Media release
20 November 12

Hundreds Of Ideas Entered To Transform Christchurch City

The ultimate gamer’s paradise, a student discount grocery and a giant roller-skating rink are just a few of the more than 300 Big Ideas submitted by Christchurch youth to the Big Idea website and collection points since the campaign launched on Oct 27.

The CPIT Foundation wants to hear from youths under 25 about their Big Ideas to transform the south-east corner of the city, with the winning idea receiving $5000.

So far, ideas range from just plain fun to contemplative and thought provoking. However, the majority ask for improvements to the social scene of the city, with calls for community arts centres, entertainment zones, theme parks and youth gardens a reoccurring theme.

Becca from Ilam suggests an “outdoor laser tag game where the setting is made from recycled parts of the city like fencing and bricks.”

Nath from Avonhead wants “a permanent stage in the central city, where aspiring musicians can play at any time.”

While Laura from St Albans thinks “a massive veggie/fruit patch where schools and volunteers could work on planting apple trees and such so that kids in need could get fresh fruit in their lunches” would be a great idea.

Chairman of the CPIT Foundation Carl Pascoe says he’s delighted with the response. “To be honest, it is going to be a difficult task to choose just three ideas to go through to the final. One will win $5000 and the CPIT Foundation will try to make that idea a reality. We want to ensure we select an idea that is achievable and will be a great attribute for the city’s youth. This is a huge responsibility, and one that we are taking very seriously.”

Otautahi Youth Council Facilitator Jen Rodgers says the Big Idea campaign is just what Christchurch needs. “The Big Idea is giving young people an opportunity to stamp their mark on the city and provide a cool place for other youth. It fills an important space because ultimately young people want to feel involved in the community and in the decisions that will effect them well into the future.”
The brightly coloured Big Idea campaign will continue throughout November with entries closing on 1 December. Morph men and the Big Idea caravan have been visiting malls, student events and schools recording ideas. People who missed these opportunities to submit their idea, can enter online at www.thebigideachch.co.nz

The top three Big Ideas will be presented by the CPIT Foundation to Canterbury decision makers at a formal function in December.

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Morph men and the Big Idea caravan

ENDS

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