Nicky Wagner - Greater Christchurch Regeneration
22 March 2018
Labour’s promises of funding for CHCH now uncertain
Megan Woods appears to have contradicted her Prime Minister in walking back her promise to Christchurch of $300 million
being readily accessible for the city’s rebuild, National’s Spokesperson for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Nicky
Wagner says.
“Before the election Jacinda Ardern committed that ‘Labour would be putting $300 million on the table, readily
accessible for projects’ but in Parliament today the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration said that the
funding was not readily accessible, but may be included in the Budget,” Mrs Wagner says.
“A Budget bid does not mean the funding is guaranteed as we were promised.
“I asked Megan Woods whether she could confirm the funding so that it can be included in the Christchurch City Council
Long Term Plan, which is currently being drafted. This is the exact time that the Council needs certainty of funding so
they can make informed choices about where to invest.
“If the Government is serious about the fund they should come out and guarantee it so that the Council can plan for it
now, otherwise they risk delays with its roll out in the months or years ahead.
“Megan Woods has been very vocal about Labour’s commitments to providing certainty and transparency for Christchurch,
and Christchurch residents voted for Labour based on those promises. Now Ms Woods is the Minister responsible for the
regeneration of our city, she has to deliver them,” Mrs Wagner says.
ends