Central Canterbury communities have had a rough ride – earthquake upon earthquake, EQC and insurance battles with huge family stress – all on top of undermined democracy. Suburb by suburb people have found each other, as the main support in difficult times. Neighbourhood organisations are flourishing which characterises ground-up recovery. How can we carry this community strengthening forward, for safer and better…

Our quality of life depends on natural resources we must care for collaboratively. Biodiversity and future promise depends on all this. Industrial pressure on aquifer and river water has reached a point where they compete with urban values in Christchurch. What we draw freely from taps, of very high grade, is finite. Sewage overflows are…

Christchurch is rich in cultural diversity and this is an increasing trend. Migration, especially of rebuild workers, continues as it has for centuries – our mix of peoples is our strength. Tangata whenua came first and will always hold that place of respect. The city authorities need to reflect the great mix of wonderful people…