Moving on…

Shirish Paranjape from Community Board member, Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood C.Board

I will be stepping down from the Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board at the end of June 2025.

I am moving to Sydney as a work opportunity has presented itself; which also allows him to reconnect with daughters and a grandson living there.

I will retire from the Board effective 1st July 2025.

I have really enjoyed serving my community locally since 2016 on the Community Board, it has allowed me to support local groups and work with my colleagues to get good outcomes for our Community.

It did not feel right to continue serving on the Board in a paid capacity when from July I will no longer be in Christchurch.

I have raised this with my local Councillor Sam MacDonald who shares the view that now is the right time. It is my understanding that he will be recommending to the Community Board not to fill my spot given there would be a period July - October for the remainder of this term. This is allowed for under the Local Government Act and also means no cost to ratepayers.

MacDonald says "I have really enjoyed working with Shirish as a local community Board member, he has constantly been approachable to local residents and has assisted me enormously with local Board issues. I am thrilled Shirish can reconnect with his family in Australia, and it makes sense to not fill the Board seat given elections are just around the corner."

It has been a privilege to represent the people of Waimairi for three terms. I will always cherish these memories.

Needless to say, I will continue to follow the local government elections and other matters with keen interest.

Ma te wa.