Christchurch

The most destructive earthquake to hit a New Zealand town for eighty years took place here in February 2011. Lives were lost and heritage buildings destroyed. Following its disaster in 1931 Central Napier was rebuilt to designs which gave it a distinct character. Christchurch's task is bigger but rebuilding it provides an opportunity to redress its deterioration which had seen the central city fall victim to the motor car and the building of suburban malls. An ambitious plan has been proposed involving a greater degree of inner city living, an emphasis on cycling, walking and public transport, on well-designed sustainable lower rise buildings and a focus on the Avon River as a continuous city park. Activities to make the City an attractive place to be will be encouraged. So this attraction is one to watch over the next 15 years.

Although recovery has been slow the community involvement in the recovery process has won plaudits. In April 2019 at the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) conference the city received the following accolade:
"The Council applied a collaborative approach that reflects the community’s desire for increased local action and decision-making.
An online ‘Shape your Place’ toolkit was launched to help Christchurch residents identify, plan and deliver their own neighbourhood projects.
Public and private areas have been transformed into meaningful community spaces – resulting in new fitness trails, pop-up theatres, playground rebuilds, street parties, and communal gardens. Amenity and community activity has also improved at various earthquake-damaged locations."

A survey article in Stuff in February 2020 canvassed progress nine years from the earthquake.

Ready to Hang Canvas Print of the Christchurch Earthquake Photograph

Seven Point one by Jason Kelly

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD TOUR