Christchurch City Council's plans to slow spending on major projects have been criticised by the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce.
The council's draft annual plan proposes taking longer to deliver its rebuild projects so it can scale back asset sales and rates rises.
In its submission on the plan, the chamber said any reduction in momentum would lead to a loss of confidence amongst potential investors.
Chief executive Peter Townsend said the council needs to keep its foot firmly on the pedal.
Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend. Photo: thebuildingintelligencegroup.co.nz
"We think this is a time for the council to be staunch, to be brave, to increase capacity if capacity is required to be increased, to effect the rebuild in the context of their long term plan. We don't want to see slippage against that plan."
He said if there was a need to bring in further contractors to get the work done, then that's what the council should do.
Mr Townsend also sits on the government board in charge of the long overdue anchor projects, but denies that it is hypocritical of him to criticise the council for taking longer to deliver on its share of the rebuild.
