Investing in Greater Christchurch
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is strengthening its advocacy priorities to champion the planning, funding, financing and transport investment needed to support one of New Zealand’s fastest growing urban areas.
Greater Christchurch is home to most of Canterbury’s population and sits at the heart of the South Island economy, making a significant contribution to New Zealand through business growth, exports, innovation and investment. In September, the partnership (a coalition of local government, mana whenua and government agencies) identified two key advocacy priorities: Getting the system settings right for manageable urban growth (enabling sustainable growth through appropriate planning, funding and financing settings) and seeking a share of transport funding that reflects our contribution to New Zealand (securing increased investment in transport).
“Greater Christchurch is the South Island’s largest urban area and a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy,” says Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger. “As our share of the country’s population and economic activity continues to grow, national investment should more closely reflect the role our region plays in supporting New Zealand’s productivity, exports and economic resilience. We are asking for settings that allow us to continue growing while ensuring infrastructure and public services can keep pace with demand.”
For Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon, coordinated planning and equitable funding is essential to sustainable growth. “The challenge is not whether our communities will continue to grow, but how we manage that growth well. We need funding and planning tools that support long-term development and ensure existing communities are not left carrying an unfair share of future costs.”
The Partnership is also advocating for a greater share of National Land Transport Programme funding alongside government support for the delivery of key transport projects identified in national infrastructure planning. This includes progressing Public Transport Futures improvements and the development and delivery of a Mass Rapid Transit network for Greater Christchurch.
Environment Canterbury chair Deon Swiggs says transport investment is critical. “A well-connected Greater Christchurch is essential to economic productivity, access to jobs, housing choice and reducing emissions. Just as importantly, it helps build the resilience our communities need to respond to future challenges.”
