Exciting vision put forward for Waimakariri red zones

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) and Waimakariri District Council say the public has put forward an exciting vision of open spaces with a community focus for the Waimakariri red zones.

"People have told us that they want to see the natural environment restored so that community activities can take place and new community facilities can be developed. They would also like a place to remember the earthquakes and what happened to the land," says CERA Acting Chief Executive John Ombler.

Waimakariri District Mayor David Ayers has welcomed todays release of the summary of the public conversation on future use.

"Canvas was a valuable exercise for the Districts red zones," Mr Ayers says.

"Its important that the end use of these areas reflects and encompasses what the community needs and the Canvas ideas have provided us with a good basis for drawing up some options. The summary of the community feedback will help us do this before going back to the community for their input."

The Canvas public engagement process ran for six weeks from 30 July to 12 September. Over this time, nearly 600 people contributed their vision, from which more than 2750 ideas and values were identified for the future use of the red zones in Waimakariri.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the engagement has been a real success in encouraging public discussion about the future use of the land.

"The leadership of the Mayor and the Waimakariri District Council has also been crucial in getting the community involved in looking ahead to that future use," Mr Brownlee says.

Mr Ombler says recreation has emerged as the most popular theme from the public engagement, with contributions ranging from walkways to BMX parks to community gardens.

"This is strongly supported by requests to create natural reserves and restore native ecosystems. People are also interested in business and commercial opportunities such as markets, cafes, festivals and entertainment events," Mr Ombler says.

See the article here:
Exciting vision put forward for Waimakariri red zones