Nicky Wagner - Greater Christchurch Regeneration

22 March 2018

Labour’s promises of funding for CHCH now uncertain

Megan Woods appears to have contradicted her Prime Minister in walking back her promise to Christchurch of $300 million being readily accessible for the city’s rebuild, National’s Spokesperson for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Nicky Wagner says.

“Before the election Jacinda Ardern committed that ‘Labour would be putting $300 million on the table, readily accessible for projects’ but in Parliament today the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration said that the funding was not readily accessible, but may be included in the Budget,” Mrs Wagner says.

“A Budget bid does not mean the funding is guaranteed as we were promised.

“I asked Megan Woods whether she could confirm the funding so that it can be included in the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan, which is currently being drafted. This is the exact time that the Council needs certainty of funding so they can make informed choices about where to invest.

“If the Government is serious about the fund they should come out and guarantee it so that the Council can plan for it now, otherwise they risk delays with its roll out in the months or years ahead.

“Megan Woods has been very vocal about Labour’s commitments to providing certainty and transparency for Christchurch, and Christchurch residents voted for Labour based on those promises. Now Ms Woods is the Minister responsible for the regeneration of our city, she has to deliver them,” Mrs Wagner says.

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