Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has released what he says is a how-to strategy for every sector involved in the rebuild following the Canterbury earthquakes.
Developing a recovery strategy was a requirement of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act.
Mr Brownlee says the Government's "roadmap" for the region outlines how opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation can be maximized.
He says this would go beyond economic recovery and into education, culture and social recovery. It would also include revitalising the devastated central city.
The minister says the region's economic recovery is already improving, with recent figures pointing to a 2.8% growth ahead of the nation's 1% and the $40 million-a-month currently being paid out by the Earthquake Commission is helping to generate business.
However, a small group of protesters have made their presence felt, saying Gerry Brownlee has not consulted the wider community thoroughly enough and is effectively ignoring their voice.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority says it has consulted key stakeholders, including Maori iwi Ngai Tahu, the Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury.
Gerry Brownlee announced the strategy in Christchurch on Thursday. Photo: RNZ
