Your voice. Your future. Our Aotearoa.

Our native garden was buzzing with conversation last night as we unveiled CWEA’s Civic Engagement Electoral Placards, enjoyed a sausage sizzle and met candidates from the Christchurch Central electorate.  The evening was part of CWEA’s Civic Engagement Project, led by Jennifer Leahy and grounded in our belief that democracy is stronger when everyone takes part.  Jennifer has supported 50 people to enrol to vote since the project’s inception. Pathways Awarua* also developed two accessible, interactive online modules supporting adult learners to understand voting and democratic participation with project funding.  Follow this link to access these resources: My Community on Pathways Awarua.

The new electoral placards include whiteboard sections where community members can share their hopes and ideas for the future of Aotearoa and their local communities. They are an invitation to think, talk and participate—and to consider what kind of future we want to help create.

Quentin Findlay facilitated a lively and respectful debate on a range of important election issues, including conservation and the environment, pay equity, the economy, tourism, health and education. Candidates and audience members listened attentively to different perspectives, with plenty of interjections when a response resonated. Director Lottie Vinson kept the discussion on time with a 15-second warning, followed by a loud horn whenever a candidate went beyond their allotted time. The formal discussion was followed by a quick-fire round of “yeah”, “nah” or “maybe” questions, before everyone gathered for a relaxed chat over tea, coffee and biscuits.

The event reflected the value of informed, respectful civic participation. It provided an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, ask questions and connect with others who care about the future of their communities.  Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed questions and helped make the evening such a positive celebration of participation and democracy.

Thanks so much to our candidates for making time last night: Mark Arnell -NZ First, Kahu Carter – Greens, Ethan Gulley – Alliance (replaced Greg Byrne), George Hampton – Labour, Dale Stephens – National, Adrian Mee – Opportunity Party: (replaced Eden Skipper).