The MP met with Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon, Council Chief Executive Jeff Millward, Councillors and staff.

Mayor Dan updated Mr Foster on Waimakariri District Council’s position on Three Waters and the role it played in Communities for Local Democracy (C4LD) which developed the model that the Government’s Water Done Well is based on.

They also discussed the Council’s Long Term Plan, and strong management of its infrastructure as well as its plan for District growth.

Some of the key issues raised at the meeting was the need for central Government investment in road safety and traffic management in the district.

In particular with funding for the Eastern Link Road to ease congestion in Southbrook, a replacement of the Skew Bridge and safety improvements to key arterial roads in the District such as Tram Road.

Mayor Dan says he was very impressed with how informed Mr Foster was on all the issues affecting local government and found him to be solution focused.

“Andy Foster brings with him to Parliament a wealth of knowledge around local government after serving as Mayor of Wellington and almost 30 years as a Wellington City Councillor.

“It’s obvious this is an area that he feels very passionate about and having a strong voice to advocate for local decision making in government is important.

“Mr Foster was very interested in hearing about the work we have done on our District plan review, our flood resiliency work and how well we have planned for the future growth of our District.

“He was keen to learn more about our roading projects and showed a willingness to raise these matters with his peers. He was also impressed with the strong connections with have with the other councils in our region through the Greater Christchurch Partnership and Canterbury Mayoral Forum.”

Mr Foster says he enjoyed his trip to the Waimakariri District and said it was a delight to meet with Mayor Dan, Jeff Millward, councillors and staff.

“I learnt a lot more about the challenges and opportunities in the Waimakariri District and where we as Government might be able to help out. I’m looking forward to continuing to work together in the future.”