19 Jun 2017

Share this story

Strong partnerships are needed if Christchurch is to make the most of the opportunities presented by the rebuild.

That is one of the key messages to come out of the first City Leaders Forum hosted by Mayor Lianne Dalziel and the Minister Supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner.

Richard Peebles (left), Lauren Merritt, Will McLellan, Robyn Wallace, Malcolm Johns, Lianne Dalziel and Nicky Wagner take part in a panel discussion as part of the City Leaders' Forum.

About 300 people attended the forum which was facilitated by The Press editor Joanna Norris and focused on the central city.

Watch a video (Part 1 and Part 2) of the forum.

Speaking at the start of the forum Ms Wagner listed the milestones that had been achieved in Christchurch since the earthquakes but acknowledged there was more work to be done.

“We need to be proactive and work together to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way,’’ she said.

That sentiment was echoed by the Mayor who spoke of the importance of “collaborative planning and citizen participation’’ and of finding new ways of doing things.

“We need to work collaboratively and consider all elements of our community,’’ Ms Dalziel said. “We can do a lot more if we do it together.’’

EPIC director Will McLellan, who was part of the panel discussion, said if stronger partnerships had been in place earlier on in the city’s rebuild more opportunities could have been taken.

“I carry a lot of frustration about some of the things that haven’t been achieved but I also feel incredibly blessed when I look around and see some of the things that have been achieved,’’ Mr McLellan said.

Addressing some of the ongoing issues in the central city, Ms Wagner said the Government was committed to increasing the foot traffic in the area and there would soon be 1500 Government employees coming into the central city every day, which would “really kick start the down-town businesses.’’

She said one of the key focuses for the Government at the moment was working with stakeholders to a reach agreement on the fate of the Anglican Cathedral.

The Minister said it was vital that an agreement was reached because otherwise the issue could drag through the courts for another five or 10 years.

Developer Richard Peebles, who was also on the panel, spoke of his plans for the central city farmers' market and of his hope that it would become the heart of the city.  He said the new courtyards and laneways that were being developed were one of the most exciting aspects of the new central city.