Christchurch City Council candidates replies to our Open Letter

We asked all Christchurch City Council candidates in an open letter what they are going to do about the troubled Akaroa Wastewater Project if elected. Here are the responses we have received so far:

Phil Mauger - Mayoral Candidate. Friends’ representatives have met with Phil. He demonstrated good knowledge of the Akaroa area and of the issues. He considers the cost of the land disposal scheme to be unsustainable. He is supportive of an ocean discharge scheme and also willing to reconsider all aspects of the system to make it more affordable and sustainable.

Sara Templeton – Mayoral candidate: Friends’ representatives have met with Sara. She is concerned that I&I has not been addressed and would push for comprehensive repair of the sewer pipes to reduce the risks of the land irrigation scheme. She expressed concern that alternative schemes may have poorer environmental outcomes. 

Tyrone Fields – Banks Peninsula Ward: “I think we all agree that the wastewater solution for Akaroa and Duvauchelle must be environmentally sustainable and fiscally responsible, and the cultural values paramount. I support a full reassessment of the scheme because as proposed it is either unworkable or unaffordable, probably both. After the last staff report with costs blowing out by another $70m, it demonstrated to my colleagues the sheer scale of the challenges, and I wouldn’t imagine any of them had a divergent view from mine. Staff will be reporting back to council early in the new year, as I understand it, with what I believe will be a review of options. I would love to see a comprehensive renewal of the sewer pipe network to address I&I, but it would be difficult for any councillor to promise that to their community given the competing priorities that exist. That said, it remains an aspiration.” Following a meeting with Friends’ representatives Tyrone has further stated he would like to put a motion to the Council to secure a specific budget for I&I repair work.

Dave Dunlay – Banks Peninsula Ward: “I wanted to thank you for organizing the meeting last week with the group. While I can understand your ongoing frustrations with the project and especially the process, I was also inspired by the work you do and the results you’ve achieved to date. Truly impressive. As I said to you, I will support completely the call to end this proposal and to revisit the obvious and cheaper options which have been ignored to date. This would also include a call to fix the pipes around Akaroa as part of the renewed proposal. This is in line with my belief of saving rate payer money, common sense decision making and that listening and working with locals, with local knowledge is always the best approach as opposed to top down directives.”

Debbie Mora – Riccarton Ward: “As an RMA consents Commissioner myself, my job is to always weigh up all detail and facts which is what I would do once elected. I totally appreciate your concerns and would welcome working together on this matter.”

Diane Ellis – Fendalton Ward: “The Akaroa Wastewater Scheme is now projected to cost nearly $192 million — for a project serving just 1200 properties. With costs spiraling, unresolved geotechnical risks, and a design that still won’t stop wastewater entering Akaroa Harbour, this scheme is clearly out of control. It is unacceptable that Council continues to spend ratepayers’ money on works and consent processes while the project is in such obvious financial and technical trouble. Ratepayers across Christchurch city — not just Akaroa — will be footing this bill. If elected I would support an immediate halt to further spending until a full, independent review of costs, risks, and alternatives is completed.”

Thomas Healey – Mayoral candidate: “This is troubling to hear I had heard that thing's were progressing again. I personally don't know much about this at the moment and I know platitudes don't help the situation until I get a better understanding of the situation I cannot comment on this I am interested in coming to Akaroa or if anyone is in town to meet up and discuss this.”