3 December 2014

Statement from Christchurch Mayor regarding Wellington joining the 100 Resilient Cities network

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Wellington which today joins Christchurch as one of the 100 Resilient Cities network, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation.

"With two New Zealand cities now part of 100 Resilient Cities, our country's ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, and recover from, plus more successfully adapt to, adverse events is further strengthened.

"It was always my dream for Christchurch to link with other New Zealand cities in building resilience and with Wellington now also a member of this prestigious international network, we are well positioned for New Zealand to become a world-leader on resilience in the true sense of the word.

"One of my first tasks as Mayor was to sign our application to become a member of the 100 Resilient Cities network. Being selected as one of the first 32 cities in the network earlier this year has given Christchurch a basis for transforming ourselves from a place of disaster to a city of resilience."

Christchurch launched its resilience journey as part of the network with an agenda setting workshop, jointly hosted by 100 Resilient Cities and Christchurch City Council, for the city in March. Mike Gillooly was appointed the city's Chief Resilience Officer in June. 100 Resilient Cities funds this position and also assists with technical support and resources for developing and implementing plans to enhance resilience. This assistance offered by 100 Resilient Cities, is a game changer for our city, Lianne Dalziel says.

"We are now progressing a Resilience strategy for Christchurch. Although the development of this strategy is still in its early stages, we can already see that opportunity springs from disaster. Building a resilient city starts at the grassroots - it is not about government (central or local) doing things for communities, businesses or organisations, it is about enabling those groups to do things for themselves.

"Every day that I am out in our community I see wonderful examples of our residents doing just that."

ENDS

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