Councillors

I am a 43-year-old fourth-generation salmon, trout and game bird hunter. I have a young family who are just as passionate. I am a dairy farmer on the family farm in Springston with over 26 years of experience running this business.
In 2016 I received the Working with Nature Award in recognition of outstanding efforts to improve freshwater habitat from NCF&GC. In 2017 I was approached and asked to be co-opted on to North Canterbury Council. I stood in 2019 and was elected. I have represented NC on the National sub-committee for Sea Run Salmon Committee. I have filled in where required at the National Council meetings.
I am open and honest in my opinions and feel myself to be evidence-based and solution orientated. I have been involved with salmon rescue and volunteer egg harvesting at Montrose. I worked with DOC and Living Waters on waterway restoration.
This council needs to continue with its agenda to obtain better funding for this region. Over this last term, we have uncovered major funding inequity between our region and others throughout NZ and this need to be a major priority for our region. We need to be able to look after what we still have and get back what we have lost
I stand behind NCF&GC in working hard to achieve a high standard for our five priorities which include Habitat Protection and Enhancement, engaging stakeholders, improving the financial position, recovery of the trout and salmon fishery and our relationship with Iwi.

I have been a lifelong spin and fly fisher. As part of my degree in Zoology I studied fish and
fisheries gaining a strong appreciation of the variables affecting trout and salmon populations and the kind of healthy environments in which all species flourish. At present I am reading about the changing world ecosystems relating to salmon in an endeavour to understand some of the reasons for our dwindling salmon stocks and possible remedial measures. Most of my fishing has been in the estuarine waters, rivers and canals of the South Island. My experience also extends to Australia and Alaska.
I belong to the Canterbury Anglers Club and the New Zealand Handloaders Association. I have some past experience in game bird shooting. I support good relationships with NIWA, the Cawthorne Institute and the Department of Conservation and other organisations that support careful water management and healthy waterways.
I acknowledge the efforts farmers are making with catchment planting, fertigation, regenerative farming, biodiversity developments, specialty breeding and pasture improvement in order to reduce nitrogen application, leaching and runoff. We need to work
alongside farmers.
In the future it would be most worthwhile to see local facilities for the young, elderly and disabled so they can have outings to enjoy freshwater environments and the immense pleasure and relaxation that fishing can provide.
Your vote will mean strong strategic action towards healthier waterways, restoring our trout and salmon numbers and more fun for you in our fisheries and game bird areas!

I am a 53-year-old avid hunter and fisherman who is passionate about getting out in our great country and enjoying the many fishing and hunting opportunities. I grew up on a farm near the banks of the Rakaia River where I developed my love of salmon fishing, fly fishing and hunting. I believe we need to ensure the ability to fish and hunt sustainably, not only for my children, but all future children. We are in interesting times and facing interesting challenges, such as, access to hunting and fishing, foreign ownership of our high-country stations, increasing demands for water usage and keeping our rivers in the best state possible.
I am a business owner in the technology sector and married with two young adults that I have introduced to hunting and fishing.
Using my 25 years senior management experience, I am enthusiastic about helping to enhance Fish and Game policies, supporting staff actions that focus on providing access and returning water quality of our rivers and waterways to levels that satisfy anglers and shooters.
I feel the revenue and funding model needs to be addressed to enable our region to deal with local issues such as fish screens and water intakes on our local waterways, investigating all opportunities to increase sports fish and game bird populations, developing and
enhancing wetlands providing advice on environmentally sustainable farming practices and advocating for clean water.

I have been a keen trout fisher and game bird hunter since I was introduced to the sport over 50 years ago by my father when I was a boy living on the West Coast. I am a particularly keen fly fisher with a passion for fishing back country rivers.
I am also a keen deer hunter.
I was a member of the inaugural West Coast Fish and Game Council from 1991 to 1996 and was their appointee to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, a position I held for 5 years until I moved to Christchurch to pursue a new career path. I currently work for an Engineering Consultancy in Christchurch where I am a member of a team of road and traffic engineers responsible for the maintenance and operation of all State Highways in North Canterbury and I am also involved in remedial projects following the Kaikoura earthquake.
As a current member of the North Canterbury Fish and Game Council and the Water and Wildlife Habitat Trust I have a passionate interest in the management of our sports fish and gamebird resource with a strong focus on sustainable management of the habitat. I understand the importance of good governance and fully support the recent changes made to re-establish our region as the premier Fish and Game region in New Zealand. I believe that I can continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Council based on wide ranging practical experience and a strong understanding of the legal framework surrounding habitat protection.

Chris Brankin was a Statutory Advisor appointed to Council by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. When his term ended he was co-opted by the current council. His whakapapa is in Murihiku. However, he grew up in the Sheffield area, 500m from the Waimakariri River. Chris has a strong interest in game bird hunting, and has always enjoyed the fishing opportunities the region has to offer as well. He is committed to building links between Fish & Game and mana whenua in the Waitaha region, and believes that common interest in habitat protection for valued species is the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Kia ora

Ko Maukatere , Ko Tutumapou oku mauka

Ko Rakahuri , Ko Te Hoiere oku awa

Ko Takitimu , Ko Te Hoiere oku waka

Ko Ngai Tahu , Ko Ngati Kuia oku iwi 

Ko Ngai Tuahuriri toku hapu

Ko Maahunui tuarua , Ko Te Hora oku marae

Ko Te Hau Tapanui Otu Anglem toku Ingoa

I am the Statutory Advisor appointed by Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu , an active member of Tuahiwi Marae and whakapapa to Ngai Tahu and Ngati Kuia which is the Marlborough Sounds.

I am keen and passionate about all aspects of mahika kai and making it sustainable and healthy for the next generations to come.