Councillor and Community Board candidates for the Cashmere Ward in the 2025 local elections.
Cashmere Ward Councillor.
Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Cashmere Ward area.
Care for Cashmere? Vote Clare for Cashmere.
I’m standing as an independent candidate because our community deserves people-first leadership grounded in fairness, care, and fresh thinking. As a proud local, living in Huntsbury for over 15 years, I’ll ensure our voices are heard, not lost in big-picture decisions.
Our strength is our people - our environment, businesses, schools, and community groups all thrive when inclusion is at the heart of decision making. I’ll listen to you and prioritise what you want, including safer roads around schools and sports clubs, meaningful connection for seniors, and protecting the natural beauty that makes this place home.
With a career in government and the not-for-profit sector, I bring the experience to navigate complex systems, ask tough questions, and get things done. I’m not aligned to any party - I’m here to serve you.
Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Cashmere Ward area.
Thank you for supporting me as your City Councillor. I really enjoy working to ensure your rates work for you.
Things are looking good in Christchurch, let’s keep it that way. I am your proven advocate, keeping our community’s voice at the core of council decision making.
I am an effective communicator and great listener. I will continue to meet with you at monthly community clinics so I can understand the important issues and act accordingly.
Vote for me and I will continue to work hard towards better delivery of core council services and keeping rates affordable.
We live in a special area. I will keep working towards protecting our natural environment, sensible traffic planning, and improving council facilities such as the South Library.
I am experienced, motivated and best placed to continue to represent you at the Council table.
Your support will ensure I remain your truly independent councillor.
Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board members – Cashmere Ward.
Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Cashmere Ward of the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board area.
Tēnā koutou, ko Kate Hodgins ahau. I am a proactive member of the StMartins/Hillsborough community since 2004, advocating for safer streets, better public transport, improved pedestrian and cycling access and protecting our wonderful environment. My background is in business development and research, both here and overseas. I am an active Christchurch Envirohub board member, a long-term volunteer with StMartins scouts and was Board Chairperson at StMartins School for 6 years. In all roles I value considering multiple viewpoints before making informed, pragmatic decisions. I instigated and advocated for StMartins roundabout improvements, and improved pedestrian access around the Rapaki/Vernon terrace intersection. I am currently leading a community energy project, which participated in Orion’s Community Energy Activator program. Community-based energy systems can reduce costs to households and build resilience. I would like Council to better support community initiatives like these. I always aim to promote community good for the benefit of all.
The People's Choice - Labour
My principal place of residence is in the Cashmere Ward of the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board area.
Cashmere is an amazing place to live. From the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River to the Summit Road, we have strong communities in a beautiful environment. I love living here with my partner, Caroline.
It has been a privilege to serve you on the Community Board for six years.
On the Board, I secured $100,000 to keep library services in our community while South Library is rebuilt.
We locked in $10 million for school crossing and intersection improvements plus street and footpath resurfacing. I want to see more buses and every child having safe walking and cycling routes to their school.
We actively supported community groups to plant trees, tackle pests, and clean up our river. We will continue to invest in stormwater and sediment control.
I would welcome the opportunity to build on the strong results we’ve seen across the Ward, and continue as your representative on the Community Board.
The People's Choice - Labour
My principal place of residence is in the Cashmere Ward of the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board area.
By working together, we've significantly improved people's lives within our community. Taking bold steps to reduce flood risks, implementing minor safety improvements throughout the ward, added thousands of new trees, and supported our local community groups to thrive.
I am passionate about preserving and enhancing the unique qualities of this area, it's where my kids go to school, where we work, play and create unforgettable memories.
As a successful business leader, I am financially prudent, forward-thinking, and always act on issues with a solutions-oriented approach.
My priorities include: Getting the basics right– our roads, footpaths, and pipes; Planning for growth; Safer and connected communities; Improving urban rivers and water resources; Increasing tree coverage; Reducing public and active transport gaps; Keeping strategic assets and income streams.
With your support let's realise our potential as that world-class, liveable, and sustainable city!
Contact me to share your vision: 021 772 929 or lee.sampson@habitusgroup.co.nz.
A Strong Voice For Our Neighbourhood
My principal place of residence is in the Cashmere Ward of the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board area.
You deserve a community that’s safe, well-planned, and thriving. A place where families can live, work, and play with confidence. That’s why I’m standing for the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board.
You’ll find I’m practical, people-focused, and committed to delivering results. With experience as a former Selwyn District Councillor and the current Head of Cancer Services for the Cancer Society, a board member, and active volunteer, I know how to listen, advocate, and work constructively to get things done.
As a local dad, I care deeply about the future of Cashmere - from keeping streets safer and protecting green spaces, to making sure growth is managed wisely and your voice is heard on the issues that matter most.
I’m independent, approachable, and always open to kōrero. Contact me anytime at craig4cashmere@gmail.com or 0278072097.
Make your vote count. Vote Craig Watson - a strong voice for our neighbourhood.
View the 2025 candidates for Christchurch Mayor.
Christchurch South/Ōwhanga Constituency of the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).
View the 2025 Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) candidates.
Disclaimer
This candidate information has been compiled under the Local Electoral Act 2001. The Act provides that an electoral officer is not required to verify or investigate any information included in candidate profile statements and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in such statement.
Request, report and pay for Council services.
Apply for building and resource consents.
Manage your library borrowing.
Receive your rates invoice by email.
Book an indoor or outdoor space.
Take full control of your Rec and Sport membership.
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Request, report and pay for Council services.
Apply for building and resource consents.
Manage your library borrowing.
Receive your rates invoice by email.
Book an indoor or outdoor space.
Take full control of your Rec and Sport membership.
List your events on What’s On Christchurch