A Fresh Face Enters Council

Nathaniel Herz Jardine has officially secured a seat on the Christchurch City Council, representing the Heathcote community for The People’s Choice party.

Jardine said his journey into local politics began when he and his wife were searching for their first home last year, an experience that shaped his vision for the city.

“I became deeply concerned about the future of Christchurch,” he said. “We need to build a city that works for seniors and growing families, not just for developers and big profits.”

Known by many for his strong record in community advocacy, Jardine has previously led several successful campaigns, including achieving a Living Wage for council library assistants, opposing the sale of public land to Wilson Parking, and helping to keep Lyttelton Port 100% Christchurch-owned.

These efforts, he says, reflect his commitment to ensuring that public assets remain in public hands and that working people are treated fairly.

Before running for council, Jardine worked in both the non-profit and small business sectors, experience he believes gives him valuable insight into the challenges facing ordinary Christchurch residents. He says this background helps him understand the pressures of running a household, balancing budgets, and sustaining local enterprises during times of economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, Herz Jardine says his focus will be on developing a comprehensive urban plan to manage population growth in the inner city, installing trap lines along the Heathcote River to protect native wildlife, and pushing for a fairer rates rebate for residents on fixed incomes, including seniors on superannuation. He also intends to prioritise sustainable infrastructure and community-led development, ensuring that future growth benefits everyone, not just a few.

Potential Pros and Cons of Herz Jardine’s Priorities

Pros:

• A comprehensive urban plan could ensure smarter growth, better transport links, and improved housing affordability.

• Trap lines along the Heathcote River would protect native birds and restore local ecosystems, contributing to a healthier environment.

• A fairer rates rebate system could ease financial pressure on seniors and residents on fixed incomes.

• His community-focused approach could strengthen local engagement and trust in council decision-making.

• Emphasis on sustainability and public ownership aligns with long-term environmental and social goals.

Cons:

• Large-scale urban planning projects can be costly and take years to implement, requiring strong cross-party cooperation.

• Introducing or expanding rate rebates could impact council revenue and limit funding for other services.

• Environmental initiatives like trap lines, while beneficial, may face logistical or maintenance challenges.

• Balancing the interests of residents, developers, and businesses could prove difficult during economic growth phases.

• Critics may view his community-first policies as slowing down private investment or development opportunities.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this campaign,” he said. “This result shows that people want a council that puts community first, one that listens, protects what we love about Christchurch, and plans wisely for the future.”

As he prepares to take his seat on the council, Jardine says he hopes to continue building strong connections with local residents and community groups, working collaboratively to find practical solutions to the city’s most pressing issues.