TEDx In Christchurch
Wow! What an amazing turnout and conference this was last weekend in Christchurch at Burnside High’s Aurora centre.
We were bombarded with fantastic speakers who had equally fantastic visions and practical suggestions for the Christchurch recovery and re-invention. The task, as we know, is daunting and won’t happen quickly. Estimates on time-framing, based on information imparted by the speakers and those in the know, appear to indicate 5-10 years of hard-work and patience to get us to where we want to be. That is, the central city up and running in whatever shape or form that takes in the future, with urban living, commercial and retail premises integrated into the spaces and the inclusion of communal green recreation areas. There are suggestions that cars are kept out of the 4 avenues and that walk-ways and cycle-ways are encouraged back into these areas for future generations to utilise and enjoy.
Suggestions were also made that those in charge of the re-structure need to pull out all the stops to get the recovery moving promptly and if necessary, the rule book needs to be re-written if required to facilitate the speed needed to get things done. This was raised in relation to getting access to buildings for owners and tenants and if necessary allowing them to sign waivers if they want to enter allegedly “unsafe” buildings to retrieve important items.
It was also suggested that a time-line be put in place for the general public to access that gives people some true indication of when properties will be deemed to be able to be repaired or demolished and when the compensation or EQC payments will be paid out to those concerned. This is so that people have some certainty and would allow choices and plans to be made by those badly affected. This was very well received by attendees, as was the idea of a waiver for property owners and tenants.
This was a great day of ideas sharing and visions and there were some truly useful and insightful views to absorb. One thing that did come through loud and clear was that the citizens of Christchurch must have a voice and it must be heard! As one speaker said (from the Christchurch City Council) “people are what makes a city” and he was very sad when he had to walk around it recently and it was lifeless and broken.
So speak up and talk to your delegates and community leaders and be heard, so we can all get back on with our lives sooner rather than later! Go the Garden City! Thanks TEDx you blew me away with your content and inspiration!
Check out http://tedxeqchch.com/
