In October, local elections will be held across Christchurch. Chris Lynch Media has contacted all current Christchurch City Councillors to ask why they are seeking re-election. Each councillor was invited to respond to a series of questions about their record, priorities, and vision for the city.
Here’s what Harewood Councillor Aaron Keown had to say
Why have you decided to stand again?
I have enjoyed representing the people of Harewood and their views at the council table and I believe I have done that well.
What are the most pressing issues facing your ward right now?
Transport, trees and rates.
If re-elected, what are your top three priorities for the next term?
Lobbying the Government for the delivery of the flyover intersections at Harewood and Johns Road, and Sawyers Arms and Johns Road.
The delivery of the shared path on Gardiners Road.
Increasing Christchurch’s economic development, as I believe Christchurch can be the greatest little city in the world.
What has the Council done well this term, and where has it fallen short?
Delivered the stadium on time and on budget.
Where it’s fallen short is the proliferation of speed humps.
How would you describe your approach to representing your community?
I’m happy to candidly express the varied views of the good people of Harewood.
What has been the most challenging part of your role as a councillor?
Being outnumbered on contentious votes on issues like speed humps, cycleways and rate rises.
What achievement are you most proud of from your time in office?
Getting the traffic lights at Harewood, Breens and Gardiners.
What would you do differently if given another term?
What I want to do depends on the makeup of the next council. I want to facilitate a transport system that flows, an economy that grows and rate rises that slow.
(Didn’t mean to be poetic but that just came out.)
What’s currently on your Spotify playlist?
‘How I Built This’ with Guy Raz. It’s an incredible series on entrepreneurs.
What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you most people don’t know?
I once visited Corcoran Prison at 2am to film a piece for a mockumentary. There were no guards at the gates so we drove straight in and managed to get just metres away from the wing where our subjects Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan were housed. It started out well and soon went pear-shaped when officials realised we were there.
Best café and best restaurant in Christchurch?
Café: Insitu
Restaurant: Diner 66
Read more about Pauline Cotter standing again in Innes Ward.
