Craig Pauling

Political career Pauling was first elected to the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) in the Christchurch West/Ōpuna constituency in 2019. He was elected for a second term in 2022.

After the 2022 local elections, Pauling was one of two candidates nominated to be the regional council chair. The incumbent chair, Peter Scott, was the other candidate. The vote was tied and the tie was broken by randomly drawing a name from a container. Scott retained the chair and Pauling was unanimously appointed deputy chair. Pauling acted as chair during these periods and was elected to the chair in October 2024 when Scott resigned. Deon Swiggs, the other councillor in the Christchurch West/Ōpuna constituency, was elected as Pauling's deputy.

It was announced on 1 August 2025 that Pauling would not contest the 2025 local elections. In January 2026, Pauling was confirmed as the Green Party's candidate for the Banks Peninsula electorate in the 2026 general election. He is ranked 14th on the Green Party's party list for the election.

Personal life Pauling is the father of three children. and can speak te reo Māori.