Christchurch university student Dylan Smart has announced he will stand for both the Christchurch City Council and the Halswell Community Board in the upcoming local elections.
The 21 year old said he was putting his hand up because he was frustrated with Council decisions that he believes have let local families down and drifted away from common sense.
“Rates are rising faster than inflation, yet Council keeps spending on things like cycleways and speed bumps while the basics are ignored,” Smart said.
“Potholes do not get fixed, and we are still fighting to get our water chlorine free. It is time for a reset.”
Smart was born and raised in Christchurch and lives in the Halswell Ward.
He said he values the educational opportunities in the city and the broader economic benefit they bring.
He said young people need a reason to stay, work hard, and succeed locally.
Independent Citizens Chair Jason Middlemiss said the group is backing Smart’s candidacy.
“Independent Citizens is very proud to endorse Dylan Smart. He is a young guy with huge potential and a massive future in Christchurch. His values, work ethic and life story make him a great candidate and someone the people of the Halswell Ward can be very proud of,” Middlemiss said.
Smart is also campaigning against what he believes are poor planning decisions.
“I do not support the over intensification of our suburbs. We should be building up the central city, not taking away the sunlight in people’s backyards,” he said.
“I am also worried that the values of local residents are not being represented by some of those currently at the Council table.”
Smart said his campaign platform is focused on lower rates, better basic services and stronger local decision making.
“I want Christchurch to be a place where future generations choose to stay. Somewhere with real chances to study, work, raise a family and get ahead, not a place people feel they need to leave.”
He said he would work hard for the people of Halswell and focus on delivering practical results.
