Regional and national roles, and how they connect.
Environment Canterbury sets the day job. Te Uru Kahika carries the regional sector's case to Wellington.
Regional · Current
Chair, Environment Canterbury
Since October 2025The council unanimously supported me as Chair at its inaugural meeting on 29 October 2025. I was first elected for Christchurch West/Ōpuna in 2022 and served as Deputy Chair under Craig Pauling from October 2024.
Environment Canterbury is New Zealand's largest regional council by area, covering more than 44,500 km² and about 700,000 people. It is responsible for freshwater, biodiversity, biosecurity, air quality, public transport, flood protection and natural hazard management.
Current focus
- Freshwater allocation and quality, and the transition to new resource management law
- Climate adaptation and flood protection funding
- Regional public transport and the transport funding gap
- Civil defence and natural hazard resilience
- Keeping regional services running without interruption through reform
“I will bring this table together. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Council businessFor a consent, rates, a complaint or anything that needs a council response, contact Environment Canterbury so it is logged and answered. ECan councillors page
National · Current
Regional Sector Chair, Te Uru Kahika
Since November 2025Te Uru Kahika is the partnership of New Zealand's 16 regional and unitary councils, the part of local government that manages water, land, biodiversity, biosecurity and natural hazards. As Regional Sector Chair I represent the group nationally, including within LGNZ.
The timing matters. The Government is replacing the Resource Management Act and has proposed ending elected regional councillors. The sector's job is to make sure the services communities rely on keep working through that change, and that the new arrangements stay accountable to the people they serve.
Current focus
- Representing regional and unitary councils in reform discussions
- A consistent regional voice on freshwater, climate and hazards policy
- Working with LGNZ and central government on the future of regional governance
City · 2016 to 2019
Christchurch City Councillor, Central Ward
One termOne term on Christchurch City Council during the central city rebuild, working on recovery decisions, urban development and community resilience.
Professional roles.
Swiggs Consulting
Founder and Principal. Strategic advice on governance, communications and sustainable development.
RMA hearings commissioner
Accredited to sit on resource consent hearings and plan change decisions.
Community
Involvement with the Avon-Ōtākaro Network, Keep Christchurch Beautiful and LGNZ.