The Ashburton District Council expressed its opposition to Environment Canterbury’s draft proposal in its submission to Ecan’s representation review earlier this month.

Ecan adopted its Initial Proposal in July which removes the Ashburton District from the current grouping with Selwyn District, and instead forms a larger constituency by grouping the district with South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi.

Mayor Neil Brown believes this change would not provide effective representation for Ashburton District or the rural communities of Canterbury.

“Ashburton District makes a significant contribution to the regional economy, and under this proposal, we’re gravely concerned we will not have any voice at the regional council table”, he said.

“If we’re added to South Canterbury, which is already very large, we don’t think our people will have good enough access to elected representatives.”

“If this review goes ahead, there will only be two Ecan Councillors from the Rakaia River to Waitaki.”

The Council’s submission proposes four alternative options, all including various Selwyn areas, rather than South Canterbury.

“We believe that issues in rural Selwyn are more aligned with those of our district, and being grouped with Selwyn will continue to give our shared rural communities a strong voice.”

Mayor Brown and Chief Executive Hamish Riach will speak to their submission at Ecan’s hearings on 18 September before it decides on its final proposal in October.

The Ashburton District Council’s submission on Environment Canterbury’s Initial Proposal can be viewed here