Inclusivity, climate key issues
Chris McDonald
Age: 40
Occupation: Selfemployed picture framer and graphic designer
Marital status: Single with no children
1. What is your connection to the
Clutha district?
I was born in Dunedin and grew up in Mosgiel. I have been living and working in Milton since 2014 when I shifted from Wellington to take over a picture framing business, as well as continuing my work as a freelance graphic designer. My parents moved to Milton in
2004 and have operated their own business in the town since.
2. Are you or have you been within the past five years an active member of any political, protest or other activist movement or party? How might that influence your activities and ambitions as mayor?
While I am not an active member nor have had any affiliations with political, protest or activist movements in the last five years, I do take a strong stance against racism and discrimination. I want to make sure our communities are inclusive and supportive of each other.
3. Why are you standing for mayor?
I am standing for mayor because I think it’s time for a fresh face, fresh thinking and especially fresh ears to help the council do better at listening to, and engaging with, our communities.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clutha during the next three years, and how can it be solved?
I think there are a couple of really big issues that we need to be looking at: growth in our district and climate change.
While it’s exciting to see new building projects pop up, we need to ensure we have infrastructure in place first to meet current need as well as future demand.
Practical steps also need to be taken now to mitigate the effects of climate change — steps like properly maintaining existing flood prevention measures, to help protect our communities from adverse weather events as best we can.
We need to be working closely with the Otago Regional Council to make sure ponding areas and wetland restoration are happening around the areas where we are growing. I’m not sure either of these big issues can be solved in three years, but we need to do more than talk and put plans into action to help futureproof the Clutha.