Second-term regional councillor, Dr Deon Swiggs, has been elected Chair of Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) in a unanimous vote at the inaugural Council meeting yesterday.
Chair Swiggs (Christchurch West/Ōpuna) was nominated by Councillor John Sunckell (Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi), seconded by Councillor Ian Mackenzie (Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi).
Councillors then nominated Councillor Iaean Cranwell (Ngāi Tahu), Councillor Claire McKay (North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke), and Councillor Nettles Lamont (Christchurch Central/Ōhoko) for Deputy Chair.
Councillor Iaean Cranwell was appointed as Deputy Chair with 15 votes.
Chair Swiggs (pictured) told Councillors it was a great honour and privilege to lead the council for the next triennium.
“This is a pivotal time for regional and local government. I look forward to working with Deputy Chair Cranwell and the rest of our Council colleagues as we guide the regional council through this period of new opportunities, while navigating the challenges ahead,” he said.
“I look forward to getting on with the work, but we do have a lot of work ahead of us. I will serve you well and bring this table together.
“Thank you so much for having the confidence in me.”
Deputy Chair Cranwell said he would do everything possible to ensure the community was able to gather healthy kai from the region’s waterways.
“Not only for this generation, but for generations to come. That is why I am here. I am concerned about the health of our water and our waterways.
“My focus is the region as a whole. I was selected by Ngāi Tahu, but my duty is to every community in Canterbury. I will lead the whole region, grounded in fairness and long-term outcomes,” Deputy Cranwell said.
New leadership for Canterbury Regional Council
