DISCUSSION | Rebuilding CHC

[Davee]

NZPA

The Queen has wished Cantabrians well following the earthquake, during a 20-minute phone call with Prime Minister John Key.

Key cancelled his trip to Europe, where he was to stay at Balmoral with the Queen, to show solidarity with those impacted by the Canterbury quake.

Key said he talked to the Queen for 15-20 minutes just after midnight last night.

"(She) wanted her sympathies passed to the people of Christchurch, she was totally understanding of the reason I wouldn't go," he said.

The Queen had expected as much after seeing news coverage of the earthquake.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace overnight the Queen sent her good wishes to those affected by and helping with the aftermath of Saturday's earthquake.

As well as spending the weekend with the Queen, Mr Key was to meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

Key sent a text message to his British counterpart to tell him he was not going to Europe.

He received a text message back from Mr Cameron who said he understood and looked forward to a later meeting.

Key spent last night and this morning in Canterbury.

[Davee]

The Black Seeds have postponed their Christchurch show scheduled for Saturday.

The decision to postpone was the band's only option, with the state of emergency extension in place for another seven days in the central CBD following Saturday's 7.1 quake.

With no guarantees of reliable power and water, plus the threat of further aftershocks, the band said it was unwise to go ahead.

A new date of October 30 has been set and will take place at the same venue - The Bedford - which has not been affected by the quakes and is structurally sound.

All tickets will be transferable to the new date, or anyone wanting a refund can contact the ticketing outlets.

Black Seeds frontman Barnaby Weir said the band's thoughts went out to the people of Canterbury.

"Our sincere apologies for having to postpone, but we're looking forward to coming back in October and playing for the people of Christchurch," he said.

All other shows on the band's South Island tour scheduled for this week in Dunedin, Queenstown and Timaru are still going ahead as planned.

Tickets for the new Christchurch show on October 30 will go on sale from Saturday.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has announced a free concert in Christchurch next week as respite for quake-rattled residents.

The Soundscapes concert was already scheduled for next Thursday at the Christchurch Town Hall, but now entry will be free.

NZSO chief executive Peter Walls said it was the orchestra's way of showing support.

"Many among the orchestra have family and friends caught up in the devastating consequences of the earthquake."

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said the concert would be a welcome respite.

"After the hardships of the last few days, I'm really pleased the NZSO is offering the people of Christchurch an opportunity to enjoy each other's company, and wonderful symphonic music."

People who want to attend can call Ticketek to reserve seats, or can try their luck on the night. Anyone who had already bought a ticket could get a voucher from the venue giving them free admission to a future concert.

The concert features Scottish percussion star Colin Currie and the NZSO performing Veni, Veni, Emmanuel by James Macmillan.

The NZSO will also perform works by Maurice Ravel and Richard Strauss, and the Four Seas Interludes from the Benjamin Britten opera Peter Grimes.

- NZPA and The Press

[Davee]

Christchurch City Council has warned property owners not to demolish heritage listed buildings without the express written authorisation of the council. See the city council advisories on this site for more information: http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...cil-advisories

[Davee]

The Press

The last of Christchurch's inner-city cordons should be lifted at 5am tomorrow, Mayor Bob Parker has just announced.

There would still be some partial road closures for safety reasons but the Christchurch Mayor told a media briefing the majority of inner-city restricted access zones should go.

Meanwhile, he has confirmed offers of free air travel and accommodation have flooded in while companies and businesses nationwide have contributed millions of dollars to the city's earthquake relief fund.

Air New Zealand had offered 1000 free flights for Christchurch residents while Napier -- the last New Zealand city to endure a major earthquake -- has told Parker there is free accommodation available for Christchurch people.

Parker said he was grateful for the generous offers but he and others would have to sensibly work through how those offers are used.

"People everywhere are thinking of Christchurch. There is an immense feeling of goodwill,'' he said.

In other developments, Parker said every city house should have water by the end of the week. Council staff had repaired 280 water main leaks and faults.

But problems with wastewater in some badly affected suburbs would take longer to resolve.

In some places, wastewater systems had been "trashed'' and only existed "on a map.''

Parker praised the efforts of all staff and volunteers who put in an "incredible'' effort over the last five days.

His comments were echoed by Police Commissioner Howard Broad, who attended this afternoon's media briefing.

From a major calamity, the perception nationwide was that Christchurch had produced "an outstanding, seamless response.''

He was hugely proud of police staff from Christchurch and throughout the country who had responded to the needs of the city and region.

Superintendant Dave Cliff said the public had also responded with most reported crime down about one-third on normal figures.

"People are pulling together,'' he said.

Incidents that were down included burglaries and vehicle thefts but Cliff said there had been a rise in reported calls of family violence as stressed families struggle to get through what was a very hard time for many.

Police received 15 reports of domestic violence yesterday -- "a bit more than normal.''

"Be patient as you can be,'' he asked of the community.

He also warned tired residents to rest before considering driving.

[Davee]

Bad news.....my Aunt just died on the 8th

Good news...my sister just got engaged on the 8th

My mum is an emotional wreck She's normally the strong one - I just think she's exhausted at the moment.

My brother and sister in law are sending their kids to Australia to stay with family for two weeks so they can sort things out and get a life back - I think they need a bit of time to themselves.

[flyin_higher]

Originally Posted by Davee

I'm not sure - I bet that's a question flyin would know the answer too.

I would have assumed that all building regs had the same earthquake building conditions on them......however, I may be wrong

Sorry not too sure about the building code in both cities, i'd say that it would be the same, considering both areas are essentially in the same zone of seismic activity.

[frew]

If any one needs a hand moving rubble or silt from their property, just private message me. I`ve got alot of people who are looking for some odd jobs that to do around the city (for free) to help the people of Christchurch. That goes for your property, or any property that you know of in Christchurch. We have predominately been moving silt and bricks, but can do any form of manual labour.

[Milan Luka]

@ Davee so sorry to hear your bad news.

@ frew. Well done man. So many people offering to help others, really impressed with the army of uni students running around town at the moment.

[Davee]

You guys are just the best!

We have a fab SSC community.

Luka - thanks for the PM - all is well brother. Will PM you tomorrow.

I'm just going to get some kip now - knowing that you are all ok is a great relief. God bless and take care all in CHC and all of you who are in solidarity around NZ and the world.

D

[Milan Luka]

Cathedral reopens today! Unfortunately the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrement (our most beautiful building imo) will remain closed for at least a year.

Also, just a nice little snippet.... Anyone want some cheap clothes? In addition to the giveaway, everything in store is half price this Friday. Cheap publicity but still, Im going, need some new undies after the last few weeks events.

Hallensteins to give clothes away.

A Christchurch menswear store will be celebrating the ``brotherhood of Cantabrians'' by giving away thousands of dollars' worth of clothing.

At 7am on Friday September 24, Hallensteins in Cashel St will open their doors and give the first thousand customers a free hooded sweatshirt, t-shirt, a pair of cargo shorts and a pair of socks.

A store spokesperson said the freebies were worth $125,000 and urged ``all men to come down and show their support''.

``The `Brothers' concept comes from the heritage of the Hallensteins brand. Te label was founded in 1873 by one of the Hallensteins brothers, and after a weak trading period his brother came in to help him re-build the company. It has flourished ever since.''

The giveaway would run until stocks last on Friday only. All other customers on Friday September 24 at Cashel St store would receive a 50% discount.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...e-clothes-away

[fozzy]

The people of Christchurch are great and it's good to see such wonderful folk helping each other at such a time of need. Keep on with the good work!!!! I was in CHC in 97 and fell in love with the place & it's people!!!!

[Milan Luka]

Cheers fozzy, thanks for keeping an eye out for us!

We are all still tired, but the aftershocks have really quietened down now. I think yesterday we only got about 5, of which I felt none. Reality is though theres so much to do, while 'rebuilding a city' can give us all something to focus on there are still many people homeless, jobless because of this. Spare a thought for those in places like Avonside who still dont have water.

You are going to have to come back ok. Plenty of good stuff still standing.

[fozzy]

I will be debt free in 5 yrs and will definately come back and visit. Hopefully the city will be back to its fantastic self by then!!!

[Milan Luka]

Mate, I give us a year and a bit and we'll be good as new!

If we're all still here in 2015 lemme know, Ill give you a tour.

[fozzy]

that would be great mate!!! Be good to get an insiders view of the city

[Dazzle]

Originally Posted by Milan Luka

St Johns of Hororata may be ok afterall.

PM went out there today to view the damage, met the vicar Jenny Carter. He seemed to make some noises about it being too important a building to lose.

Interred there is Sir John Hall (1824-1907), New Zealands 12th Prime Minister, served 1879-1882. Thats a good enough reason to save it for me.

Pleased about that
I lived in Hororata in 1969/70 as a little boy - my dad worked at the power station that was there at the time.
Hope it all returns to normal soon enough.

[Davee]

The Press


DESTRUCTIVE FORCE: John Key addresses media at the quake-damaged Hororata church.

OPINION: In the wake of the earthquake, Christchurch has an opportunity to build liveable spaces and redesign the city on a human scale, with human values at the centre, writes PETER BECK.

In the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquake on September 4 it's tempting to ask, "Why did it happen to us?"

We can speculate about the answer, as the letters page of The Press has done in the last few weeks, and blame everything from Richard Dawkins to the prostitutes on Manchester St to the many bike shops in the city centre. Or we can plead the agnostic case, as a T-shirt I saw recently did. It was a take-off of the Tui beer ads - "No fault here? Yeah, right".

But there is a more productive question we can ask as we start to take stock and start the process of rebuilding. What will change because of the earthquake?

At the moment Christchurch looks like it has gone three rounds at the back of the bike sheds with the school bully. The central city is full of gaps where much-loved buildings used to be. Others are barely hanging on, held up with props and struts. In the worst hit suburbs and towns, the community has been hit hard. There are rows of abandoned houses with a few liveable dwellings scattered through them. Communities that have grown up bit by bit over the years have been devastated over night. It's easy to lament, or to ask the unproductive question, "Why us?"

In the early days after the quake we saw unparalleled community spirit as we reached out to one another. The leadership of Bob Parker has earned him a further three years as our mayor; the Civil Defence and emergency services were brilliant; the numbers of volunteers lining up to help was inspiring. Neighbours called in on one another to check if all was well and to offer support and meals to folk close by they had hardly ever spoken to. We took the time to stop and talk, and stop and talk again - amazing - a demonstration of the Canterbury spirit at its best. Can we hold on to this spirit as the days and months go by?

For now we move into the recovery phase. Inevitably things aren't going to go as smoothly as some would like. Some of our businesses have been wounded terminally and employers and employees are deeply anxious. Some are on the edge of ruin. Little businesses that have held our village communities together within this great city are on the edge of collapse. Property issues will be complicated for many. The infrastructure of our city is in a parlous state. There is much to be done.

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And we have the chance to rebuild the city, and to do it right. We get the chance to review what has worked and what has not in our planning of the past and to renew our heritage for future generations. We get to build liveable spaces, and redesign the city on a human scale, with human values at the centre. The role of urban planning, it seems to me, is to uphold and strengthen the character of particular places. So it's vital that communities here have a voice in the design, and it's not left to the powers that be in Wellington, who may not balance the vital economic needs with an holistic understanding of the human aspirations and well-being of this particular set of communities.

Our new council has a huge task of reconstruction. My hope and prayer is that the council will encourage community involvement in re-envisioning the future of our city. Our forebears envisioned the city that has grown up and developed in a way we have been truly proud of.

The heritage we hold dear to is not only in buildings, it is in the values and principles and the characteristics of the citizens.

Whether we like it or not, every design - from state house to skyscraper to suburban mall - expresses a view of what it means to be human; and it makes an ethical statement. Ethics sounds like a grand concept, but at the end of the day, it's human beings in conversation with each other about our common project - about where we're going, and how fast, and why we want to get there in the first place.

To be a human being is to be born into a particular space; to grow up in this house; to go to school through these streets or lanes; to play in this garden or park or alley; to shop at this market or that mall. This all forms the fabric of our everyday lives. The spaces we live and work and play in structure our memories and determine our attitudes.

Christian theology is concerned, in Paul Lehmann's phrase, with what it takes to make and to keep human life human. The things which dehumanise us are often the physical, material things - bodies and buildings and structures and institutions.

The role of the churches is to care for the soul of the city, but you can't do that without being concerned for its built environment, its bricks and mortar, its streets and suburbs and parks and land.

It is our job to stand for the values of community, to keep on pushing the local as the key to the global.

The city council and the central government in Wellington have big decisions to make on our behalf. They need to have big ears to listen and to test out ideas with the citizens. A consultative, inclusive process is the way forward. For the decisions that will be taken will shape our future for many generations.

In 100 years from now we want people to look back at what we have done to preserve and enhance our unique heritage and say "well done!"

The Very Reverend Peter Beck is the Anglican Dean of Christchurch.

[Davee]

...just like Gaudi pushed the boundaries in Barcelona!

We need people with imagination and future vision to make CHC a city of the future as well as a city that celebrates its past.

Imagine new buildings that play on the Gothic and neo-gothic...... they could be neo-neo-gothic!

[metroman]

A large section in the Weekend Press is dedicated to how Newcastle's urban renewal and how Christchurch can avoid some of Newcastle's mistakes, from the earthquake they had in 1989 which killed 13 people.

[Milan Luka]

Although they are starting to be demolished theres still many red stickered buildings around the cbd still (half) standing.

Lots of vacant lots scattered all over the place, ready for redevelopment.

Funny you should mention Newcastle metroman. I was there last year and it was apparent to me the cbd was dead. No idea what part the quake played in that.

Just makes it more apparent to me how important it is to get the rebuilding of the cbd here right. I think there needs to be a consolidation, for instance theres no point having countless new shopfronts stay vacant because people keep avoiding the cbd.

Damn, I got a lot of ideas but not the best time. Shouldnt have logged on...