Three Mayors' reflections on leadership, stakeholders and serving the community

Panel Discussion

no longer available

Date: 5:30pm — 7:30pm, 15 June 2022
Venue: Warren & Mahoney
Location: 254 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Price members: $40.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $60.00 incl GST

Overview

As the Mayors/Chairs of entities employing thousands of team members and overseeing balance sheets of billions of dollars, the discussion will cover various topics including leadership in governance, balancing the community and commercial imperatives and facing challenges.

The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.

Panellists

Sam Broughton

Mayor of Waikirirkiri Selwyn
Sam was re-elected as Mayor of Waikirirkiri Selwyn in 2019, he has been part of local government since he first became a councillor in 2010.

Sam has a vision for Local Government that builds on the solid foundations that he acknowledges has been laid by those that have gone before him. He has a passion to engage with people to understand their aspirations and to support their growth and wellbeing. When he was elected Mayor in 2010 he said ‘the way that we get face to face with people is really important’ and he continues that philosophy today.

With his rural and youth work background Sam has a strong environmental focus and has been instrumental in leading his council through the approval of its first formal climate change policy. Sam is also the leader of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, the chair of Takiwā Tuarima (Zone 5, the Local Government body representing eighteen Councils across the South Island, and one of twelve Mayors who sit on LGNZ National Council. In these roles Sam is pursuing his desire to see New Zealand prosper and to influence Government decision making surrounding issues that affect the daily lives of all those that live in Aotearoa.

Sam lives in Darfield with his wife Liz and daughter Elliott. He enjoys friends’ road trips on his motorbike, playing the guitar and spending time with his family. He has a passion for cricket and has dabbled in lawn bowls and loves 1990’s pop.

Hon. Lianne Dalziel

Mayor of Christchurch
Lianne Dalziel’s third term as Mayor of Christchurch will be her last term after just over 30 years of public service. Lianne served for 23 years in the New Zealand Parliament, including as a Cabinet Minister in the fifth Labour Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Helen Clark.

Having represented an electorate that was hard hit by the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence, Lianne has become a respected champion of resilience with a strong understanding of post-disaster challenges and opportunities. It is in this context that she is often asked to speak about the importance of community leadership.

She also believes that Christchurch’s experiences over the past decade have shown the capacity of communities to adapt to change and to co-create a new future when there is no going back to “normal”.

Dan Gordon

Mayor of Waimakariri District
Prior to being elected Mayor of Waimakariri District Council in 2019 Dan had 15 years on the Council and therefore has an in-depth knowledge of local democracy and how this can solve local issues. With this extensive understanding of rural and urban communities Dan believes in creating strong connections between all residents and working in these communities to create positive change.

In addition to his Council roles Dan enjoys working as part of community organisations. He was involved in the establishment of the Oxford Art Gallery and the Kaiapoi Art Expo, and served as chair of both organisations for a number of years. He is past chair of the Friends of Rangiora Town Hall, Patron of the North Canterbury Musical Society and Deputy Chair of the Waitaha Primary Health Board.

In his role as Mayor, Dan participates in the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, is Deputy Chair of the Greater Christchurch Partnership, member of the Regional Land Transport Committee and chairs the Mayoral Forum Climate Change Steering Group and the Regional Road Safety Working Group. These are all aspects of local democratic machinery that improve the greater Christchurch area.

Dan considers it a great honour to be Mayor of Waimakariri District at a time of considerable challenge. Waimakariri is one of the fastest-growing areas in New Zealand and has been on a trajectory of consistent and significant growth since the Canterbury earthquakes. The big challenge is balancing a growing population while making sure there is a healthy environment, supportive community, resilient infrastructure and welcoming conditions for business and new residents.

Dealing with the flood events of April 2021, the continuing impact of Covid-19 as well as a central government-driven reform agenda, the regeneration opportunities brought about from the earthquakes and Council’s proposed District Plan make it a huge challenge and exciting time to be Mayor of Waimakariri. A personal highlight was the opening in August 2021 of Mainpower Stadium, the District’s $28m multi-use sport and fitness facility.

Dan sees people as being at the core of all Council decision-making. The Council that he leads is committed to investing in the community and making decisions that ensure Waimakariri continues to develop while maintaining its character as a fantastic place to work and live.

Jenny Hughey

Christchurch North East / Ōrei-Chair of Canterbury Regional Council
Jenny was elected unopposed as chair at the Council’s first meeting of the triennium.

Jenny has a master's degree in law and has spent 11 years in governance and community support and leadership roles at Christchurch City Council.

As well, she has previously been an Environmental Inquiry Commissioner, played a leadership role in the governance of the insurance industry/government resolution of earthquake claims service and the Styx River community project.

Jenny is the National Co-chair of Community Law Centres of Aotearoa. She has 30 years’ experience working on community justice matters, including human rights advocacy and the union movement.

Her priorities are protecting our democracy, public health, freshwater and ecological systems, protecting the drinking water aquifers, reducing carbon emissions, working with farmers to explore regenerative agriculture and de-intensification of dairy farms.

Additional information

Covid-19 precautions

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our Covid-19 health and safety measures. If you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend this event.