Victoria Henstock

Independent Councillor for Papanui

I am proud to serve as the independent Councillor for Papanui, where I have represented our community since 2022. I am not tied to any political party.  Every decision I make is considered on its merits, with the focus always on what’s best for Papanui and Christchurch.

My priorities are straightforward: spend wisely, fix what’s broken, and protect what makes our city a great place to live.  That means keeping rates affordable, focusing on essentials, and avoiding unnecessary spending.

This term I delivered on my promise to defer the Wheels-to-Wings cycleway, agreeing instead to install safe crossing points across Harewood road.  I have pushed back on over-engineered intersections and unnecessary speed bumps, challenged unjustified rate rises, and backed smarter investment in core infrastructure like roads, footpaths, parks, and water.  I’ve also held nearly 100 public drop-in sessions at local libraries, making sure residents always have direct access to me, listening, and fixing local issues.

I’ve been a lawyer for 20+ years with a strong governance background and recent experience in executive leadership roles across central, local government and iwi.  I am the deputy chair of the Council’s Insurance Sub-Committee and represent Christchurch on the boards of ChristchurchNZ and the Greater Christchurch Partnership.

It has been a privilege to serve Papanui.   I am standing again because I care about our community and there’s more work to do. Our city is growing in confidence and energy, and I am committed to working hard for a resilient, livable, and financially sustainable future.