Headline: Christchurch people still locked out of city rebuild
Aucklanders will be able to say what they think of the proposed SkyCity Convention Centre under the RMA. Yet Christchurch citizens will be denied the same right for their convention centre
The Green Party have confirmed that the Government is going to again lock Christchurch people out of decisions the city’s rebuild.
Parliamentary questions from the Green Party to Minister Brownlee about whether the anchor projects in the city’s rebuild would be required to go through the resource consent process in the Resource Management Act (RMA) have revealed that they will not, and so Christchurch people have lost their right to have a say in these large developments.
“Christchurch citizens may get a say on new parking buildings in the central city but not on the design, scale and size of the buildings which will actually shape the central city; the convention centre, the stadium, and the metro sports facility,” said Green Party Christchurch spokesperson Eugenie Sage.
“There will be no opportunity for the public to use the Resource Management Act to have a say. This is yet another example of CERA’s emergency powers extending well past their use by date.
“Aucklanders will be able to say what they think of the proposed SkyCity Convention Centre under the RMA. Yet Christchurch citizens will be denied the same right for their convention centre.
“The resource consent process is a long standing and effective way for people to input into developments in their communities.
“Under CERA’s repressive regime, citizens can’t use the RMA to either challenge the demolition of significant heritage buildings such as McLeans Mansion, or influence decisions on new buildings which determine the identity of the central city.
“Citizens are funding these buildings through our rates and taxes but are being denied a say,” said Ms Sage.
—
