Denis O’Rourke MP

Spokesperson for Christchurch

Earthquake Issues

1 NOVEMBER 2016

Relocation of Redcliffs School a Mistake

The use of part of Redcliffs Park in Christchurch for a new school means a significant reduction in parkland, where park space is already at a premium, says New Zealand First Spokesperson on Christchurch Earthquake Issues Denis O’Rourke.

“It seems the government’s agenda is to make money from selling the current Redcliffs School site which is on some of the most expensive residential land in Christchurch.

“If that is not the real agenda, then the government must now undertake to gift the land to Christchurch City as compensation for the loss of such a large part of Redcliffs Park.

“Christchurch's Redcliffs School won't be reopened on its current site after the earthquakes, despite a strong push from the community to have the school reopened there.

“Education Minister Hekia Parata says the best option is to relocate the school away from the cliffs to Redcliffs Park. But this does not make sense.

“There is no genuine risk of rocks falling at the school. Work to stabilise the cliffs has made the area safer than at the time of the 2011 earthquake. Houses that will remain much closer to these cliffs than the school is demonstrate this.

“The school has been on its current site for a long time, and the local community supported it staying there,” says Mr O’Rourke.

ENDS

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