Participating in Bayleys Plate up for a Purpose

Andrew Turner, Christchurch City Council

Step up to the plate and hit us with your elevator pitch. What does Christchurch City Council do?

Christchurch City Council is the local authority for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. As well as providing core services such as drinking water, refuse collection, roads, parks, stormwater, land drainage, community facilities and wastewater, we also focus on community, arts and culture, heritage, social outcomes, and creating and maintaining a great city for residents and visitors. We work to make Christchurch a city of opportunity for everyone, where we’re open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.

We’ve a real focus on resilient communities, a liveable city, a healthy environment, a prosperous sustainable economy, community connection, the challenges of climate change, clean safe drinking water, city momentum, and affordable rates. We own key city infrastructure such as the port and airport, our economic development agency ChristchurchNZ and Venues Ōtautahi, our venues management and events company. These all contribute to making the city a great place to live and visit.

Why have you decided to do Bayleys Plate Up for a Purpose this year?

I’ve decided to do Bayley’s Plate Up for a Purpose to support the children of our city and to connect my networks and contacts to a very good cause. I’m also doing this because I know it will be great fun and an opportunity for me to work with other leaders in our city to raise money to make Christchurch a better place.

Who’s your chef hero and why?

Nigella Lawson. I love her approach to food and the passion she shows for ingredients, cooking, and presentation.

What’s your signature dish?

My signature dish in an Indian dish - lamb saagwala. I spent a couple of years living in India, so Indian culture and cuisine are really special to me.

The sauce uses lots of spinach, which I always have a surplus of growing in my garden at home. When it's made with lamb from Canterbury and my own spinach, this dish is a perfect fusion of Indian cuisine and quality local produce.