Hayley Pointing out the return Avon Ōtākaro Network gives back to the city for every funding $1 they recieve.

Hayley Guglietta, a passionate community advocate from Christchurch, presented to the ECan councillors to champion the vital role of grassroots-led initiatives in achieving environmental regeneration and community well-being. Speaking on behalf of organisations such as the Avon-Ōtākaro Network and the Food Resilience Network, she made a strong case for continued council support for local projects. She challenged the notion that councils shouldn’t fund well-being initiatives, arguing instead that small-scale investments yield outsized returns, estimating $40–$60 in value for every $1 spent.

Guglietta outlined the success of co-governance models in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, where mana whenua, council, and community groups work together to restore and manage the landscape. She explained the importance of embedding these partnerships in legal trust structures to ensure long-term sustainability. She also shared updates on the Ōtākaro Orchard and its new sustainable hub featuring composting toilets, solar power, greywater reuse, and permaculture design—demonstrating the alignment of grassroots action with regional climate and environmental strategies.

In closing, Guglietta encouraged ECan to see grassroots organisations as essential partners in disaster preparedness, environmental planning, and social cohesion. She highlighted the Food Resilience Network’s proven ability to leverage council funding into broader community value—turning every dollar into $61 of combined investment. Her presentation was a compelling reminder that investing in local capacity is not just a social good but a strategic move that strengthens resilience, reduces future costs, and ensures that local voices are at the heart of regional decision-making.