The headline of my campaign was Let’s keep the momentum going’. As I said our city is emerging from unprecedented challenges to become one of the most dynamic in New Zealand. I stand by my statement that we have laid the foundation for a modern, sustainable and resilient 21st century city, and when I see the team around me and the new Chief Executive, I know that together we can build a legacy for generations to come, a place where everyone can thrive. Tomorrow new council arrangements will be announced which will demonstrate they commitment I made to use my teambuilding skills and experience to deliver on what I offered in the campaign – Momentum is what I promised and this is the team that will deliver.
On a personal note, I want to thank my amazing husband who despite the challenges we are facing has stood by my side every step of the way. I could not serve the city I love without your support. Thank you. And to my “small, but perfectly formed” campaign team; you have been amazing. I am forever grateful for your willingness to apply your skills and experience to running a campaign – and making sure I’ve turned up in the right place at the right time and answered the questionnaires, and met the deadlines. My debt of gratitude is one I can never repay. Thank you Aaron; Thank you one and all.
Thank you to all the city councillors, both returning and new. Thank you for offering to serve your city and I thank each of you for your commitment to work collaboratively in the best interests of the city as we take on the challenges we face and take advantage of all the opportunities we see around us every day.
Thank you to your families – for some of you this experience will have come as a shock to the system. Your support is acknowledged and valued by all of us.
Thank you to Dawn Baxendale for travelling around the world to take up the best role in local government in the world.
In thanking you, I acknowledge the whole staff of the council from the mayor’s office who support Councillors and me – all the way through the myriad of services that keep our city and the peninsula running, and make it a great place to be.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me; in my first term we got the house in order, and the insurance settled. In my second term, we laid the foundation, and now it is all about delivery.
I have a team that both can and will deliver on what’s best for Christchurch and best for Banks Peninsula and the precious jewel it is to us all.
No reira