6 Jun 2015

Dame Jenny confident about Chch transition plan

6:28 pm on 6 June 2015

georgina.stylianou@radionz.co.nz

Jenny Shipley is confident Christchurch will be ready when a special law that governs its earthquake recovery expires next year.

Genesis Energy first day of trading on the NZX. Dame Jenny Shipley.

Dame Jenny Shipley Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Dame Jenny, who chairs the city's transition advisory board, is providing advice to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister about how to wind back central Government's role in the region.

She said the board, which was now in the hands of Gerry Brownlee, had completed its first report since being formed late last year.

Dame Jenny said the report contained advice on the legal powers required for the next stage of the recovery.

"[It] also [includes] options for his consideration on a number of important issues including the delivery arrangements which will assist in regaining momentum and deliver results that are best for Christchurch city and the greater Christchurch in the short and medium term," she said.

Dame Jenny said when the board was created, the transition back to local authorities could involve creating a new recovery organisation.

She said Mr Brownlee would finalise a transitional recovery plan, which would then be released for public consultation next month.

Dame Jenny said she hoped the board's report would also be released to the public.

"The advisory board believes people will be encouraged by the progress they will see in this next stage of recovery as new announcements are made and new initiatives are put in place."

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