Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for the Environment
24 August 2011 Media Statement
Work begins on Kaiapoi’s residential rezoning
The Government is offering to do all it can to ensure the rezoning of land for residential development in Kaiapoi
happens as quickly as possible, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
Dr Smith today visited Kaiapoi with MP Kate Wilkinson and met with officers from the Waimakariri District Council and
Environment Canterbury to discuss the issue of rezoning land for residential development.
“The Government is very conscious of the loss of residential areas deemed irreparable and wants Kaiapoi to have a strong
future. We want to work with the Waimakariri District Council to identify new areas that are not at risk of liquefaction
and to progress them promptly through the streamlined resource management process available under the special Canterbury
Earthquake Recovery Act,” Dr Smith said.
“My visit to Kaiapoi was to hear first hand from council officials what their issues and challenges are. It was also to
let them know that while it is up to them to take the lead on the planning and zoning of new residential subdivisions,
the Government is here to assist them and streamline the planning process.
“The ambition is to identify and zone areas at least equivalent in size to those lost in the earthquakes. We want to
ensure there are no hold ups to the rebuilding of Kaiapoi and allow its quake-displaced residents to build new homes on
safe land as quickly as possible.”
ENDS