Next ECan elections unlikely before 2019
A return to democracy at Environment Canterbury (ECan) appears unlikely before 2019, despite Labour’s longstanding objection to the status quo.
The last Government removed democratically-elected councillors in 2009 and replaced them with seven commissioners the following year.
One of the sacked councillors, Eugenie Sage, is now Minister of Conservation.
Despite promises by former Environment Minister Nick Smith to restore democracy in 2013, it was pushed to 2016. A full return to democracy was delayed again until 2019 – half the current council is elected and half appointed.
During the election campaign, Labour said full elections would be restored ‘‘as soon as possible’’, but it is understood that is unlikely to happen before 2019, when elections were expected anyway.
The primary barrier is the upcoming representation review, which would set the electoral boundaries for the next election. It is likely to be completed part way through next year.
Because the existing boundaries were drawn under the current ECan Act, it is unclear how all 13 councillors would be elected until the review was completed.
Acting ECan chairman Steve Lowndes, who supports a return to democracy, said he hoped the Government would not force elections.
‘‘If you were to call an election now, on what basis would you do it?’’ he said.
‘‘There is no groundwork done to inform how you might hold an election.
‘‘Even if you did enter the process next year, it would take a year. So what are you going to do, elect a council for a year, or four years?’’
He said the new Government had not yet indicated there would be an election.
Under the ECan Act, the council’s decisions cannot be appealed to the Environment Court, only to the High Court on points of law.
It has allowed the council to move quickly to pass its planning framework, which is ongoing.
Although Labour long opposed the removal of democracy at ECan, Lowndes did not think holding an election abruptly was worth the disruption.
‘‘If I were part of a new Government, I’d let a few sleeping dogs lie, quite frankly,’’ he said. ‘‘The message we’re sending is steady as she goes. We’re working well as a council... Certainly we are lobbying to be left alone.’’
The council is down a member after chairman David Bedford, who is terminally ill, resigned. The Government can appoint a replacement, but is unlikely to do so.
Councillors will vote for a permanent chairperson later this month.