Over the past year, Environment Canterbury has worked closely with farmers on the Government’s ‘Essential Freshwater’ package and began introducing zero emission buses to its transport fleet.
Question 1: What are your thoughts on carbon farming; is it an issue in this electorate; and how would you address it?
Question 2: What are your goals and priorities for council?
DR ELIZABETH MCKENZIE
Constituency: South Canterbury/Otuhituhi.
Age: 49.
Occupation: Scientist.
Question 1: Carbon farming is a double-edged sword. It is an opportunity for more sustainable land use, or it can drive biodiversity loss through use of single species monocultural plantations. Central government policies are critical to optimising carbon farming for environmental gains. Therefore I will commit to dialogue with central government to enable sustainable land use practices like regenerative farming, perennial and tree crops, windbreaks, hedge rows, and mixed native exotic forestry to be included in carbon farming.
Question 2: Fund sustainable flood protection methods like those used in Scotland; urgently prioritise a spatial plan for relocating communities impacted by sea-level rise; initiate regional transport (bus and rail) service and increase small bus services; support pest control via new trapping, tracking and drone technologies; reduce sediment pollution from intensive farming reaching waterways and the marine environment; reduce gaseous and particulate air pollution; prevent water pollution by increasing silage leachate monitoring; technology to reduce pesticide use.
PETER SCOTT
Constituency: South Canterbury/Otuhituhi.
Age: 67.
Occupation: Farmer, two-term councillor.
Question 1: Very unhappy with the loss of such large areas on an almost weekly basis.
Carbon sequestration should accommodate both native planting and permanent areas that are quantified by farm.
Question 2: Support the good work ORC is is doing on wallabies. Work with ORC to ensure wilding pine funding is maintained through the next five years.
Ensure that funding for river resilience is supported by central government. Currently regional councils are seeking a budget contribution of $150 million a year to allow rivers to be cared for and ratepayer assets protected like they were prior to 1990.
ROY TEWERINGA SNOW
Constituency: South Canterbury/Otuhituhi.
Age: 52.
Occupation: Actor.
Question 1: I'm supportive of CF but wary of its impact on productive land and farming communities in general. Native trees supporting areas of coastal erosion, filling unproductive spaces or around waterways is a good thing.
Question 2: To advocate strongly, and to the best of my ability, for the people of South Canterbury who constantly work, often unheralded, to uphold their livelihoods and sustainable solutions for the land around them.
NICK WARD
Constituency: South Canterbury/Otuhituhi.
Age: 55.
Occupation: Business owner.
Question 1: Carbon farming is providing diversity for the Canterbury region, but we will see long-lasting consequences for provincial New Zealand if large-scale planting continues on prime pastoral land.
Marginal land with the right trees in the right place for the right outcomes, to achieve the right environmental outcomes, has long-term sustainability for Canterbury for future generations.
Question 2: I offer environmental stewardship commitment to the Canterbury region, an inquiring mind, positive approach, strong governance and advocacy for the South Canterbury District.
The key issues that need to be addressed are: the management of freshwater; land; air; soil; and coastal erosion; together with flood control measures; the public transport debate; addressing climate change; strategic direction through long-term planning; nutrient migration; and improved decision processes to enhance a better future for Canterbury.
