Pegasus Post: September 22, 2022

4 Thursday September 22 2022
Celeste
Donovan
Councillor for
the Coastal Ward
About me
I am a coastal resident of Christchurch, born and raised, I
love this city and especially our coastal communities.
As a middle child in a bunch of 5 kids, I learned at an early
age, how to strongly advocate for what was important to me.
I have honed those early skills with a Masters’ degree in
international relations and honours in politics and law, and
through work in government.
What is most important to me now, is standing up strong for our
coastal communities as your elected councillor. I feel privileged every
day to represent such a vibrant part of our city.
Kia ora, I’m Celeste Donovan, Councillor for the
Coastal Ward.
Last year you elected me as your Councillor, and I hit the
ground running. I have made strong strides already, and I
seek your vote in the October election because there is a lot
more that I want to achieve for you.
What I have achieved so far
Since my election last year, I have focused on bridging the
gap between Council and our communities by establishing:
• live streaming for Community Board meetings,
• a community advisory group for the wastewater plant
issues
• an Engagement Working Group.
I have got businesses and community groups the
funding they need:
• secured funding for a community centre in Parklands to
help rebuild what was lost after the earthquakes.
• helped coordinate a business support package for those
impacted by Covid
• supported progress on key urban regeneration projects,
such as the New Brighton mall.
What I plan to achieve if re-elected
As an independent, I will prioritise the needs of the city, and
as my actions show, I will advocate for you at the Council
table. My priority goals for the coming term are:
1. Action on climate change. I will help ensure
our communities are at the forefront of decisionmaking
to prepare for climate impacts, and ready to
seize opportunities that arise from investment and
development of a more climate-resilient city.
2. Community engagement and empowering
local decision making. I will work to establish a
citizens’ panel, move our electoral system to Single
Transferable Vote (STV) and have councillors elected
at large across community board areas. I will seek to
empower residents and community boards to equitably
participate in local decision-making and climate
adaptation planning.
3. Developing our local communities and a more
sustainable city
I will work ensure support for local businesses, better
public transport and urban planning and reconnecting
people with their local areas so they can easily live,
work, and play close to home.
For more reasons to vote Celeste, visit: www.celestedonovan.co.nz