Using the internet to build on that is a really exciting and innovative step forward, and it's one I'm sure we'll be seeing more of. All the statistics tell us that more and more people are getting connected every day. By the time my children (Chris is now 10 and Nick is 8) are working, I'm certain the internet will be as much a part of normal life as the phone was when I was their age.

In my role as your local City Councillor, I've made e-mail my first line of communication. When I do business with Council officers, I find it's faster and more efficient. When citizens get in touch with me with concerns or ideas, if they have access to e-mail I start loops going and the results are brilliant.

Over the next three years, the Council will be looking at improving its electronic systems, and if you have a look at http://www.ccc.govt.nz/ you'll see we still have a long way to go. The information is all there - but it's not that easy to find. I'd really like your feedback on what you think we could do with technology to get more productive communication happening within our community.

The Council is often seen as the organisation that takes the rates out of your bank and turns up unexpectedly to wreak havoc on your footpath. It shouldn't be like that. It should be, as much as anything, an organisation which creates the opportunity for you to share your ideas on how you want your city to progress.

And I'd like to start the ball rolling with a very simple question.

(I never said it was going to be an easy one!)
 

I'd love to hear from you - that's my job. The more you tell me, the better I can work on your behalf. E-mail is the best way to get me - failing that I'm on 332 1611, 027-229-0505 or snail mail will find me at PO Box 237, Christchurch. Please don't feel like you have to have a problem before you get in touch - ideas are welcome too. But if there is something we've slipped up on,  you're the eyes and ears of the community and I promise if you get in touch, it will be followed up.