Helen Broughton
COUNCILLOR RICCARTON /WIGRAM - The Councillor with Buzz-
Helen Broughton, a current City Councillor, is a fighter for better urban and traffic planning throughout the city, particularly in her ward which experiences real pressure from development. Helen’s goal is to enhance the quality of residential living, while protecting the natural environment of the Port Hills.
Well known as a forceful advocate of her community’s views at Council, Helen achieved restraint on rate increases. Since 2002 she has fought to protect Christchurch’s pure water supply from a questionable irrigation scheme and opposed Council bankrolling the Henderson properties and the Arts Centre Music School. She also argued against the dramatic 24% increase for housing tenants and eventually achieved a graduated approach. Helen has continually challenged the necessity and the escalating costs of the new Bus Exchange.
Helen is committed to public ownership of key assets. In the 2004-2007 term she successfully prevented the potential sale of Council assets, which included Red Bus and City Care.
Helen’s voting record demonstrates leadership based on sound principles and personal integrity;
* Strong financial management to restrain rate increases
* Protection of Christchurch’s pure water
* Public ownership of Council’s key assets
* Protection of Christchurch’s natural and built heritage
* Improving Council decision making and democracy
Chairperson of the Heritage Grants Committee, Trustee of Canterbury Museum and former Trustee of Riccarton House and Bush, Helen is serious about preserving Christchurch’s heritage, yet cares strongly about people.
A Human Resource Manager, trained teacher and counsellor, Helen currently chairs the inter-agency Mayor’s Welfare Fund. A University of Canterbury graduate; MA (Hons) English, Dip Education (Counselling).
Active in the community, Helen has lived in the ward for over 30 years, her two children attending local schools. A Community Board member since 1995, Helen has earned a reputation of Delivering Results for Residents.
