Editor’s perspective: Future growth

Looking and planning ahead isn’t always easy, especially when taking numerous factors into account. For instance, looking foward to how Greater Christchurch will develop as its population continues to grow.

Its population is predicted to double to more than one million people during the next 60 years, or even earlier.
The Huihui Mai (let’s come together) engagement opened recently and runs until 26 March, seeking public input into how more people and business in Greater Christchurch can be accommodated in future, while providing a high quality of life, a thriving economy and protecting the environment.

Now is the time to have your say. The Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch) has invited people living in Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts to take part in the discussion to shape where and how their area will grow in the future. One possibility is a ‘turn up and go’ mass rapid transit system, that would mean significant changes to our public transport network.

Apparently residents locally have some of the highest dependency on private motor vehicles in the country. An efficient public transport service might encourage some to confidently switch from using their cars.

Time will tell how this progresses, however now is the time to make your views known, not just on this idea, but on how to future-proof the whole area. Feedback will go into the Christchurch City Council’s draft Annual Plan, so don’t delay, have your say.