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Crucial rebuild: Christchurch Cathedral after last February’s earthquake
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Queenstown looks the same as always at this time of year – crowded with happy visitors, the tradtional mix of loyal locals and enthusiastic overseas folk.
However, the effects of the earthquakes in Christchurch continue to roll on through our tourism industry in the South.
A lack of accommodation in Christchurch means the usual tourist routes are disrupted, affecting everything from shopping in Te Anau to KiwiRail’s scenic trips to the West Coast.
A rapid pick-up in residential rebuilding in Christchurch will bring more jobs than we can fill to the South Island and help the national economy.
Yet it’s just as important for us to also get the commercial rebuilding going to restore tourist routes to the South.
It’s simple – we need more visitor beds in Christchurch as soon as possible.
Progress on rebuilding has been pretty good in difficult circumstances.
I’m impressed with the endless patience of so many people in Christchurch as they wait for the new plans and rules required to get the rebuild going.
But from here, Christchurch City Council will need to focus strongly on attracting investment.
Nothing will be rebuilt in Christchurch unless investors have the confidence to put their money on the line, accept risks and make decisions.
So Christchurch’s plans need to focus on reducing the usual barriers for investors and make the place as attractive as possible.
The usual slow nit-picking consent process won’t work. Investors wanting to build accommodation and other tourism infrastructure need to be made to feel welcome.
The process should be designed to encourage them and help them get projects up and going – not put hurdles in their way.
Of course it matters how the city looks. But when a fair bit of the CBD is demolished, and the rest of the South is affected, we need to see aggressive action.
Fortunately, the Government has some powers to move faster where the council can’t.
And I hope the Government considers using those powers because there’s a lot at stake for all of the South as well as Christchurch.
Bill English is the Deputy Prime Minister and the National MP for Wakatipu’s Clutha-Southland electorate
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