The Influencers: Paul Lonsdale

I cannot believe we are already in February with the Christmas rush and holiday now a distant memory.

We are now fully launched into this new decade and I believe we, as a city and region, are ready to own it.

The last 10 years were tough on our city and our people, but in true southern style, we rose from that challenge and showed the world what we are made of.

“It’s a new city built for a new era and we should be proud that we are ready for all the opportunities it will bring.”

We started the new decade on a positive note with Christchurch landing a spot on the New York Times prestigious travel list, which is a fabulous accolade to our rebuild efforts thus far.

There is a positive vibe amount the business community for the new decade, with some large-scale projects being completed this year, including the Convention Centre and new-dedicated Cruise Berth in Lyttelton… and hopefully a decision on the long-awaited multi-use Arena.

It always surprises me to hear that some of our people have only just ventured back into the city centre for the first time in years but heartened they enjoyed the experience.

It’s a new city built for a new era and we should be proud that we are ready for all the opportunities it will bring.