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 Sara Templeton, who’s standing for mayor, had to say.

Why have you decided to stand again?

I’m standing for Mayor to make sure we continue the work we’ve been doing in creating a people-friendly, sustainable and resilient Ōtautahi Christchurch now and for future generations. It’s been an enormous privilege serving the communities of the Heathcote ward for the last nine years, but I’m retiring from my Councillor role and it’s time to step up and use the knowledge and skills I’ve learned to serve the wider city.

What are the most pressing issues facing your ward right now?

Some of the biggest challenges facing the city right now are affordability, planning for our growing population, our water infrastructure and our natural environment.

If re-elected, what are your top three priorities for the next term?  

There’s so much to do and it’s a whole city, but here are three of the top priorities:

1. Making sure that our city is affordable for everyone, with access to shared facilities like libraries, pools and community centres. With thriving community gardens, organisations that lend a hand when times are tough and great events and parks for people to enjoy.

2. Install a network of chlorine-free water stations across the city while we increase renewals of our leaking water pipes. 

3. Continue our progress in creating a safer and more sustainable transport system, where kids can walk or bike to school, public transport is affordable and convenient, and those who need to drive can do so with less congestion even as our population continues to grow.  And cheeky forth 4. Upzone SoMo (the industrial area between Moorhouse and Brougham) to mixed use enabling a lot of residential building close to the central city and taking the pressure off increasing density in our neighbourhoods.

   

   Caption: Where it all began; leading the successful protest against the demolition of the Heathcote Community Library back in March 2013. Sara is in the middle.

What has the Council done well this term, and where has it fallen short?

This term we have continued to make progress in becoming the people-centred city that residents asked for after the earthquakes and it’s really starting to pay off. We’ve also passed our first Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan for communities in Whakaraupo Lyttelton Harbour. But, we’ve had much less oversight of the Council organisation this term and less information flowing to the elected members. We’ve had fewer governance reports and less input into the Long Term Plan, Council’s ten year work programme and budget. This needs to change so that Councillors and community board members know more about what’s happening, can prioritise what actually matters and scrutinise budgets more thoroughly than we do now.

How would you describe your approach to representing your community?

I’ve been an active councillor both on the ground and online, helping community groups and residents navigate Council, advocating for the ward and keeping people well informed about what’s happening locally and across the city. Next term, I would be a visible and accessible mayor in the community, a collaborative leader at the council table, and a champion for our city at the regional and national level.

What has been the most challenging part of your role as a councillor?

The increasing amount of gaslighting and personal attacks from Councillors instead of actually listening to each other and focusing on the issues at hand. It’s poor governance and doesn’t build relationships to get good outcomes for the city.

What achievements are you most proud of from your time in office?

There are things I’m proud to have got across the line, but two that stand out are: 1. Getting rid of library fines and hold fees has had a huge impact for so many residents. It removed barriers to access and resulted in greater use of our much loved libraries.2. The establishment of a Climate Adaptation Fund. It will accumulate (much like retirement savings) to help pay for the big changes to public assets like roads or facilities we’ll need to make in the future and was well supported in consultation last year.

What would you do differently if given another term?

People often comment on how serious I am and while I believe that taking the leadership roles we have seriously is important, I’d have a bit more fun in the job too. 

What’s currently on your Spotify playlist?

Gin Wigmore, David Bowie and various current affairs podcasts.

What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you most people don’t know?

In 2003 I took a polar plunge off the side of a boat into the Ross Sea! It was part of a 28 day voyage to Antarctica on an Enderby scholarship.

Best café and best restaurant in Christchurch? This is a mean question as there are so many great ones – but this is where you’re most likely to find me:

Restaurant: Tanoshi – give the Trust the Chef a go. It’s fabulous! 

Café: Antigua Boatshed Café – a city icon.

READ MORE 

Council Re-Election Interview: Kelly Barber  

Council Re-election Interview: Pauline Cotter Council Re-election Interview: Aaron Keown | Council Re-election Interview: Andrei Moore 

Council Re-election Interview Victoria Henstock | Council Re-election Interview: Mayor Phil Mauger  | Council Re-election Interview: Tyla Harrison-Hunt