Craig Pauling Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Craig Pauling is Environment Canterbury's new chairperson after a string of controversies led former chair Peter Scott to resign.
Scott stood down from the role last month after a report showed his council car had exceeded the speed limit 678 times since January.
He also received a formal warning earlier in the year after admitting to not having the required resource consents on his South Canterbury farm, after revealing in a NewstalkZB interview he was not operating with formal resource consents because of processing delays.
Pauling, who has been the deputy chair of the regional council since 2022, was elected by the majority of councillors at Wednesday's meeting, while former Christchurch City councillor Deon Swiggs was elected deputy.
Pauling acknowledged Scott's work over many years, and said he had shown leadership in stepping down that would allow the council to move forward.
"It's been a pretty challenging time for this regional council, but today I want to tell everybody that we are all in the same waka and we are paddling hard for our communities, and most importantly for this precious place that we all call home."
Many of the councillors around the table expressed their regret at Scott's resignation.
First-term councillor Tutehounuku 'Nuk' Korako said he and many people in South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi were feeling aggrieved by the events that had led to Scott stepping down.
He said the regional council had cleared Scott to return to the chair's role after the investigation into his own claims he was "operating illegally" on a South Canterbury farm.
"Shame on you, you hunted him like a dog, like a rabid dog," he told those at the meeting.
"I want to acknowledge the great work that he has done, his mana, that he stood aside in the end for the good of this council… I accept that he did some things that were wrong, but we are all responsible in a lot of ways."
Councillor Genevieve Robinson said Scott was able to sit in a neutral space and listen to both sides of an argument in a way that made most people feel comfortable, but his excessive speeding was not something she could support.
"It was an issue that I could not sit with after losing a good friend four years ago in a road incident. It's not about you, because I think you are very good at what you do and I really like you as a person… I think you have done the right thing, but I still feel sick about it."
Councillor Iaean Cranwell said Scott was a chief who had been a man of his word around the council table and had represented the council with dignity.
"I would just like to acknowledge you and for being here today, showing mana and respect. Nō reira, tēnā koe e hoa.
Peter Scott Photo: RNZ / Philippa Tolley
Councillor Vicky Southworth said she was sad to see Scott step down from the chair role and she was thankful for his support, warmth and humour but she could not support him over the speeding breaches.
Councillor Grant Edge said Scott had done great things for the regional council over the last eight years, and there was immense respect for him across Canterbury and in local and central government.
"Peter, it is a sad day to see you having to retire because of something that has been brought to the attention of the public, and quite rightly so, but it is a lump in the throat."
Councillor Greg Byrnes had a different take on the matter.
"I'm not sad to see you go Peter, I think the pressure that was built up on you as you stumbled through a series of poor decisions, finally caught up. We are not above what the community expects of us.
"If I separate you from the man though, you are a good guy, you are a good bastard… and unfortunately that is what the general community don't see of you."
He was pleased however that Scott would remain on as a councillor, as he still had plenty to offer the regional council.
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