Joe Bennett this week described something as being “dense with potential”. I loved this as it reflected what the Red Zone reflects for our city.
So, last week we had Lianne Dalziel and Te Maire Tau present to the Tuesday Club on what the next steps are to put in place the management structures which will govern the Red Zone into the future.
The Red Zone will be managed under a co-governance agreement between CCC and Ngai Tahu.
Watch it here
Tōpuni
I particularly liked Te Maire’s description of this having the cloak of “topuni” over it. The definition of this figurative cloak in the Māori dictionary is:
3. (modifier) close together.
Me haere tōpuni tātou (W 1971:437). / We should travel close together.
This definition should dispel any concerns about co-governance arrangements. It will be a genuine partnership.
Here’s a map of the potential of this area. There are also plans in the District Plan which I will send to you all in a few weeks.
Here are the steps towards co-governance…
The Tuesday Club will have another session on the Red Zone later in November prior to the Council meeting in December which will set in place the decision-making body for the Red Zone and the steps which will be taken in the future to prepare for the next 150 years for the Red Zone.
I was reflecting on the statement by the Minister for Christchurch, Megan Woods, when she announced that the Crown was handing over to Christchurch the Red Zone. In the statement announcing this decision she stated:
The regeneration of Christchurch, and the transition to local leadership, continues with the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration announcing the approval of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan.
Developed by Regenerate Christchurch, the Plan supports the regeneration of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, providing a vision and objectives for short, medium, and long-term future land uses and opportunities for the 602-hectare area in east Christchurch.
Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Megan Woods, announced the plan’s approval at a special event held in the red zone this morning.
“I’m very happy to approve the plan, which has had huge community input and marks a significant step in getting Christchurch back to local leadership,” Minister Woods says.
“How often does a city have the opportunity to consider the development of an area of 602 hectares so close to its centre? This is a once in a lifetime chance.
“This area is special for many reasons but mostly because it was once home to more than 5000 households. It’s so important that the future use of this land reflects its value and is a fitting tribute to what Christchurch has been through.
“One of the key areas this plan had to address was how will it support positive outcomes for the people of Christchurch, and how will it provide certainty and confidence about the on-going regeneration?”
“I believe it achieves these things by setting a clear vision for the future of this area. This is an inter-generational project – our chance to leave a legacy for the future.
“Realising the plan will require sustained and coordinated effort by the public sector, mana whenua, the community, and investors.
It wasn’t until we had the presentation by the mayor last Tuesday evening that I realised that if the current 3 Waters Proposal, being promoted by the same government which handed over the Red Zone to this City, happens then much of the Red Zone will be taken back by the government. It’s a vital part of the drainage system for this city.
Talk about give with one hand, take with the other. I wonder if the government has thought this through.
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