Regenerate Christchurch says claims it has engaged in anything other than a robust and transparent process in its planning for the regeneration of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor are misleading.

Following a meeting of water sports interests and Regenerate Christchurch last night, one group has claimed in an online post that the organisation told the meeting the reasons it had previously given for excluding a flatwater facility from its planning were not real.

Chief Executive Ivan Iafeta says Regenerate Christchurch acknowledges the issues facing water sports in Christchurch but is disappointed to see the East Lake Trust posting misleading comments online.

All potential land uses have been assessed in a consistent manner. This has included extensive analysis, expert advice and significant public engagement.

“Land use combinations were assessed against what is officially known as the Land Use Assessment Criteria, which included considering how potential land uses might support safe, strong, healthy and connected communities; provide increased recreation and leisure activities; restore native habitat; create sustainable economic activity; attract visitors; provide opportunities to learn from the natural environment; and address the challenges of climate change.

“We have also assessed how these uses might provide low and no-cost activities for all ages and abilities, improve connections between central and East Christchurch, and the priorities and objectives of the Crown, Christchurch City Council and iwi.

“The Regenerate Christchurch Board was charged with assessing all of the information available and making a considered decision. It has discharged that obligation prudently and after a good deal of thought and discussion. That decision now leads into the next stage of the process.

“On 26 May we will launch our five-week Red Zone Futures exhibition of the refined shortlist of potential land uses for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor at 99 Cashel Mall. There will also be parallel mobile and online exhibitions. It has always been our intention to provide information demonstrating how we selected the land uses in the refined shortlist to everyone at the same time during the exhibition period. This will include the various reports and materials which assisted the Board in its decision making,” Mr Iafeta says.

-ENDS-

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