Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill

I want to make just a brief contribution on the second reading of the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill. I congratulate Ministers Gerry Brownlee and John Carter on the leadership they have shown in bringing us from the point of disaster through, now, to disaster recovery. I also acknowledge members of Parliament from across the House for their generosity in the time they have given to the people of Canterbury. Those of us who live further away from the earthquake—I live in South Canterbury - North Otago—and who watched it only from a distance with minimal disruption to our lives can only admire the way in which members from across the House have dealt with this and will continue to deal with it.

💬 Hon David Parker: Is Ōāmaru in South Canterbury now?

The member should have listened. I did say “South Canterbury and North Otago”. I could go on to say “Central Otago—

💬 Hon Member: You represent both.

Yes, I do indeed represent both. I also represent Central Otago, but we digress.

The purpose of my speech today is to note that one aspect of the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill is to establish the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission. The commission is going to be established to advise Ministers and to become the conduit between local government, the community, and the Government. I would like to suggest, as my final point, that as well as the commissioners, three of whom will be the mayors of the various councils—Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, and Waimakariri District Council—joined by four others, the local MPs will also have an input into the ongoing process of rebuilding for Canterbury. In making that small point, I commend the bill to the House.

Bill read a second time.

In Committee