5 Jun 2010

Burke to stand for Christchurch City Council

8:56 am on 5 June 2010

Former Canterbury Regional Council chair Sir Kerry Burke is to stand for election to the Christchurch City Council.

Sir Kerry served on the regional council for 12 years, before the Government replaced it with commissioners in March.

He was ousted last year in what his supporters say was a back-room coup over water rights.

A former Speaker of Parliament, Sir Kerry says the current council has failed to consult with electors and is simply a mouthpiece for the actions of its staff. He also accuses it of making poor financial decisions.

Sir Kerry says he would bring advocacy for water and air quality to the council. His other key policy areas are greater control over council spending, limiting urban sprawl and better public transport.

Sir Kerry is supporting the mayoral candidacy of Wigram MP Jim Anderton.