Keep our assets Canterbury
I read somewhere that the arts reflect the “soul” of humanity. I think that’s true – they reflect back to us the reality of our lives – the good and the bad in all its complexity. There will always be limited ways a council can fund the arts directly with hard cash but there are many other ways the council can help foster the arts through event promotion, use of council facilities etc etc

The People's Choice - Labour
I would value the contribution of the arts to our society, city and community as an integral part of Aotearoa New Zealand's maturing as a people and peoples. The arts tell us about ourselves, they hold a mirror up to us. They show us who we are and who we're becoming. Their role is to provoke and speak out and move us to respond. 

Independent
I also endorse the fact that the city council has been working closely with Ngai Tahu and Ngai Tuahuriri Runaka to embed our stories, history and designs within every aspect of the rebuild of the central city. I believe this will not only add to the attractiveness of our inner city for visitors, but it will also demonstrate the growing treaty partnership relationship that is building between Ngai Tahu and Christchurch City and its Council.  

The People's Choice - Labour
I have been a national and regional sports person, with age that stops. I have designed clothes and appreciated art for as long as I can remember that is eternal……. I value the contribution of the arts as precious but something to be shared by all, it has no boundaries and is limitless, it is our future and our past, it is our being and for me it is part of my soul. 

Independent - Let's Get It Done
I am very excited that Christchurch is hosting the global Social Enterprise Forum next year!  I am keen on Social Enterprise, its in my DNA and makes up many of my values. My recent MBA (...) focused on social capital and the value business can give to community. 

There are surprises at every corner and outstanding interpretations that make us smile . Thank goodness for the artist freedom that abounds in this city and long may it continue.   

We often think of “making a difference” as being permanent and long lasting, but that is a narrow and one dimensional approach. Our lives are enriched and our day, or that moment in time, improved by the positive actions of others. In our recovery the opportunity has existed, and been grasped, by those involved with the arts to and colour and creative flair to our broken environment. 

The People's Choice
The arts plays a key role in how we engage with everyday life, and world around us. This being the case, its hard to put value on something that really is invaluable... perhaps the best way to do this is to always remember it has a vital role to play in society

Independent
Apart from being entertaining, exciting and  life-enhancing, the arts have the power to challenge, move and educate us, create constructive debates, increased social connectivity and define our identities. The arts represent an investment in our quality of life.

Independent
The value of social enterprise for Christchurch is immense particularly as the city progresses along its' redevelopment path. I would support policies made to attract the young and/or talented people to our city by encouraging more innovation hubs being established. 

Best value for Christchurch
The arts are vital to the economy, because people need them to enhance their lives, they fuel community effectiveness be creating wellbeing needed to get our work done and lastly they enhance efficiency by helping our brain functionality. 

True Independent
The Arts have helped to both distract and heal us in the wake of the changes to our city. The determination of the Arts community that ‘the show must go on’ has inspired many. Others have found, through the Arts, methods to process their experiences. In these ways alone the contribution of the Arts to our society is immeasurable. 

Independent
From a council perspective we need to find ways that we can reduce the regulation and bureaucracy which often make social enterprise harder to activate, increases initial set up costs and stifles the creativity.  

Strong Communities for a Stronger Christchurch
There is something in the arts which gives us time to pause and to reflect. This occurs both in the viewing and in the making. Organisations such as Otautahi Creative Spaces actively promote wellbeing through art making and having public art, free for everyone to view, is a great societal equaliser. 

The arts are the global gatherer of people. Be it, Swan Lake or Mozart, Mona Lisa or Gangnam Style. Music unites us in song and visual wonders inspire us, move us and allow us to relax in our own thoughts.

The People's Choice - Labour
In my view the arts and culture like twin brothers which are very crucial to the city for enriching their life and vibrancy; especially after the February 2011 earthquake, the arts and culture are imperative to the earthquake recovery and regeneration for the city of Christchurch. 

From Connection comes Communication, which leads to Healing. So be it an Art exhibition or a Music concert, A New Café or Greening the Red Zone, every Art form is to be nurtured and applauded. For the Soul of Christchurch to Heal.

Time For Change
Christchurch has always been a city with a rich arts history and we now have the opportunity to make it even better.

The Arts is an expression of and investment in our soul as a people; our culture; and our 'home' and cannot be measured purely in terms of financial measures; so I am and always have been a bold advocate of the arts and once ran a business doing exactly this because of believe in the value of the Arts to the wholeness of New Zealand. 

The People's Choice - Labour
Council is actively fostering sustainable, community partnerships and looking for opportunities for community groups and other organisations to take responsibility for the management or ownership of community facilities where there is capacity and capability to do so. 

Independant
An opportunity to awaken our communities to the social and economic benefits on offer. To gain a better understanding of how entrepreneurs and enterprising communities can become more actively engaged and prospering. Attracting minority community/groups would be a good move
for Christchurch.

Independent
I see government as a social enterprise, especially at the local level. I'll encourage that way of thinking and hopefully realign council operations to be more flexible and look at different ways of working with the community and delivering services. We have a $12b balance sheet, which we can use to leverage better community outcomes. 

The People's Choice

Empowered communities are always more resilient communities. That makes them comfortable with greater diversity, which itself produces higher levels of engagement across the board. All of this benefits our people.