InternetNZ and NZCID call for leadership in Chch rebuild

2 March 2011

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) and NZCID (New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development) have today jointly called for leadership in building a new vibrant Christchurch, underpinned by world class broadband infrastructure.

Vikram Kumar, Chief Executive of InternetNZ said, “Even as our hearts are weighed down by sorrow and grief, we have to start thinking about the recovery of the Canterbury region. Our aim should be a Christchurch that’s a vibrant, attractive city.”

“The challenge is not merely rebuilding but a coordinated and sustained effort to build a new Christchurch that becomes an engine for New Zealand’s growth and innovation. A city in which people want to live and bring up their families.”

“The future of our second largest city is also the future of New Zealand. This future needs to be supported by world class infrastructure, including fibre delivering ultra fast broadband. As we build the new Christchurch, we must take the opportunity to put in fibre everywhere. This is the leadership challenge for Government and the City Council.”

Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive of NZCID said, “a measured and balanced response to the Christchurch earthquake is now required. While a review of more discretionary infrastructure investments is necessary in the light of the investment challenge in Christchurch, now is not a time for any kneejerk cut-backs to an agreed investment programme for Christchurch, or the nation as a whole.”

Vikram Kumar says, “Hard times call for smart decisions. For example, one path forward is to treat Christchurch in the Government’s UFB (Ultra Fast Broadband) initiative as a special case and include it in the wider recovery efforts. That way the fibre rollout can be coordinated with other aspects of building a new Christchurch.”

“We recognise that the Government has to make some tough economic choices. There are reports that the Government is considering scrapping or delaying the UFB initiative. While it is still too early to understand the shape of changes to come, we hope that the balancing and prioritisation will see funding for the UFB retained. It is critical for our longer-term future.”

Stephen Selwood also said, “Investment in productive infrastructure, including high speed broadband is a fundamental platform of the government's growth agenda, as is building high quality transport connections into and within our major cities. Rather than cut back on infrastructure that will be the very foundation of our future cities, we must find a way to fund the investment for growth which, in the long run, will make us even stronger in the face of adversity.”

Vikram concluded by saying, “We owe it to the people and spirit of the Canterbury region to step up to this leadership challenge. We also need to retain our focus on the longer-term future of New Zealand driven by world class infrastructure, including ultra fast broadband.”

ENDS

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