A draft strategy for Canterbury's recovery will be open for public consultation this weekend after the Government signed off its release.
The strategy was given the go-ahead at Monday's Cabinet meeting in Christchurch - the first outside the capital in 16 years.
The Government says the draft strategy is an over-arching document and ten specific recovery plans will feed into it.
Announcing its release, the Prime Minister, John Key, said the document sets out a proposed direction and priorities for the recovery of Christchurch and surrounding area.
He says it will shape how the Government will rebuild the city and region in partnership with the private and public sectors and the people of greater Christchurch.
The draft strategy will be available for public comment from Saturday on the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority's website - at www.cera.govt.nz
New trades academy to help rebuild
In another announcement, the Government said Christchurch will have a new Trades Academy to help the city get back on its feet.
Speaking at his post-Cabinet news conference the Prime Minister says the number of student places at the existing academy, the Canterbury Tertiary College, will also be increased from about 150 to 550.
Mr Key, says courses at the new Trade Academy will include agriculture, horticulture, equine studies and forestry.
He says 75 places will be available to build the skills base amongst young people in Canterbury, support the rebuild of the region and contribute to the local economy.
