Community boards across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula have confirmed their vision and priorities for the coming three years, thanks to their communities’ input.

Early in each election cycle, community boards outline their visions and priorities for the next three years, how they will be achieved and how progress will be measured.

These plans will guide the board’s focus on local activities, projects and facilities. The plan guides decisions and helps the board understand what their communities wants them to advocate for.

After a period of consultation with communities, the boards have this week adopted their plans and will now work to carry them out.

For the full list of priorities and visions for each of the six Christchurch and Banks Peninsula community boards, head here.

Some priorities and visions for the boards include:

Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central

Priorities include focusing on recreational spaces in Papanui; continuing to ‘green’ the east inner city and Linwood; and revitalising MacFarlane Park.

Their vision is: “The community is supported and well-connected, and residents are enabled and encouraged to actively participate in local decision making to shape their communities.”

Chair Dr Sunita Gautam says: “Together, these issues (housing intensification, community safety and wellbeing, improving accessibility, climate resilience) shape how people experience their communities and how connected, supported and included they feel.”

Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton

Priorities include central Riccarton revitalisation; transport improvements; and fit for purpose community facilities and parks.

Their vision is: “The Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board is committed to creating a thriving, connected and inclusive community, where sustainability and the well-being of residents are a priority.”

Chair Marie Pollisco says: “It remains the Board’s focus to enhance the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of citizens in the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board area.”

Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood

Priorities include support the completion of the New Brighton Mall masterplan; engage with the community on the Smith Street service centre; and support resilience planning.

Their vision is: “Waitai woven together through positive connection, participation, and belonging.”

Chair Paul McMahon says: “We want to ensure that this plan delivers for our community and have made sure it contains achievable quick wins as well as longer term goals."

Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood

Priorities include invest in Burnside Park facilities; safety improvements at Withells/Yaldhurst roads; and strengthen a sense of community in Bryndwr.

Their vision is: "The Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood area has a strong local identity that is vibrant, inclusive and highly valued by all."

Chair Jason Middlemiss says: “Please be assured that we have listened to your suggestions, and while they may not all appear on our priority list, we will continue to advocate for them to be considered in Council’s planning processes where appropriate.”

Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote

Priorities include the opening of Ōmōkihi and the activation of the surrounding environment; investing in our communities as neighbourhoods intensify; tackling environmental challenges from the Port Hills to the Ōpāwaho River; and delivering safe transport options for all road users.

The Board is also committed to advocating for parks and recreational facilities and strong community-led preparation for natural risks like fires.

Chair Keir Leslie says: "This plan presents a positive and progressive vision for the south of Christchurch. Working with Council and community we look forward to continuing to deliver."

Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula

Priorities include natural hazard resilience and infrastructure adaptation, alongside a commitment to ensuring facilities are fit-for-purpose, sustainable, and responsive to changing environmental pressures and the evolving needs of residents and visitors. The strategy also highlights the close connection between environmental stewardship and community wellbeing, with a strong focus on building resilient communities by supporting young people to thrive, enabling older residents to remain local, and strengthening small and often isolated communities through community-led area plans.

Their vision is: “Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula is a vibrant place where environmental health and cultural, social, and economic wellbeing enable people and communities to thrive.”

Chair Lyn Leslie says: “We see this plan as a living document, one that will continue to evolve as projects progress, news challenges emerge, and opportunities arise.”