17 May 2018

Mayor Lianne Dalziel is welcoming the confirmation in the Budget that Christchurch will get an extra $300 million of Government funding for important projects.

“During the election campaign Labour pledged a $300 million capital fund for the city and with today’s Budget they have followed through on that promise,’’ the Mayor says.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel

Mayor Lianne Dalziel

“In the past few months we have had discussions with the Government about the work that still needs to be done in Christchurch.  Today’s Budget announcement means we can now begin to work out in more detail how the extra funding can be used to most benefit the city.

“I have already been in touch with the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Dr Megan Woods, to express our appreciation for the extra funding and to re-affirm our commitment to working in partnership to get the best outcomes for Christchurch.

“As a Council we welcome the opportunity to take the lead in identifying the priorities for Christchurch,’’ the Mayor says.

“We have been listening to submissions on our Long Term Plan and it is clear that there are significant issues this will help address, for example, our earthquake damaged infrastructure and provision of the stadium.

“I look forward to meeting the Minister to continue to work towards a global settlement for Christchurch, of which the fund is an enormously important component,’’ the Mayor says.

Joanna Norris, Chief Executive of Christchurch NZ, the economic development and city profile agency, says the additional funding in the Budget for Christchurch will help continue the city’s positive rebuild momentum.

“A dedicated fund for key rebuild projects is important because it can provide confidence that there is continued momentum with respect to core anchor projects,'' Ms Norris says. "This announcement should deliver confidence to the private sector that ongoing investment in Canterbury is supported by public sector investment.'

Ms Norris says keeping the key rebuild projects on track supports the city's thriving and diverse economy.

"This supports our ongoing work in helping people understand the opportunity Christchurch presents as a city with modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure and a high standard of living,'' she says.

*On Monday the Mayor and Dr Woods will speak at a post-Budget briefing in Christchurch hosted by ChristchurchNZ where they will discuss the Budget in the Canterbury context.