NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 61

31 MAY 2012

Recovery Strategy for Greater Christchurch, Mahere Haumanutanga o Waitaha

This notice, containing the text of the Recovery Strategy for Greater Christchurch, Mahere Haumanutanga o Waitaha, is published in conjunction with the Canterbury Earthquake (Recovery Strategy Approval) Order 2012, as published in the New Zealand Gazette, 31 May 2012, No. 61, page 1745.

3 What is Recovery? – He aha tēnei mea te Whakaara?

The CER Act defines recovery as including both restoration and enhancement. Recovery is inherently future focussed and there will be opportunities to "build back better" when repairing damage caused by the earthquakes. Opportunities for enhancements should be considered, including where:

• they lead to increased resilience and/or functionality; or
• are cost-effective according to life-cycle analysis
  provided that they do not come at the expense of the repair or replacement of essential infrastructure and services elsewhere.

For the purposes of this Strategy, "recovery" does not mean returning greater Christchurch to how it was on 3 September 2010. Individuals and organisations are likely to view what recovery means in different ways. Their views will be shaped by how the earthquakes have affected them, how they view the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts on the greater Christchurch area, and their hopes for the future.

4 Vision and Goals for the Recovery – Ngā Wawata

Vision

Greater Christchurch recovers and progresses as a place to be proud of – an attractive and vibrant place to live, work, visit and invest, mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.

Supporting this vision are the following goals, which relate to the six components of recovery. The community is at the heart of the vision and the success of recovery.

Leadership and Integration

1. CERA, the public and private sector and communities coordinate with each other to contribute to the recovery and future growth of greater Christchurch – by:

   1.1 facilitating a timely and efficient recovery, including intervening where necessary to remove impediments, resolve issues and provide certainty;

   1.2 considering the effects of ongoing seismic activity;

   1.3 reporting and communicating how recovery work programmes are delivering integrated recovery;

   1.4 facilitating engagement that will result in constructive and enduring governance, partnerships and relationships for recovery;

   1.5 delivering smarter council and government planning and services;

   1.6 ensuring that public sector investment and expenditure are transparent;

   1.7 identifying opportunities to leverage the significant investment needed for new and upgraded infrastructure; and

   1.8 providing research and knowledge that will help to make well-informed decisions for a robust and enduring recovery.

Economic Recovery

2. Revitalise greater Christchurch as the heart of a prosperous region for business, work, education, and increased investment in new activities – by:

   2.1 planning for a well-functioning Christchurch central city, thriving suburban centres, flourishing rural towns and a productive rural sector;

   2.2 leading and working with strategic partners and both the public and private sector;

   2.3 restoring the confidence of the business sector and the insurance and finance markets to enable economic recovery and growth;

   2.4 renewing the region’s brand and reputation as a safe, desirable and attractive place to live, study, visit and invest;

   2.5 identifying and facilitating increased opportunities for early and substantial local and international investment;

   2.6 ensuring a range of employment options to attract and retain a high-calibre, appropriately skilled workforce;

   2.7 collaborating with the private sector and government agencies to address obstacles to economic recovery and to match supply with demand for resources;

   2.8 enabling a business-friendly environment that retains and attracts business;

   2.9 aligning provision of education and training to support long-term economic growth;

   2.10 ensuring science, technology and innovation supports recovery and growth; and

   2.11 facilitating the recovery and development of the central business district.

Social Recovery

3. Strengthen community resilience, safety and wellbeing, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors – by:

   3.1 enabling and empowering local communities to shape and lead their own recovery;

   3.2 growing capacity, knowledge and skills within the community to build resilience;

   3.3 delivering community, health, education and social services that are collaborative, accessible, innovative and inclusive;

   3.4 supporting people, in particular those facing hardship and uncertainty, by providing quality housing, education and health services; and

   3.5 supporting communities as they go through the processes of resettlement.