Hanno Sander, Chair
"My goal for the pathway is that it becomes much more than a connection between two points – that it becomes an opportunity to get together, to exercise, to explore, to adventure, and to enjoy."
I live in Christchurch with my wife, son and daughter. I love the outdoors and have always been a keen walker – especially on pathways close to the open water. Taking strolls on a beach, hiking along ocean cliffs, and exploring sand dunes are my ideas of good clean fun.
Gabe Ross, Secretary
“It’s fantastic to be able to enjoy the ride with the kids from Sumner into town without fear of one of them being nailed by a semi or getting tangled with someone’s Labrador and ending up in the estuary”
After many years overseas we moved back to Christchurch in 2015. As living near the beach was part of the bribery package for the kids and we ended up in Sumner. I am a Landscape Architect and keen cyclist and feel pretty lucky to have the coast and estuary as part of my commute. It will be great to work with the pathway committee and community groups along the Eastern Bays to add the ‘pearls to the necklace’ with planting, art, furniture and other elements that reflect the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Tim Lindley, Treasurer
“Not everyone wants to join a sports team, not everyone can afford a day out in the likes of Akaroa, Hanmer or Castle Hill, not everyone wants to work out in a gym. We need healthy recreational facilities that can be enjoyed by all within the refreshing vista of our amazing natural landscape.”
Originally from the West Coast, I now feel lucky to call Christchurch home. I am inspired by the sheer joy of being active within a natural environment. Christchurch is becoming known as a tourist destination and the coastal pathway is important for helping large numbers of people enjoy our stunning landscapes. We have a city with dramatic landscapes and great waterways within it’s boundaries. We need to provide a safe, off road connection between the suburbs for all to enjoy.
Pete Franklin
“I am inspired by those around me. People inspire me. My Father’s words some 30 years ago have always stuck with me… “why isn’t there a walk way along here?” I am happy to say that I’m working on it…”
I grew up in Dunedin and South Canterbury. Dunedin’s natural beauty suffered a similar fate to Christchurch until these areas were made available thru bikeways and walkways and the opening up of public land. The Coastal Pathway is very important to me as it seems like a natural growing up process for the community allowing future generations the opportunity to enjoy and be part of our natural beauty.
Annabel Cropper
I moved back to Christchurch in 2004 and settled in the seaside village of Sumner. Driving round the estuary each day you become aware of the incidental changes in weather, tides and birdlife, and now my children notice these changes. I also noticed how hard it was to access the waters’ edge. The earthquake provided an opportunity to enhance connectivity and accessibility to this edge and the CCPG seized it.
As an architect I’m passionate about both the built and natural environment. I’m interested in how the built environment can enhance the natural environment. I also believe healthy communities are connected communities; the coastal path helps connect city to the sea, suburb to suburb, and people to nature. I’m excited to be part of the CCPG and helping them to achieve their goals.
Glenn Ellis
Having grown up in Auckland and arriving in Christchurch after a number of years overseas, l was drawn to the Eastern beaches, particularly Sumner, where my family and l have resided for over 30 years.
During this time l have enjoyed being involved in a number of school and community projects in the area including becoming a member of the Sumner School Board of Trustees.
I was a shareholder and Director of a substantial Canterbury business in the construction industry before I retired.
I took the opportunity to contribute to the Coastal Pathway project which is right on my doorstep.
The pathway provides an extra ordinary opportunity for all people to walk and ride the historic coastline from Ferrymead to Sumner and gain an appreciation of the historical significance and sheer beauty of the area.
I look forward to continuing my involvement in maintaining and continuing to enhance this asset .