In the Spotlight
Canterbury earthquake
As our colleagues and the people of Canterbury begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding following the earthquake, I visited the region to see first hand what role local government can play to assist the three councils affected.
On my visit I was surprised by the misleading contrast between the destruction of some areas to the relevant normality of others. I was also impressed by the co-ordinated and professional response from Christchurch City and Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils.
I have been speaking with the three affected councils and am confirming what assistance is required and what role Local Government New Zealand and the wider local government sector can play in supporting the recovery and rebuilding process.
There can be no quick fix to a region that has been so devastated. Patience, endurance and a long-term perspective are required as councils are geared up for looking at the long-term effects and planning for them.
Good planning and organisation from councils to determine the future of the city should not be overlooked in the rush to rebuild.
There is a need to take cautionary approach when it comes to ad hoc deregulation. Robust engineering standards and a sound regulatory environment were major contributing reasons why there were no fatalities, compared for instance to the earthquake in Haiti.
The road ahead for the Canterbury region is not an easy one but LGNZ and the local government sector will be there to offer support and assistance where required.
Lawrence Yule
President, Local Government New Zealand
Posted 9 September 2010
