Wellington Businesses to Support Christchurch Recovery
 
Wellington businesses are in a unique position to help with the Christchurch rebuild, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.
 
The Chamber is one of five organisations behind the WellCan Forum which will be held at the Michael Fowler Centre tomorrow.
 
The forum is an initiative connecting Wellington businesses to Christchurch businesses looking for assistance with post-earthquake rebuild projects, and will highlight some of the opportunities the rebuild presents. The forum will also aim to address some of the shortages Christchurch is facing in its recovery effort.
 
“As the rebuild gathers momentum there are a wide range of skills and services required to fill the gaps,” says Ms Bleakley, who will chair the forum.
 
“The domestic rebuild alone will involve the construction or repair of around half the number of houses as are in Wellington City, so there are substantial opportunities. In addition, many Christchurch businesses need new suppliers, resources, and partners.
 
“This forum, which will be attended by representatives of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce (CECC), is a perfect way of helping identify exactly what is needed, and Wellington businesses are in a unique position to help.
 
“We are the biggest city closest to Canterbury, and have the skills in design, engineering and professional services that will be ideally suited to what is needed to aid the rebuild.
 
“Christchurch businesses are looking to fill vacancies and find partners from outside their region and we hope to help meet that demand.  CECC Chief Executive Peter Townsend estimates Canterbury will need 10,000-15,000 more workers for the rebuild.
 
“This is a golden opportunity for both cities and is a good example of Wellington and Christchurch business and civic networks working together,” Ms Bleakley says.
 
Wellington City Council is providing the key support for the forum together with the Chamber, Grow Wellington, Brendon Burns and Associates MACRO, ANZ Bank, and the CECC. 
 
The forum is free to attend, but businesses and individuals will need to register.
 
ENDS

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