O'Rourke Denis: Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeO'Rourke Denis: Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10111. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DENIS O’ROURKE (NZ First): Everyone in Christchurch is looking forward to a new regenerated Christchurch following the initial recovery process. Now is the time to get things done. We need to see those major projects getting going. We need to see the red zone recycled and we need to see comprehensive urban renewal in the east of Christchurch and we need to realise some wonderful opportunities for recreation in many of the areas that are to be re-planned and rebuilt. But there is always a tension between getting things done and public involvement. As people from Christchurch in this room know Christchurch people tend to have interminable debates on things like this and so there is a need to provide for them the opportunity to do that but at some point you do have to make a decision and get things done. I think this bill sets out a way in which all of that can happen.At the outset New Zealand First had seven objectives. Firstly we wanted to ensure that the processes for initiation and approval of plans would be locally led and not Crown-dominated but would nevertheless protect Crown interests. Secondly we wanted to ensure that the city council and Environment Canterbury would have the right to participate fully in the development of those plans. Thirdly we wanted to give plenty of opportunity for public input in the same way that they got through processes like Share an Idea. Fourthly we wanted to make sure that the processes would not be secretive but would be open and informative. Fifthly we wanted to see that the opportunities to enhance the environment and the residential values of the city would be fully realised. Sixthly we wanted to ensure that the process would be a much speedier one than has so far been evident without as I have already said compromising the collaboration needed between the parties and the provision for public input. Seventhly and lastly we wanted to ensure that the process did bring the public along with the parties through good communication and through good consultation.I am pleased to say that I think that this bill is going to deliver on all seven fronts. The amended bill will now provide for much better public information and opportunity to comment than has previously actually been the case. There will be a much better process for the initiation consideration and approval or revocation of regeneration plans because Regenerate Christchurch is the body that will initiate lead review and advise the Minister on those plans. It is a genuine partnership between three Crown directors: three city council-appointed ones and one nominated by Ngāi Tahu.It is important that all parties involved have faith in the board of Regenerate Christchurch because in fact legislation can only go so far. That board must provide firm leadership and be bold and visionary and push things ahead but of course it must take the public of Christchurch along with it. Only Regenerate Christchurch can be a proponent for the red zone plans under the bill. It may be a proponent for plans for the Christchurch district as the other strategic partners may be. Statements to the Minister of the views of those parties on an outline plan will be made public on the internet so that will make it very accessible. There are similar requirements concerning the views of parties to an approval of a draft plan.I believe that of special importance is the fact that the Minister in approving or declining an outline plan must have “particular regard” to the views of Regenerate Christchurch and the other partners. Those words are repeated elsewhere for approvals of final plans and for revocations and I think these are very important words to limit the executive power of the Minister and most particularly to preserve the credibility and the leadership functions especially of Regenerate Christchurch and the local councils. The development of outline plans I believe is really the crux of the process because that is where the ideas start and get pushed ahead. The process for those plans for the Christchurch district and the red zone has a number of requirements under the bill.There is a requirement for a clear statement of intentions and scope so that people will know what it is all about and there are good opportunities for public engagement and there are requirements to show how the costs are going to be met. That is often overlooked but it is a very important requirement. A proponent must seek the views of its partners and Regenerate Christchurch must get the consent of Ōtākaro Ltd as landowner but that company cannot refuse consent except for reasons that are consistent with the purposes of the Act and I am sure it would be held closely to that requirement. The requirements prerequisite to ministerial approval are also very important. There must be a recommendation by Regenerate Christchurch for a plan for the Christchurch district containing advice a statement of the views of the other partners and also advice on how the views have been considered and addressed. There are similar requirements for approvals and amendments and for revocations.We must all have confidence and faith in Regenerate Christchurch as the lead entity for the council and Crown partnership. What it means is that there will be joint responsibility and the joint commitment of resources by both the city and the Crown and that is of extraordinary importance. There may be a letter of expectations as to what the council and the Crown require of Regenerate Christchurch in terms of strategic direction and priorities. I think it is very important that that happens. It may happen under the bill but I think it is very important that those two parties get together soon produce that letter of expectations and make it public. That is a very important part of the process in my opinion.Finally I want to say just two things: first of all it has been a great pleasure to see a consensus on a good bill and I enjoyed taking part in that process. I think it will ensure a very robust process focusing as it must on regeneration and I think it will mean that we will get a proper balance between redevelopment and the wider public interest especially the public’s interest in achieving an excellent environment and a vibrant and viable community—especially in the east of Christchurch. In addition to that there are some extraordinary opportunities for excellent recreation facilities in the areas of the red zone in particular. It is very important that those have a very high priority as I am sure they will.The second and final thing I wish to say is simply that I and New Zealand First wish Regenerate Christchurch well in its journey because it is a journey upon which nothing less than the future of our second-largest city depends. Thank you.