Wilkinson Kate: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill — First Reading 
Wilkinson Kate: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17903] 
Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Conservation) 
: 
 As the explanatory note of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill points out the 22 February earthquake was an incomparable natural disaster in New Zealand’s history. Yes it is above politics but just because someone says it is above politics does not make it above politics; that claim has to be acted upon. It will be the actions rather than the words that will show there is no politics in this issue. 
We have never been faced with a disaster on this scale before. In response we need to be able to make decisions. The bill lays out the framework by which the Government will assist Canterbury and Christchurch to move forward. It is important to note in the explanatory note the general policy statement: “The Bill is founded on the need for community participation in decision-making processes while balancing this against the need for a timely and coordinated recovery process.” That is the foundation of this bill. 
Rebuilding Canterbury will be a long process. The Christchurch central business district has changed dramatically. Areas like Cashel Mall High Street and Cathedral Square are just not the same. We have spoken in this House previously about the damage inflicted on roading water services sewerage and homes throughout the region. The cordon in the central business district has gradually reduced in size though some areas are still no-go zones. Almost all schools have reopened albeit with disruption at some sites and nearly all households now have power and running water. 
But of course the substantive damage remains and it is a big job. As was noted today about $8.5 billion will be spent to fix Canterbury and the job requires a centralised response. Lessons learnt from overseas show that it is best to have a single entity in charge of the recovery efforts following major natural disasters. 
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority has been given this very important task. Of course it will be working closely alongside the Christchurch City Council the Selwyn District Council the Waimakariri District Council and other stakeholders throughout this process. The Waimakariri District Council has shown that it is very adept at developing plans in particular those relating to Kaiapoi giving certainty to residents about the staged rebuilding process. This is the sort of experience that can be drawn upon. It may well be that Waimakariri will not need to bother the authority nor require the exercise of any of the powers but it has been included in case it does. 
This legislation aims to facilitate prompt and efficient decision-making both by the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and the authority. I have heard the concerns that the powers go too far. The same concerns were aired over the previous Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act which is now being repealed. The powers under that Act were used responsibly as will be the powers this legislation provides. Even law academics such as Professor Andrew Geddis have admitted that the fears of abuse of powers under the previous legislation have remained unrealised. There are significant checks and balances to ensure that the powers are used properly and are necessary for the Canterbury recovery and rebuild. 
It is important that the need for community participation is balanced against the need for timely and effective decision-making. Cantabrians want a say in how their region is rebuilt. It is after all their region. This bill provides for the establishment of a community forum made up of local representatives who will provide advice to the Minister. There will also be a public consultation process in place. Cantabrians want to be heard but they want to see action. It is a matter of striking the balance between effective coordination and consultation and the need for progress. 
We want the people of Canterbury to stay and rebuild their city and their province alongside the Government over the next 5 years. Rebuilding Canterbury is one of the Government’s highest priorities and we will continue to provide the resources to make this happen over the coming weeks months and years. We are at only the start of a long journey and the sooner the people of Canterbury can see a plan in place to rebuild their city and the progress flowing from that plan the sooner they can re-establish their lives. I commend this bill to the House. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: I call the member Lianne Dalziel. I understand this is to be a split call is it not?