Wagner Nicky: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Wagner Nicky: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
[Sitting date: 12 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7495. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
NICKY WAGNER (National—Christchurch Central) 
: 
 After a couple of tough years the people of Christchurch at the end of 2012 are feeling increasingly positive about our future. We know that because in a recent survey Christchurch people are leading the way in wanting to stay in their home town. Ninety-seven percent of Christchurch business people and 88 percent of Christchurch residents want to stay in Christchurch which compares with only 86 percent of people across the country. 
We are very optimistic and it is not surprising. We have the biggest growth rate and the lowest unemployment rate in the country and 78 percent of our business people say that Christchurch is going in the right direction as do 61 percent of our residents against 51 percent of the people across the country. 
Of course we are deeply sad for those whom we have lost and for what we have lost but we now have a strong vision for the future and are determined to make the most of every opportunity. We are proud of how our communities have responded to the disaster and although we know there is still a long way to go we feel challenged and energised by the work ahead. 
Most of us now know the fate of our homes. Many of us are already on the path to repair rebuild or replacement and some are already through the process. In fact at least 30000 homes have been rebuilt or repaired and often those outcomes are much better than we ever expected or dared to hope for. Earthquake Commission and insurance problems are still challenging for many. The Earthquake Commission is an organisation that we love to hate but we are all grateful that because of the commission 99 percent of New Zealanders are insured $4 billion has been paid out in Christchurch and all of the 620000 earthquake claims will be met. 
Local community plans are working forward and new suburban shops cafe and community buildings are going up across the city and in the central business district the Christchurch City rebuild and blueprint based on the city council’s Share an Idea consultation has been very well received. Awareness of the plan is high and for those who are well informed 82 percent of business people and 66 percent of residents approve it and support it. 
I want to take the opportunity right now to thank the Prime Minister and Gerry Brownlee for their support and to thank the Government for its total commitment to the rebuild of Christchurch especially the $13 billion that is going to be invested in our future. We are incredibly fortunate that the Prime Minister came from Christchurch because he understands our community absolutely. He understands it is important as a gateway to the South Island and understands its contribution to the New Zealand economy. 
But it is actually Gerry Brownlee’s day in day out leadership his integrity in making difficult and complex decisions and his ability to think clearly and realistically in an emotionally charged and ever-changing environment that have delivered so well for Christchurch and Canterbury. Again Gerry has been the figure that we have loved to hate but as time goes by more and more Cantabrians are understanding and appreciating his tough but fair decision-making. 
In the future I believe that Christchurch people will look back on the great earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and will thank Gerry and this Government for a steady hand and intelligent and compassionate solutions. As the member of Parliament for Christchurch Central an electorate that was hard hit in the earthquakes I am proud of the progress that we are making and of the recovery of our city and I am enthusiastic about our future. We will build a stronger more sustainable fabulously people-friendly and prosperous city. Happy Christmas to everyone and a great New Year and no earthquakes please.