A Voice for the People of Christchurch

A new website “Christchurch Voices” is poised to become the voice of the people of Christchurch. The combination of limited democracy in Christchurch and very large issues for which no solution has yet been found, has left thousands of Christchurch residents feeling angry and frustrated. After two years exhortations to be patient are wearing exceptionally thin. Many people are still living in broken houses with timelines for repairs stretching further into the future than many, especially the elderly, are able to conceive. Those on TC3 properties are unable to sell or repair and many are mired in the eastern suburbs for which there is apparent plan or timeline for reconstruction. Accusations that residents are merely whingers and moaners, has served only to add insult to injury.

Christchurch Voices website gives people a vital voice with links to dozens of interviews with Christchurch personalities such as Garry Moore and Mike Coleman, city councillors Peter Beck and Glenn Livingstone, community leaders such as the voice of the elderly John Patterson, homeowners who have been caught up in the various scenarios, business people and tradespeople. The range of topics is therefore large ranging from issues with land, GV, insurance and EQC to the closure of schools and the CBD. Perhaps most telling are the heartfelt stories of those caught up in what has become a veritable two year saga.

In voicing their opinions and telling their stories, those interviewed are providing an insight into conditions in parts of Christchurch and simultaneously issuing a warning to all who live on this shaky island. All New Zealanders should be paying attention to the issues surrounding land, EQC and insurance companies because deficits in systems, inequities and mismanagement could literally ‘come home’ to haunt us all if they are not rectified and satisfactory systems put in place. Insurance issues relating to indemnity versus full replacement value and heritage buildings are already affecting the country as a whole, and more changes are on the way.

Christchurch is a moveable feast. While some reconstruction is underway, other crises are looming. The April deadline for people in the red zone to move has homeowners and those renting in these areas, some of which were declared red as recently as a month ago, anxious about finding alternative accommodation. Accommodation itself is a contentious issue. Rents have risen dramatically as have house prices putting them out of the reach of many. Christchurch voices, will therefore be keeping a finger on the pulse through the voices of those interviewed.

www.christchurchvoices.co.nz

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