Global interest in Christchurch’s recovery

Delegations from more than 30 countries have been hosted by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority since 2011 as diplomats come to see first-hand how the city is recovering.

“Regularly meeting with officials from all over the world has allowed us to pass on our knowledge to the global community about recovering from a disaster,” says CERA Acting Chief Executive John Ombler.

“We have also learnt a great deal from them about recovery from disasters that they have been through, and as a result we have formed lasting relationships.”

“Giving visiting officials a tour of the city has been a great way of showing the progress that is happening in Christchurch, and promoting investment and trade opportunities that are occurring in the region.”

Particular care has been paid to maintaining close ties with other countries that lost citizens in the February 2011 earthquake.

“It’s very important that we keep the families and official representatives of other countries that experienced loss of life in the devastating February earthquake informed of what’s happening in our city.”

The unique circumstances in Christchurch have also allowed CERA to pass on important knowledge to students and academics from universities across New Zealand and the world.

“We have had hundreds of students and academics from institutions as varied as Tokyo University and Harvard request speaking engagements and tours of the city with CERA officials,” says Mr Ombler.

“These students and professors are often involved in subjects such as earthquake engineering or aspects of geology, and are keen to learn from Canterbury’s experiences. They are the future leaders in these fields, and will be the people dealing with the effects of future disasters. Some will be involved in the development of technology to minimise future impacts.”

“The opportunity to spread knowledge and insight into the effects of the earthquakes in Canterbury and what we have learnt through the rebuilding process continues to be an important part of CERA’s work.”

“Over the last four and a half years we have engaged with over 800 organisations and individuals specialising in a variety of fields, including disaster management, science, trade and investment delegations, social agencies, and the building and construction sector.”

“As Christchurch continues to rebuild and flourish, people from various sectors both domestically and internationally will keep being interested in what’s happening in our region.”

ENDS

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