Irinka Britnell - Candidate for Christchurch Central Community Board

My name is Irinka Britnell, I am standing for the Christchurch Central Community Board as an Independent candidate.

I am born in Christchurch, my parents come from Macedonia. I grew up in New Brighton and went to Avonside Girls High School. My husband and I run a small accommodation business in Linwood.

My parents arrived here by escaping, across the border of former Yugoslavia into Greece. My father believed in political freedom for Macedonia, which was not tolerated at this time in former Yugoslavia. They got married in Greece, setting sail for New Zealand.

My father worked for the Electricity Department, eventually working for himself.

My mother was typical, cooking, sewing, knitting, for the family. They taught us Macedonian culture. That is why I connected to multicultural community, leading me to become, secretary for the Christchurch Multicultural Council. I am Chairperson of Englefield Residents ‘ Association, advocating for Heritage. I belong to WILPF Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, who organize ‘Hiroshima/Nagasaki Never Again’ commemoration.

March 15th Attacks brought us closer showing leadership to the world. Development of Multicultural Hub will strengthen multicultural understanding, assisting inclusiveness of diverse communities.

My motivation for standing is failure of the council to listen to citizens to protect water, heritage, community hubs, green space, businesses and jobs in the CBD as well as Linwood Village which has recently lost Super Value supermarket and Subway. This community and local businesses, need support, not cutting access to the area with partial closure of Worcester Street at Fitzgerald Avenue. It was a waste of money, for hardly used, badly designed, multi- million dollar cycle-way. We want to re- open the intersection for Linwood Village Revival Plan. More vehicles will increase security and assist business.

We need to re think accessible city as businesses struggling. People need close parking to shops for convenience and safety. If serious about Climate change we should not be driving extra blocks before can park or turn. Collaboration is required for growth, creating jobs and attracting visitors and locals into CBD. More tree planting for shade to soften concrete, steel and glass glare, absorb pollution.

Council should stop chopping down mature trees for inferior infill housing, stop allowing developers to deviate from rules with less carparks, green space and shared rubbish bins.

Our next biggest challenge is rubbish/recycling and clean water. We need sustainable solutions for healthy future.

No asset sales. No rates increases.