Roger Sutton- A time for reflection | Canterbury Opinion | Local Voices from Canterbury, New Zealand

The end of the year is always a time for reflection, and this year has been like none other for all of us.  

But if there're positives in adversity, and taking good from something terrible, then the highlight has surely been the spirit in which Cantabrians have responded, looked after each other, helped each other out, and continue to do so.

Our city has changed, but the spirit of Christchurch and what it stands for is undaunted. We can all be proud of that.   I know there are people doing it tough this Christmas. I know there are people facing uncertainty in damaged homes who are wondering what the future will bring for them and their families.  

To the 908 remaining orange zone home owners and the 2100 Port Hills white zone home owners, let me say this: I am personally committed to providing certainty for you as soon as possible. This work is complex but remains an absolute priority, and CERA will be moving forward as quickly as it can in your best interests in the New Year. This difficult work, and in the Port Hills especially, presents life risk issues through rock fall, cliff collapse and landslips. 

It is vital that we get these decisions right. We will continue to support you as much as we can, and provide the services to help you until and after those decisions are made.  

The work at CERA has many parts, and land rezonings is just one of them. While those decisions haven't been able to progress as quickly as I had hoped, I am grateful that through projects like the Red Zone bus visits, the Cathedral walking tours and the Re:START initiative in Cashel Mall, we've been able to let people reclaim their city, if only temporarily, and help them understand the scale and complexity of what has happened here, and offer an insight  into the challenges we will face in the coming months. Restoring Christchurch is a challenge that has only just begun. There have been tough decisions, and there'll be plenty more yet.  

I wish you a safe and happy Christmas.