Christchurch mayor Bob Parker is confident the Government isn't about to sideline the council over rebuilding the central city.
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee is due to give his response to the Christchurch City Council's draft central city plan on Wednesday.
It is understood Mr Brownlee will also install a government appointee to lead the rebuild, which up until now has been the job of the council.
Mr Parker is confident the government will accept the draft plan and says it's unlikely the Government would take away the council's consenting powers or ignore its vast planning expertise.
He told Morning Report that a partnership approach would be best and he can't imagine Mr Brownlee disagreeing with that.
"Everything I've heard from the minister and from others has actually been to say that the vision we all collectively put together is a great vision.
"What's always been of interest to us of course is how, then, do CERA see it being implemented."
The Labour MP for Christchurch East, Lianne Dalziel, agrees the rebuilding should be a collaborative effort.
She says legislation allows CERA - the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority - to facilitate, co-ordinate and direct rebuilding of communities, and its power should not be expanded.
The council is expecting to get a briefing on the Government's decision on Tuesday. Mr Brownlee is making no comment ahead of Wednesday's announcement.
