used for long distance Pt.
James Macbeth Dann
Environment Canterbury - South / Owhanga
Independent
https://jamesmacbethdann.substack.com/
I'm running for ECan because I want to improve the environment of Canterbury for future generations, including my own children. I am a frequent user of public transport and my main way of getting around is by bike. I want to see passengers back on trains in the region. Climate change is real, and we are already seeing the effects, such as the record-wet July we just had. We need to reduce our emissions, but also plan for the impacts of the changing climate now. More public transport, increased housing density, walkable and cyclable cities.
I’ve outlined my vision for rail in Canterbury in this article that was published on the Spinoff a few years ago. https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-11-2018/a-new-plan-for-christchurch-rail In summary, I want to see the rail spur built between Rolleston and Belfast, so that some of the heavy rail can bypass the city, allowing passenger carriages onto the rail corridor, servicing the south west (Selwyn) and north (Rangiora and Kaiapoi) commuters into town. Then, we work on a concentrated light rail network in the city, essentially replicating the tram routes we had up to the 1950s.
I’ve outlined my vision for rail in Canterbury in this article that was published on the Spinoff a few years ago. https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-11-2018/a-new-plan-for-christchurch-rail In summary, I want to see the rail spur built between Rolleston and Belfast, so that some of the heavy rail can bypass the city, allowing passenger carriages onto the rail corridor, servicing the south west (Selwyn) and north (Rangiora and Kaiapoi) commuters into town. Then, we work on a concentrated light rail network in the city, essentially replicating the tram routes we had up to the 1950s.
dr elizabeth mckenzie
Environment Canterbury South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi
Hi, I'm Dr Elizabeth McKenzie, candidate for Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council) for the South Canterbury ward. I'm a 49-year-old New Zealand -born scientist, and I'm passionate about the benefits of rail for the environment and for human health.
According to the International Energy Agency, aggressive rail expansion is the single biggest thing that can be done to reduce global transport emissions rapidly and effectively. Rail is the most efficient and lowest emitting mode of transport, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, congestion and air pollution.
If elected I will push our Council to:
1. Lobby government to prioritise rail as one of the main arms of climate change mitigation (agricultural reform being the other arm), requiring cross-ministry joint partnerships, not just the transport ministry.
2. Reprioritise all transport funding, petrol tax, emissions trading scheme, and any other relevant funding to upgrade the entire rail network for New Zealand, with the aim of enabling rapid passenger rail between all of the main centres as a matter of urgency, not because of climate, but because of the social inequity arising from transport poverty brought about by fuel taxes.
3. Ask Government to empower regional, unitary, district and city councils to run regional passenger rail. This could be electric battery, hybrid, low emission diesel or the new biomass steam technology. We can form a South Island rail coalition to collect rates to fund our railcars. These rates won't be based on population density only, they will also be based on incentivising domestic tourism.
Its very simple. Without good track we can't run passenger rail. We need Central Government to restore the track so we can run the passenger rail. Canterbury has good bones for rail, its the ideal place to begin restoration of our South Island rail network. Lets get the Mainland back on track!
According to the International Energy Agency, aggressive rail expansion is the single biggest thing that can be done to reduce global transport emissions rapidly and effectively. Rail is the most efficient and lowest emitting mode of transport, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, congestion and air pollution.
If elected I will push our Council to:
1. Lobby government to prioritise rail as one of the main arms of climate change mitigation (agricultural reform being the other arm), requiring cross-ministry joint partnerships, not just the transport ministry.
2. Reprioritise all transport funding, petrol tax, emissions trading scheme, and any other relevant funding to upgrade the entire rail network for New Zealand, with the aim of enabling rapid passenger rail between all of the main centres as a matter of urgency, not because of climate, but because of the social inequity arising from transport poverty brought about by fuel taxes.
3. Ask Government to empower regional, unitary, district and city councils to run regional passenger rail. This could be electric battery, hybrid, low emission diesel or the new biomass steam technology. We can form a South Island rail coalition to collect rates to fund our railcars. These rates won't be based on population density only, they will also be based on incentivising domestic tourism.
Its very simple. Without good track we can't run passenger rail. We need Central Government to restore the track so we can run the passenger rail. Canterbury has good bones for rail, its the ideal place to begin restoration of our South Island rail network. Lets get the Mainland back on track!
Elliot Weir
Otago Regional Council (Dunedin constituency)
linktr.ee/ElliotforORC
I want to provide a fresh voice on council and advocate for the best interests of the land, water, and people of Otago. I am the features editor for Critic Te Ārohi, Otago Uni’s student magazine. I have a research background in ecology, and have been involved in conservation projects in Ōtepoti for years. My priorities are better bus networks, healthier rivers, and more climate change resilience in the Land and Water Plan. I have more detailed policy information on my facebook or at the policy.nz website.
My priority for public transport is the local bus network. Our bus services are letting down the people who rely on them, and there’s not enough drivers to manage shortages. By restoring public ownership of bus networks we can give drivers a fairer deal, improve timetables, and make fares free for those who need it most. These changes, and many more, are on the table for the next three years of the ORC, but it will take the right people getting elected for things to improve.
I would love to see passenger rail implemented on a national level, and will passionately advocate for a rail link between Dunedin and Christchurch if the opportunity arises. If passenger rail is extensive, affordable, accessible, and attractive it has the potential to transform the way we move around the country and significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions at a national level.
samantha samuel
Malvern Ward - Selwyn District Council
I grew up in Christchurch and graduated from the University of Canterbury in Engineering. For over 20 years, I’ve worked in the food, petroleum, and dairy industries of New Zealand
I am running for council because I am a young, energetic person with fresh ideas, who can be a faithful representative for my ward. After attending community meetings in all the Malvern townships, I have acquired a better understanding of the issues concerning these rural areas.
My background in science, engineering and project management will inform how I support our community to address difficult challenges like
· working to fairly distribute revenue for the benefit of all ratepayers, · establishing cost effective changes to infrastructure to provide for long term safe drinking water (chlorination is not always the answer for all situations), and · establishing sustainable plans for future infrastructure projects designed for the effects of climate change I have a passion for supporting communities and can bring a fresh perspective to council decisions, with a focus on sustainability.
I would be a good addition to council because through my professional career, I have acquired the skills and experience to assess situations, work with others to find solutions and I am committed to devoting the time and energy needed to represent my constituents. I have experience managing a community organisation as I sit on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organisation and am also an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors.
The breadth of my professional experience and non-profit volunteer work has equipped me with the skills necessary to work collaboratively with Malvern residents, to voice residents’ concerns at council, to be a strong voice for the community and to seek positive outcomes for us all.
There are established train tracks from the city across through many rural towns like West Melton, Kirwee, Darfield, Sheffield, Springfield. I would like to see more of the existing rail being utilised for public transport. There is a potential to work with ECan on creating affordable, efficient train services on the existing network which would reduce traffic volumes and air pollution. And also to get heavy truck vehicles off the roads which will mean less wear and tear on the roads. Also great for community wellbeing to enjoy the view on a train than navigating the roads and traffic into the city. Rural residents may drive from 40mins to an hour to get to a closest satellite hub or township.
I am running for council because I am a young, energetic person with fresh ideas, who can be a faithful representative for my ward. After attending community meetings in all the Malvern townships, I have acquired a better understanding of the issues concerning these rural areas.
My background in science, engineering and project management will inform how I support our community to address difficult challenges like
· working to fairly distribute revenue for the benefit of all ratepayers, · establishing cost effective changes to infrastructure to provide for long term safe drinking water (chlorination is not always the answer for all situations), and · establishing sustainable plans for future infrastructure projects designed for the effects of climate change I have a passion for supporting communities and can bring a fresh perspective to council decisions, with a focus on sustainability.
I would be a good addition to council because through my professional career, I have acquired the skills and experience to assess situations, work with others to find solutions and I am committed to devoting the time and energy needed to represent my constituents. I have experience managing a community organisation as I sit on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organisation and am also an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors.
The breadth of my professional experience and non-profit volunteer work has equipped me with the skills necessary to work collaboratively with Malvern residents, to voice residents’ concerns at council, to be a strong voice for the community and to seek positive outcomes for us all.
There are established train tracks from the city across through many rural towns like West Melton, Kirwee, Darfield, Sheffield, Springfield. I would like to see more of the existing rail being utilised for public transport. There is a potential to work with ECan on creating affordable, efficient train services on the existing network which would reduce traffic volumes and air pollution. And also to get heavy truck vehicles off the roads which will mean less wear and tear on the roads. Also great for community wellbeing to enjoy the view on a train than navigating the roads and traffic into the city. Rural residents may drive from 40mins to an hour to get to a closest satellite hub or township.
ali jones
Innes Council seat – Christchurch City CouncilIndependent
I have been an elected member of the Waipapa-Papanui Innes Community Board for nine years, three of those as a city councillor (2013-2016), after which I decided not to stand again until our earthquake claim was resolved. After a decade of working with earthquake claimants and groups including the Community Reference Group (EQC inquiry) and EQC’s Claimant Reference Group, I have successfully advocated for people who need support and a voice. That is why I am standing for the City Council in 2022.
I’m politically independent and not beholden to any political party. With strong relationships in the not-for-profit, business, government, media and arts sectors, I’m well connected and have a broad knowledge. Traffic volumes and congestion continue to challenge. Buses and cycling are part of the answer but there are many other tools we must use. Improving light phasing; passenger and freight on rail; assessing effectiveness of road design; understanding behavioural psychology when it comes to implementing changes because we need to be taking people with us. We should not be forcing people into doing something because there is no other choice.
Issues in Innes need urgent innovative, focused and common-sense solutions, and I know they are there.
Successfully managing environmental challenges is a top priority.
Enough “green speak”; we need an holistic approach, supported by innovation and inspiration, and much ‘bigger’ thinking. The flooding in Edgeware has to be resolved; it’s gone on too long. We need green spaces and amenity to support the huge amount of new housing - this is a priority.
I have been a champion of both passenger and freight rail for almost ten years, including my time as a city councillor in 2013-2016. If we had started implementing some of the innovative ideas being promoted a decade ago, I believe we would have far fewer vehicles on the road and be much further along regarding reduced co2 emissions. I am excited by the work of people like Sam Mackwell and his zero emissions steam engine, and the recent media reports about the high speed electric railcar being developed in Christchurch. There must be much more courageous focus on these kinds of ideas because to be frank, forcing people onto bikes and only having buses as the public transport choice in a city like Christchurch, is pretty short sighted in my opinion.
I’m politically independent and not beholden to any political party. With strong relationships in the not-for-profit, business, government, media and arts sectors, I’m well connected and have a broad knowledge. Traffic volumes and congestion continue to challenge. Buses and cycling are part of the answer but there are many other tools we must use. Improving light phasing; passenger and freight on rail; assessing effectiveness of road design; understanding behavioural psychology when it comes to implementing changes because we need to be taking people with us. We should not be forcing people into doing something because there is no other choice.
Issues in Innes need urgent innovative, focused and common-sense solutions, and I know they are there.
Successfully managing environmental challenges is a top priority.
Enough “green speak”; we need an holistic approach, supported by innovation and inspiration, and much ‘bigger’ thinking. The flooding in Edgeware has to be resolved; it’s gone on too long. We need green spaces and amenity to support the huge amount of new housing - this is a priority.
I have been a champion of both passenger and freight rail for almost ten years, including my time as a city councillor in 2013-2016. If we had started implementing some of the innovative ideas being promoted a decade ago, I believe we would have far fewer vehicles on the road and be much further along regarding reduced co2 emissions. I am excited by the work of people like Sam Mackwell and his zero emissions steam engine, and the recent media reports about the high speed electric railcar being developed in Christchurch. There must be much more courageous focus on these kinds of ideas because to be frank, forcing people onto bikes and only having buses as the public transport choice in a city like Christchurch, is pretty short sighted in my opinion.
Harrison Mcevoy
Waipapa Community Board - Innes WardIndependent
I am a Student at UC majoring in Political Science. I have a lifelong love of all things railways but also an academic understanding of the benefits of rail transport to both connectivity and climate goals. There is a need in Waitaha for both of these.
I would like to see the reinstatement of affordable intercity rail travel in the South Island, as well as the restoration of Christchurch's commuter rail networks to Rolleston, Rangiora, Lyttleton, and Lincoln. I would like to see this in conjuction with the development of LR/MRT schemes in the inner suburbs on major corridors to create an interconnected network with low/no fares