20/01/2025
Since we began in March we have enjoyed some spirited discussions and great speakers. We invited the Minister for the South Island Hon James Meager to talk about his role and what we wants to achieve. We always discuss what is currently topical in NZ and overseas. We shared our thoughts and aspirations for Christchurch and Canterbury in the lead up to the local body elections. Three of us attended the local Community Board meeting on 11 September at the Council's Smith St offices and listened to deputations from several groups including the Coastal Pathway group who would like the ongoing issue with the Christchurch Yacht Club resolved as soon as possible. We also attended the September City Council meeting, the main topic of which was the problem of poor footpaths in the city and environs. Several councillors expressed their concern that their community boards have raised this problem on a regular basis with no follow through. If community boards are not able to have their concerns heard and acted on, it does raise the question of their value. In October we debated the issues relating to elite sports in NZ and whether we expect too much from our sportspeople. We meet on the second Thursday of every month, starting 10.30am at the Birdwood Cafe.
