Change the City? Stand for 2021!

Christchurch 2021 is actively searching for people who want to have a say in how their city is run. Expressions of interest are invited from candidates of all ages who would like to stand under the their umbrella for the Mayoral candidate, Christchurch City Council and Community Boards and the Canterbury District Health Board.

What does being a candidate involve? You will need to write numerous publicity blurbs about yourself and what you offer as a candidate, put up loud gaudy hoarding signs around your ward, door knock hundreds of homes and speak at numerous public meetings.

Sounds nerve wracking? It can be, but past Hagley Ferrymead Community Board member, Linda Rutland, says it is all worth it in order to be in a position where you can progress the things your community needs.

Linda says one of her proudest memories is of being asked to help open the Moa Kids crèche in Redcliffs in 2008. A new crèche had been needed in the area for many years and the children and staff were working in far from optimal conditions but the crèche committee had real difficulty in getting their needs heard by their (mainly male) elected members.

Once Linda found out about their struggle she put her lobbying skills behind their bid for funding. After a very long and torturous process, the money was secured and the group got underway with establishing the crèche.

If you feel you have passion and energy to get things done for your local community or the city, possess good communication and debating skills, then why not consider becoming a candidate?

[Note: Christchurch 2021 is a local political group that includes members of the Labour, Progressive and other parties, and people who belong to no party at all. All candidates will be given election training.]