31 Jul 2012

Ngai Tahu happy with Christchurch blueprint

7:16 pm on 31 July 2012

Ngai Tahu says the newly released blueprint for the rebuild of central Christchurch indicates the iwi has been listened to.

The plan, unveiled on Monday, proposes a smaller downtown area with a new convention centre, a covered stadium, and precincts for arts, health and justice.

It also proposes the Te Puna Ahurea Cultural Centre to showcase and celebrate Ngai Tahu, Maori and Polynesian traditions.

Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) Mark Solomon says the iwi made a big contribution to the plan and it is happy with the blueprint overall.

Mr Solomon says the Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority have taken the iwi's contribution onboard.

He says one of the iwi's main drives was to feature indigenous plants along the Avon River, and that has been incorporated into the plan.

Mr Solomon says although it's early days, the blueprint is the beginning of a new era and the city now has a blank sheet to start again.