Investing in relationships …
In a world of change that has wide ongoing impacts personal connections through which values of trust and honour are cemented and shared interests discovered are critically important.
A fact so clearly evident in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia last month during New Zealand Week - a showcase of investment opportunities, trade, education links, fashion and cultural exchange.
Given the strategic economic importance of our rebuild it was no surprise the city was centre stage.
It was a tremendous privilege for both the Mayoress and me to represent Christchurch at a number of key functions including a keynote investment breakfast event.
Our links with Malaysia have a unique strength, in that they are for a large part based on significant historical events, trade, family relationships, student exchange networks and the work of vibrant expat communities in both countries.
We saw the results of these relationships very recently with a donation of $100K to the University of Canterbury and $50K respectively to the Cathedral and Arts Centre from the Malaysia NZ Chamber of Commerce Earthquake Appeal.
The funds donated to UC are in part to be used to fund five Malaysian student scholarships in 2013 for enrolment in 2014.
This donation followed the announcement last year of significant Government support to our international education providers.
Investment over the next four years in the “Christchurch Educated” program of $5million will result in an enhanced international education reputation and an increase in the numbers of international students to the city.
New Zealand Week also featured the signing of an “Arrangement on Higher Education Co-operation” which will further stimulate growth in the city for international education as we meet the increasing demand from Malaysia for teacher training, postgraduate studies and research and innovation.
At the Kuala Lumpur investment breakfast event
[ larger view ]
As our reconstruction phase crystallises further, the city and wider region will reap the long term benefits of literally being an intersection for new ideas, research and fresh opportunities.
I took the opportunity of the Kuala Lumpur investment breakfast event to highlight a number of key elements that feature on our future timeline.
The elements are: plans aimed at creating an urban environment around the city centre, the need for residential accommodation in the short term for the city’s reconstruction workforce,the Innovation Precinct; our need for “science of infrastructure skill sets,” and the midyear IBM Smarter Cities Challenge project.
Questions following the presentation explored long term opportunities that the reconstruction workforce will generate and the need to retain a uniqueness of design in the built environment and in our gardens and parks.
Malaysian investors readily engaged in discussion about the pathways required to get projects from concept to construction. The good news is that they have the capacity to scale up to the size of investment opportunities Christchurch has to offer.
Interestingly Malaysia has over recent times had to address complex land conditions and issues such as seismic strengthening with the roll out of their new underground transport hubs.
Christchurch in the near future will play host to a series of visits from investors out of greater South East Asia who will now journey here with a clear understanding of the types of projects that will be starters in our new economy.
Such projects will require innovative thinking that will diffuse knowledge and technology across the broad economy in turn boosting regional productivity, creating jobs and growing our GDP contribution to New Zealand INC.
Mayor at the Ellerslie Flower Show - opening day, 6 March 2013.
NB: If you unable to access the video on this page, click here to go to You Tube.
Pause to remember... 22 February commemoration
On the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary for February 22nd we will pause to honour the memory of loved ones, reflect on what has been achieved since and share as a community that sense of indelible loss.
For many of us the emotional connection to those terrifying events of 2 years ago, twenty seconds of absolute terror and violence that resulted in the biggest natural disaster to ever strike New Zealand is still strong.
It is impossible as a resident of Christchurch and the wider region not be caught up in the forward momentum of the Rebuild but, there is and always will be a place in our minds where memories of what happened to our friends, communities, homes, schools, work places and the landscape remain vivid.
In coming to terms with the force and the effects that continue to permeate every aspect of our lives as a consequence of February 22nd there is the realisation that what we faced and then overcame was only possible through the unity of family and community.
This spirit of Christchurch and Canterbury “oneness” is the concern for others over self and what can be achieved when we act together. This is what I believe “feeds the soul” of our home and continues to liberate the humanity within us all.
We are a new city and region now – richer for the grief, stronger as a consequence of the pain and as good a friend said to me recently “the world needs Christchurch.”
On Memorial Day and over the coming weeks when we pause to remember see this as opportunity to connect with family, friends and colleagues. The past and future demands that of us.
Mayor's video blogs
30 January: Christchurch Botanic Gardens 150 Anniversary, Scotts exhibition at Canterbury Museum, World Buskers Festival round up.
NB: If you unable to access the video on this page, click here to go to You Tube.
Unveiled: Christ Church Cathedral plans, the city hosts the FIFA 2015 Under 20 World Cup management team and the SCIRT World Buskers Festival opened for its 2013 season.
NB: if you are unable to access the video on this page, click here to go to You Tube.
Below: Artist impressions for the glass-encased Christ Church Cathedral (click on image for larger view).
Invitation for the Mayor to attend an event/function
Please complete the
attached form and email to
mayorinvite@ccc.govt.nz. We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible with our response.
Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund
The Mayoral Earthquake Relief Fund is now open for funding. The purpose of the fund, application forms, criteria for eligibility and further details are now available online.
