Wagner Nicky: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Wagner Nicky: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:671;Page:18177] 
NICKY WAGNER (National) 
: 
 The need to rebuild Christchurch and Greater Christchurch is urgent I tell the previous speaker Mr Locke. We need to do it quickly and we need to do it efficiently. Keith Locke wants to take more time but circumstances just do not allow it. I have just received news that a major sewer has collapsed on Ferry Road. That is another setback that emphasises how fragile our sewer system is and now more people have to use chemical toilets and Portaloos for longer. That just underlines the urgency of how important it is to get the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority up and running. The managing of the rebuild of Christchurch needs that sort of support. 
There are two major debating points in relation to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill. The first is whether the bill allows enough community participation. I listened to my colleague Louise Upston and I would have to say yes. The second point is whether there are enough checks and balances in relation to the extraordinary powers provided by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill which are needed to deal with this extraordinary situation. I say yes to that as well. 
This is balanced and well-thought-out legislation. It is unique legislation. It is Kiwi-style but it is informed by overseas experience in managing disaster recovery. According to the Legislation Advisory Committee it meets all the tests of the principles of disaster recovery legislation. It is designed for New Zealand conditions and to get our city and Greater Christchurch moving. It does not preclude the recovery work that is already happening especially in Kaiapoi. But with a dedicated authority in place there will be a quicker more efficient process for the communities that still have to begin the rebuild process. We are all very aware that some people have been living in broken houses with damaged infrastructure and in dislocated communities since 4 September. Much of our city is munted. 
There is a series of checks and balances in the legislation and as the New Zealand Law Society says the bill largely meets the objectives of transparency and accountability. 
To recap the details: the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority is working in partnership with existing councils and stakeholders. The powers of this legislation can be used only for earthquake recovery within the Greater Christchurch area. The Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery is accountable directly to Parliament which includes all parties in this Parliament and he must report every 3 months. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority itself must be reviewed every year. All Orders in Council will be reviewed by the review panel chaired by a retired High Court judge. There are also the advisory committees a community forum and a cross-party forum. I am sure both those forums in true Cantabrian spirit will be robust and active. 
Finally as always in New Zealand every citizen has the opportunity of free speech to hold the Minister and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority to account. This is a well-balanced well-thought-out bill and I look forward to seeing it coming into force.