November 26, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Natural Environment Recovery Programme launched

The Natural Environment Recovery Programme for greater Christchurch Whakaara Taiao was launched today at a community event at Travis Wetland in Burwood.

The event celebrated the collaborative work done since Environment Canterbury was asked by the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, to lead development of the programme in 2012. It was attended by a number of notable guests as well as local school students.

Environment Canterbury Chair of Commissioners Dame Margaret Bazley says Travis Wetland was selected as the venue for the launch ceremony because of the good restoration work being done there and the rehabilitation completed since the earthquakes.

Kahikatea were planted to symbolise new growth, and Enviroschools Bronze recognition was given to Windsor School students, who also participated in the event.

“The programme is very important for the future wellbeing of all Cantabrians,” Dame Margaret said. “Our natural environment is a central part of our shared heritage and culture. Many of us choose to live in or near Christchurch because we appreciate and value the natural environment - the rivers, the beaches and harbours, the forests and Port Hills - and the activities these special places provide.

“This initiative builds on a great deal of important work by many people and organisations that has been continuing for a number of years.”

Greater Christchurch Mayors Lianne Dalziel (Christchurch City), Kelvin Coe (Selwyn District) and David Ayers (Waimakariri District) attended the event.

Aroha Rereti-Crofts and other members of Ngāi Tahu hapū Ngāi Tūāhuriri Earthquake Recovery Steering Committee participated on behalf of mana whenua. Of great importance to Ngāi Tahu is taking active responsibility for the environment so it is left better than it was found.

Successful recovery requires effective collaboration and co-ordination. The programme was developed with strategic partners Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council, Selwyn District Council and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. Ngā Papatipu Rūnanga, the Canterbury District Health Board and the Department of Conservation are also key partners.

“A robust, healthy environment goes a long way towards making Canterbury and our country as a whole unique,” Dame Margaret concluded. “This programme will help us continue on the path towards fostering an environment that all those living in greater Christchurch appreciate, value and respect. We look forward to working with our communities on a range of important natural environment recovery projects.”

Background

The Natural Environment Recovery Programme was initiated through the Recovery Strategy for greater Christchurch. It acknowledges the links between the natural environment and recovery, and integrates with other recovery programmes and objectives.

Seventeen projects led by different organisations are included in the programme to reflect priorities identified by the community - for example, there is a strong community desire for land made available being used to include provision for recreation, parks and community gardens.

Greater Christchurch is defined in the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 as the districts of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council, and includes the coastal marine area adjacent to these districts.

The focus of the Natural Environment Recovery Programme is on areas most affected by the earthquakes - generally the catchments of the spring-fed streams (Halswell/Huritini, Heathcote/Ōpāwaho, Avon/Ōtākaro, Styx/Pūrākaunui, and Kaiapoi) and the Port Hills. There was less impact on the natural environment on Banks Peninsula and in inland areas.

More information on the programme and its development: www.ecan.govt.nz/nerp

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