Renée Walker

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCILLOR

After more than a decade of working in high-profile community engagement, business recovery and central and local government roles, Renée is standing as the Independent Citizens candidate for the Riccarton Ward in the 2022 Local Body elections.

A committed and active community advocate for many years, Renée is committed to using the networks and knowledge she has built to benefit the Riccarton community. She has a good understanding of the challenges for the Riccarton community, particularly in relation to managing growth, the impact rate increases have on households, and the importance of ensuring that every dollar spent by Council is focused on those things that make the biggest difference to residents.

Renée is a passionate supporter of the Arts, and the many benefits the arts bring to a community including creating a sense of belonging and identity and having a positive impact on health and wellbeing. She is the current Chair of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra board, having previously served on the Christchurch Art Gallery Board for many years.

Renée has also served as Chair of the St Albans Residents Association, and as a Trustee of the Committee for Canterbury; the University of Canterbury MBA Alumni Association; and the Catholic Development Trust Fund Board. She believes now is the time for strong governance around the Council table, as we look to an aspirational future for the City and region, and that her experience positions her well to deliver this. You can contact Renée anytime.

Helen Broughton

COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER

Helen has represented Riccarton on the Community Board since 1995 and currently serves as Deputy Chair on the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board.

She is a strong, experienced advocate with a real commitment to the Riccarton community, where she and her husband have raised their children.

As a former City Councillor Helen brings strong planning experience to advocate effectively for Riccarton’s diverse community, facing huge pressure from central government’s direction on planning.

The direction from Wellington permits six storied housing around large centres, three storied housing in other areas, and removes Council’s current on site  parking requirements, which increases parking and congestion on roads.

This unprecedented Government direction will affect Riccarton - most of which could be zoned for six stories. Helen will fight to protect Riccarton’s residential environment and give residents a real voice on local decisions.

Helen has worked hard to stop apartment zoning in north Riccarton, promoted parking restrictions in residential streets, retained Council services in the Riccarton Community Centre and developed the university to city cycleway.

She is also passionate about protecting our city’s heritage: a former Trustee of Riccarton House and Bush, and Canterbury Museum. She holds a MA (Hons) from Canterbury; a former human resource manager and a trained teacher and counsellor.

Luke Chandler

COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER

A self-employed consultant to criminal barristers, Luke also runs Mythical Fibre, a small Christchurch-based Internet Service Provider. Luke has lived in Christchurch for over a decade, a place he proudly calls home.

Having been involved in a myriad of community projects, many through Rebuild Christchurch and the Sockburn Residents Association has helped him understand the challenges and needs of the Riccarton community. He's ready to bring solutions, not problems, to the Community Board

Residents are welcome to contact Luke on matters affecting them or their community at any time.