Speaking Truth to Power: Hayley Guglietta’s Deputation on the Global Settlement Agreement

In August 2019, Hayley Guglietta stood before the Christchurch City Council as a community advocate and founder of Riverlution and the Richmond Community Garden. Her deputation was part of a pivotal council meeting discussing the Global Settlement Agreement—a landmark deal between the Crown and the Council aimed at resolving post-earthquake financial and infrastructural obligations.

In her submission, Hayley highlighted the urgent need for community-led voices to be part of the city’s recovery and future planning. She raised concerns that while the Global Settlement was being framed as a financial fix, it risked sidelining the grassroots work being done by local communities to restore neighbourhoods, revive ecosystems, and rebuild social cohesion.

Speaking with clarity and conviction, Hayley reminded councillors that true recovery is not just about roads and buildings—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that those who have invested countless hours revitalising neglected spaces are supported, not forgotten. Her plea underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and community partnership in decision-making processes that shape the future of Ōtautahi.

The deputation resonated with many in the chamber, reinforcing the critical role that citizen-led initiatives play in Christchurch’s ongoing transformation. As someone who has worked tirelessly to create solutions on the ground, Hayley’s contribution was both a reality check and a rallying cry for a more inclusive approach to city governance.

Watch the full deputation below to see how Hayley used her voice to represent not just herself, but a wider movement of engaged, resilient residents committed to shaping a better Christchurch: