Goodhew Jo: Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading 
Goodhew Jo: Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading 
[Volume:666;Page:13931] 
JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) 
: 
 I rise to speak briefly in the second reading of the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill. It is at a time like this that I feel really proud to be a Cantabrian. For most people in my Rangitata electorate damage has been minimal or there has been none at all but some residents have suffered considerable damage and disruption. It seems as if we all have either a friend or a relative who has been badly affected. There is disruption in my electorate in the form of uncertainty for those who are in the middle of a house purchase and who are unable to secure an urgent inspection of their new home—what a dent that must be in their excitement. Those people face uncertainty additional expense and worry in relation to getting insurance cover. We can see why there is such uncertainty at this time. The issue has widespread impact far beyond the parts of Canterbury that are so obviously damaged. 
I have observed disruption in homes churches and businesses. Many chimneys took a dive as did spires on churches such as St Mary’s in Timaru which just a couple of weeks ago celebrated its 150th anniversary. This also happened to the Catholic church at Temuka where almost exactly 23 years ago my sister was married during another severe event—a storm on 15 October. 
Some businesses received minor damage. Our plumber had a bench top for us but it was smashed. His business will now be set back weeks in terms of getting jobs done. In Methven the Blue Pub and the Brown Pub were both yellow-stickered putting their accommodation out of commission for now. So employment has been affected. Cafe 131 will be out of operation for at least 3 weeks St Ita’s Guesthouse is without the ability to take bookings as its owners address damage and the pub in Rakaia has received minimal damage but the falling chimneys gave a very big fright. For the Icehouse Gallery the Steel-Worx businesses and the Thai restaurant in Methven business is on hold and so too is the income of people working in those places. 
Others in Ashburton and Timaru are also without income. It is temporary but they have been reassured by the immediate response of Government agencies Canterbury MPs from across the House the mayors and emergency services. Help has been swift and helpful and there has been understanding. We have served the immediate need but now it is time for stage 2 and that is what brings me to this bill. There needs to be a more lasting set of actions for the recovery and that is why this is called the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill. 
Clause 3(b) of the bill speaks of giving the Government “adequate statutory power to assist with the response to the Canterbury earthquake:” It is a very necessary next step. But people of the Canterbury region do not need anger and resentment borne out of frustration. They want to rebuild their lives—their homes their businesses and their schools. 
The courage compassion and sharing of the response is one that the people of Canterbury—in fact all of New Zealand—can be proud of. As already expressed in the House students stepped up to the mark and will justifiably feel proud of what they have achieved. This recovery needs this legislation and I am therefore very proud and very happy to commend it to the House.