Way back when I was a traveller I was often confused and mildly insulted by being called a 'Westerner' as I felt that, in reality, I came from the East. Confused, folks in Asia would then ask me 'But you're European, aren't you?'.
As lessons in childhood geography taught me, my island, Te Wai Pounamu, was (and still is!) exactly opposite to Europe: if we dug and dug and dug we'd arrive in Spain. That, as far as I was concerned, was about as close as we got to being European. On arriving in Europe I was further convinced.
Europeans have a particular way about them. Their culture, celebrated for its generation upon generation of rich histories, obliged them to be a certain way. We can, and often do, imagine clichés of the French man and his beret, an Italian woman serving delicious pasta and a Scots in a kilt. But, be that as it may, I met a Scot in a kilt on Christmas day on the beach facing the cold North Sea, busy being Scottish. I think he greeted me, although I'm not sure. I replied with as cheery a 'Kia ora' as I could muster, given the circumstance.
One thing that my travels taught me was that despite my heritage, I am not a European. I'm a Kiwi and I live on a Pacific Island. While I may not be exactly opposite to being European, I feel I'm a lot closer to my Pacific island neighbours in cultural identity.
I look at my community: the thing I love the most about New Brighton is its evolution. Like many New Zealand towns and villages, what life was 50 years ago doesn't reflect where we are now. Things have changed, we continue to evolve; with each generation, what it means to be Kiwi develops further into its unique identity.
Where are we now? Folk talk about globalisation constantly but I'm not convinced it's a good thing. Being able to change and adapt is good; change is good! But losing one's identity? Brighton is unique- it always has been. It's long been the city's playground and for a while it was the Saturday morning mecca, but what about now? What would you consider are Brighton's assets? The beach at the beginning of the world? Our Pacific views? We're on the cusp of a new beginning; it's not often we're given the chance to reinvent ourselves like this. If we join in sharing the vision Greater Brighton celebrated as a thriving, vibrant, self-reliant village then, together we can create something that folk, (not just Brighton folk, either) can identify with.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
Recovery in Your Community
Kia ora koutou,
CERA's latest announcement hasn't made life any easier for our Southshore friends; kia kaha. I hope when April arrives that you hear the results you need.
Many others are confronted with terminology that we've never had the need to know, until recently. My background in landscaping has meant I understand how contracts need to be managed, but it doesn't make me an engineer! I've learnt to live with liquefaction (and have found it to be a rather reasonable growing medium) but understanding the implications of living in an area that is prone to it? Luckily, I'm not afraid to admit when I don't know something and am quite adept at seeking advice from those who do.
Despite often being portrayed as the villain in the media, CERA are making a substantial effort to look after Community Wellbeing as well as sharing the information they have in a way that we can understand. Their website contains many invaluable sources of information. This program, aired on Maori TV, discusses the health issues we are all facing in our communities.
As we've all discovered living in the rainbow that is green-blue, green-yellow, orange and red, technical categories are a many faceted thing.
Land in the green zone has been divided into three technical categories. These categories describe how the land in expected to perform in future earthquakes.
The technical categories – TC1 (grey), TC2 (yellow) and TC3 (blue) describe the foundation systems most likely to be required in the corresponding areas on the maps. As this is an area wide classification site specific geotech work will be required to determine the actual foundations required for each house in TC3 areas. In some cases this will mean TC2 level foundations will be enough in TC3 areas based on actual ground tests. This approach is common throughout New Zealand.
It is important to note that property owners only need to replace their foundations if their house needs to be rebuilt, or requires repairs to the foundations. Otherwise, no further action is needed (until you undertake major renovations that affect your foundations).
A very useful booklet has been developed by CERA and other agencies entitled Technical Categories and Your Property , follow the link to download the .pdf
While some of us make progress with our homes it can still feel like the recovery focus is on the Central Business District and folk, quite rightly, have been asking "What about us? What's happening in New Brighton?".
I've some good news. I've the pleasure of announcing that a motion has been carried to create the new organisation:
Renew Brighton.
Our Vision:
New Brighton is celebrated as a thriving, vibrant, self reliant village.
Our Mission:
Renew Brighton will be the catalyst, platform and inspiration for community-led ideas and initiatives. We will encourage collaboration between community groups and act as a conduit for communications.
Founding Members
Nikki Griffin (Local Business Owner), Jolene Parker (Artist), Pascal Bouffandeau (Teacher), Corinne Bolstad (Recovery), Kent Roper (Architectural Designer), Louise Wedlake (Businesswoman and advocate for keeping QE2 in the East), Donald Pettitt (Social Worker) and Rebecca May (not-for-profit Manager).
Background
Following February 2011's devastating earthquake, the Recovery of Community (ROC) group formed in New Brighton. While it was established at its final meeting in August 2011 that there was the need for a community-driven recovery plan it was decided that ROC wasn't the group to lead this process. After considerable consultation within the community it was decided to create a new organisation: Renew Brighton, that would encourage inter-agency collaboration, act as the conduit for communication between the community and other recovery agencies and that, as an organisation, we will provide the cohesion needed to create a community-led recovery plan.
Our Goals:
To be instrumental in leading the development of a community led recovery and revitalisation plan for Greater Brighton.
To take part in the plan's implementation
To contribute to the ongoing development of our community.
It is Renew Brighton's intention to engage with the community, through both its leaders and through a well planned consultation period. We have already conducted considerable research in determining the need and efficiency of creating this organisation and have garnered the support of many, including our local Councillors and MP.
I was wondering about the word 'village'. Like many of you, I tend to think of 'town' as being the city of Christchurch and of (Greater) Brighton as being a separate village. I've never been sure whether or not villages are defined geographically or demographically so, with the internet at my fingertips, I googled it:
vil·lage/ˈvilij/
Noun:
That sounds like a very apt description of Greater Brighton, especially as the green belt that are the red zones of Bexley, and Burwood develop. Perhaps I could venture so far as to write the definition folk will find when they google Greater Brighton in the future:
Greater Brighton
And if it's inspiration you need, look no further than our iconic Pier. New Brighton has an incredible history of community led development, think of what the Pier and Foreshore Society achieved!
Ka kite ano,
Rebecca May
CERA's latest announcement hasn't made life any easier for our Southshore friends; kia kaha. I hope when April arrives that you hear the results you need.
Many others are confronted with terminology that we've never had the need to know, until recently. My background in landscaping has meant I understand how contracts need to be managed, but it doesn't make me an engineer! I've learnt to live with liquefaction (and have found it to be a rather reasonable growing medium) but understanding the implications of living in an area that is prone to it? Luckily, I'm not afraid to admit when I don't know something and am quite adept at seeking advice from those who do.
Despite often being portrayed as the villain in the media, CERA are making a substantial effort to look after Community Wellbeing as well as sharing the information they have in a way that we can understand. Their website contains many invaluable sources of information. This program, aired on Maori TV, discusses the health issues we are all facing in our communities.
As we've all discovered living in the rainbow that is green-blue, green-yellow, orange and red, technical categories are a many faceted thing.
Land in the green zone has been divided into three technical categories. These categories describe how the land in expected to perform in future earthquakes.
The technical categories – TC1 (grey), TC2 (yellow) and TC3 (blue) describe the foundation systems most likely to be required in the corresponding areas on the maps. As this is an area wide classification site specific geotech work will be required to determine the actual foundations required for each house in TC3 areas. In some cases this will mean TC2 level foundations will be enough in TC3 areas based on actual ground tests. This approach is common throughout New Zealand.
It is important to note that property owners only need to replace their foundations if their house needs to be rebuilt, or requires repairs to the foundations. Otherwise, no further action is needed (until you undertake major renovations that affect your foundations).
A very useful booklet has been developed by CERA and other agencies entitled Technical Categories and Your Property , follow the link to download the .pdf
While some of us make progress with our homes it can still feel like the recovery focus is on the Central Business District and folk, quite rightly, have been asking "What about us? What's happening in New Brighton?".
I've some good news. I've the pleasure of announcing that a motion has been carried to create the new organisation:
Renew Brighton.
Our Vision:
New Brighton is celebrated as a thriving, vibrant, self reliant village.
Our Mission:
Renew Brighton will be the catalyst, platform and inspiration for community-led ideas and initiatives. We will encourage collaboration between community groups and act as a conduit for communications.
Founding Members
Nikki Griffin (Local Business Owner), Jolene Parker (Artist), Pascal Bouffandeau (Teacher), Corinne Bolstad (Recovery), Kent Roper (Architectural Designer), Louise Wedlake (Businesswoman and advocate for keeping QE2 in the East), Donald Pettitt (Social Worker) and Rebecca May (not-for-profit Manager).
Background
Following February 2011's devastating earthquake, the Recovery of Community (ROC) group formed in New Brighton. While it was established at its final meeting in August 2011 that there was the need for a community-driven recovery plan it was decided that ROC wasn't the group to lead this process. After considerable consultation within the community it was decided to create a new organisation: Renew Brighton, that would encourage inter-agency collaboration, act as the conduit for communication between the community and other recovery agencies and that, as an organisation, we will provide the cohesion needed to create a community-led recovery plan.
Our Goals:
To be instrumental in leading the development of a community led recovery and revitalisation plan for Greater Brighton.
To take part in the plan's implementation
To contribute to the ongoing development of our community.
It is Renew Brighton's intention to engage with the community, through both its leaders and through a well planned consultation period. We have already conducted considerable research in determining the need and efficiency of creating this organisation and have garnered the support of many, including our local Councillors and MP.
I was wondering about the word 'village'. Like many of you, I tend to think of 'town' as being the city of Christchurch and of (Greater) Brighton as being a separate village. I've never been sure whether or not villages are defined geographically or demographically so, with the internet at my fingertips, I googled it:
vil·lage/ˈvilij/
Noun:
A group of houses and associated buildings, larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town, situated in a rural area.
A self-contained district or community within a town or city, regarded as having features characteristic of village life.
That sounds like a very apt description of Greater Brighton, especially as the green belt that are the red zones of Bexley, and Burwood develop. Perhaps I could venture so far as to write the definition folk will find when they google Greater Brighton in the future:
Greater Brighton
A seaside village that reaches from Southshore Spit to Bottle Lake Forest and is bound by the aquatic areas of the Pacific Ocean, the Avon-Otakaro River and Travis Wetland.
A thriving, vibrant, self-reliant village by the sea.
A place where people live, work, play and shop.
And if it's inspiration you need, look no further than our iconic Pier. New Brighton has an incredible history of community led development, think of what the Pier and Foreshore Society achieved!
Ka kite ano,
Rebecca May
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Whakaora. Whakahaumanu. Whakahou.
I am fascinated by language and culture, by origins and development. My own origin and development plagued me: for some time I was often ashamed of my English heritage but proud of being Made in New Zealand. This is all a recent development of course because at school I was bored by history.
*Yawn* who really wants to learn about the names of ships and when they arrived?
My adult self became fascinated by our earlier settlers simply because there seemed to be so little information about them. Their stories, our history, was woven into their elaborate carvings and tales of the beginnings of our world. My first overseas voyage made me lonely in the sense that I felt far away from my culture and my community. I realised then the importance of language.
To me, language is like portable culture. You may not be able to surround yourself with 'home' despite carrying it in your heart, but you can keep it alive through story telling and those stories are often enriched by the language used. My shame had changed tack- it was no longer my English heritage but the ignorance of my country's language. Sure, I could say Kia ora as well as the next person, but could I introduce myself?
Sadly, two languages later, my ignorance remains. While I can stumble my way though a simple mihi, I'd be unable to take part in a simple conversation. Which is a shame- such richness yet undiscovered!
This tangent was hopped upon while I was looking up 'Recovery' in the Maori dictionary.
"Whakaora" a beautiful word. But as usual, it meant so much more:
(noun) healing, rescue, revival, cure, recovery, resuscitation, restoration.
Fascinated, I continued to 'Revitalisation'
"Whakahaumanu" (verb) (-tia) to revive, restore to health, revitalize, rejuvenate.
and then finally, 'Renew':
"Whakahou" (verb) (-ngia,-tia) to revise, renew, rebuild, renovate, update, restore.
How beautiful this language that can teach us that Recovery is so much more significant, that in order to revitalise our community we need to restore it to health and of course, that renewal means revision- looking backwards to look forwards.
Kia ora.
*Yawn* who really wants to learn about the names of ships and when they arrived?
My adult self became fascinated by our earlier settlers simply because there seemed to be so little information about them. Their stories, our history, was woven into their elaborate carvings and tales of the beginnings of our world. My first overseas voyage made me lonely in the sense that I felt far away from my culture and my community. I realised then the importance of language.
To me, language is like portable culture. You may not be able to surround yourself with 'home' despite carrying it in your heart, but you can keep it alive through story telling and those stories are often enriched by the language used. My shame had changed tack- it was no longer my English heritage but the ignorance of my country's language. Sure, I could say Kia ora as well as the next person, but could I introduce myself?
Sadly, two languages later, my ignorance remains. While I can stumble my way though a simple mihi, I'd be unable to take part in a simple conversation. Which is a shame- such richness yet undiscovered!
This tangent was hopped upon while I was looking up 'Recovery' in the Maori dictionary.
"Whakaora" a beautiful word. But as usual, it meant so much more:
(noun) healing, rescue, revival, cure, recovery, resuscitation, restoration.
Fascinated, I continued to 'Revitalisation'
"Whakahaumanu" (verb) (-tia) to revive, restore to health, revitalize, rejuvenate.
and then finally, 'Renew':
"Whakahou" (verb) (-ngia,-tia) to revise, renew, rebuild, renovate, update, restore.
How beautiful this language that can teach us that Recovery is so much more significant, that in order to revitalise our community we need to restore it to health and of course, that renewal means revision- looking backwards to look forwards.
Kia ora.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
New Brighton Pier
The first New Brighton pier was built in a traditional British style in 1894 by a privately owned company. There were penny arcades and even a nightclub to entertain visitors who came on holiday from the city. There it remained for 70 years, until Council ordered its demolition in 1965 due to its deterioration.
The Pier and Foreshore Society, founded by residents to try and save the pier, continued to campaign for a new pier. Thirty years of lobbying and fundraising in the community raised almost $2million which the Council matched dollar for dollar.
The new pier, some might say the finest in the world, is the largest ocean pier in Australisia. It was officially opened in November 1997 on the site of the original New brighton pier.
It enjoyed its tenth anniversay celebrations and the Burwood-Pegasus Community Board commissioned a spectacular permanent installation of red, blue and green lights.
Leading the Way
Despite for the most part falling off the news radar quake news still makes headlines. Today in The Press they were discussing how
In rebuilding Christchurch we have the chance to showcase our city to the world because, as the papers say, the numbers of buildings being demolished was just not acceptable in modern times. Architects and Engineers working together would then integrate modern earthquake technology into sustainable design.
Likewise, we have a similar opportunity in our New Brighton.
With the right leadership, we can develop a recovery and revitalisation plan that will enable New Brighton to demonstrate to the city (and indeed, the world) what community led recovery looks like: successful.
New Zealand should show ''international leadership'' by implementing earthquake technology in new buildings, an inquiry has heard.
In rebuilding Christchurch we have the chance to showcase our city to the world because, as the papers say, the numbers of buildings being demolished was just not acceptable in modern times. Architects and Engineers working together would then integrate modern earthquake technology into sustainable design.
Likewise, we have a similar opportunity in our New Brighton.
With the right leadership, we can develop a recovery and revitalisation plan that will enable New Brighton to demonstrate to the city (and indeed, the world) what community led recovery looks like: successful.
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Creating Cohesion
The ball's rolling.
Thursday night several community leaders gathered at the New Brighton Community Gardens where the primary topic for discussion was the recovery of our community: New Brighton.
Research undertaken world wide has shown that community led recovery initiatives appear to be particularly successful and often contribute to the wider recovery. Superb examples of this would include Broadmoor in New Orleans (following Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures in 2005), Canberra in Australia (following the Bushfires in 2003) and more locally, Matata in the Bay of Plenty (after extreme flooding in 2005).
If there was one wish that was made that I may have the power to grant it was to get "more community groups working together".
Our community needs cohesion and with that cohesion will come the strength to rebuild.
Can you imagine a community with an organisation that has a single vision- to see it renewed?
The proposal was made that a new organisation is created charged with the role of co-ordinating our recovery, revitalisation and renewal. But of course, this organisation won't work without you.
There will come a time, very shortly, when we will ask you more than just what you want in your New Brighton; there'll be the opportunity to share your ideas and really make a contribution to the revitalisation of greater Brighton.
Community is all about common unity, and in this case our common unity is a reNewed Brighton.
Thursday night several community leaders gathered at the New Brighton Community Gardens where the primary topic for discussion was the recovery of our community: New Brighton.
Research undertaken world wide has shown that community led recovery initiatives appear to be particularly successful and often contribute to the wider recovery. Superb examples of this would include Broadmoor in New Orleans (following Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures in 2005), Canberra in Australia (following the Bushfires in 2003) and more locally, Matata in the Bay of Plenty (after extreme flooding in 2005).
If there was one wish that was made that I may have the power to grant it was to get "more community groups working together".
Our community needs cohesion and with that cohesion will come the strength to rebuild.
Can you imagine a community with an organisation that has a single vision- to see it renewed?
The proposal was made that a new organisation is created charged with the role of co-ordinating our recovery, revitalisation and renewal. But of course, this organisation won't work without you.
There will come a time, very shortly, when we will ask you more than just what you want in your New Brighton; there'll be the opportunity to share your ideas and really make a contribution to the revitalisation of greater Brighton.
Community is all about common unity, and in this case our common unity is a reNewed Brighton.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Late Summer Update (Renewsletter)
Kia ora folks,
I'd like to start by saying a special hello to all the new subscribers- thanks for coming along.
This newsletter's primary focus is to talk about our recovery and to pass on information I have received that I think you might find useful. Please, print this, pass it on and forward it- this is all information to be shared. This eNewsletter will be distributed fortnightly, but I will post daily on the facebook page and inbetween times on the blog. Follow the link- do you want to see a renewed Brighton? 'Like' Renew Brighton!
In case you accidentally delete this email, I will be posting it to the blog, too.
Since I last wrote we went and stood under the beautiful wishing tree at the I Love New brighton event in Rawhiti Domain. A typically beautiful Brighton day, over 2500 people visited the park, many of whom left wishes on the tree. The wishes were all carefully collated and handed to a faerie to take care of~ no, seriously, the information gathered has been taken very seriously and you can all be quite proud for taking part in such an incredibly positive event. Have a look at the blog to see a tag-cloud I created with all the wishes you made.
The first piece of information I am going to share with you is possibly the most well compiled list of contacts that you might ever need. Print this page and put it on your fridge. In fact, be a good neighbour and print one for them too.
SCIRT
The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is charged with repairing the city’s roads and underground pipes. This is a massive task – it’s one of the largest and most complex civil engineering programmes of work ever undertaken in New Zealand. It’s estimated to take about five years to complete. Because this task is so large, some work is taking priority over others. Determining what comes first is complex and it is important that there is a well thought out planning process in place to drive the work programme. SCIRT’s prioritisation process considers the following factors:
Operational prioritisation e.g. reducing wastewater flows to rivers Interdependencies e.g. repairing downstream wastewater lines before upstream ones
Key services e.g. maintaining access to medical, emergency, education facilities and major transport routes External factors e.g. plans of power companies
Constraints e.g. availability of resources and materials
Sense check e.g. review the decision and consider whether it makes common sense
So what does this mean for you? You will probably be keen to know when your street will be repaired. SCIRT is currently preparing a schedule of work, which will outline the order of work. The schedule is still under development and will be approved by the Christchurch City Council and CERA before being made available in the near future.
Locally this week, they'll be working on Bridge St Bridge in South New Brighton where they'll be carrying out bridge investigations; work should be completed by mid March. Telephone 941 8999 for more information
CanCERN Surveys / Data Collection
CanCERN are collecting information to provide evidence for claims we are making about insurance and EQC related issues. If you relate to one of the following statements, please click the link and spend a few minutes filling in our survey. All identifying information remains confidential to the CanCERN staff.
EQC and my insurer don't agree on the total cost of the damage to my house.
I have a report from a professional that suggests the EQC/insurance assessment is incorrect.
My insurer initially told me that my house was a 'total loss' (rebuild) but now they have said I am a repair.
Individual Grants & Hardship
CLICK HERE for application information for the Mayors Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund if your hardship is related to the earthquakes and you live in Christchurch city.
CLICK HERE for application information for the Mayors Welfare Fund if your hardship is not directly earthquake related and you live in Christchurch City.
CLICK HERE for application information for the Waimakariri Earthquake Relief Fund if your hardship is related to the earthquakes and you live in Waimakariri.
CLICK HERE for application information about the Waimakariri Relief Fund if your hardship is not directly earthquake related and you live in Waimakariri.
CLICK HERE for eligibility information about the Selwyn Earthquake Relief Fund and
HERE for an application form if your hardship is earthquake related and you live in Selwyn.
The New Zealand Red Cross have announced two new grants:
Storage Grant The storage grant is: "To assist homeowners who have had to vacate their damaged property and pay for storage for their belongings anytime since 4 September 2010 and have exhausted other financial assistance to pay for storage." The value of the grant will be up to $500 per household. More information is available
here, along with a downloadable application form.
Winter Assistance Grant The aim of this grant is to assist vulnerable households who are living in homes significantly damaged by the earthquakes, or who have had to move into damp or hard to heat accommodation. The significant damage must include serious compromise to the heating and/or insulation of the home. This grant assists households with their electricity bills over the months of June, July, August and September 2012. Up to $400 per household will be paid over four months to assist with electricity bills.
Earthquake Support Coordinators: Call 0800 777 846 to be connected to a coordinator who can help navigate your way through earthquake issues.
Earthquake Counseling: Call 0800 777 846 for information and access to free earthquake counseling.
Some important Links
EQC – addition to FAQ on deciding how to settle a claim.
Vero insurance – changes to their temporary accommodation policy
Village people – a report from Linwood Park Temporary Earthquake Village
Release of cabinet papers
Inside information on EQC’s practices
CERA video – property demolitions in the residential Red Zone
Free financial advice for Canterbury red zone residents
Apportionment – is EQC now your insurance company?
If you're anything like me you're quite possibly cringing about the amount of recyclable materials that are being dumped. Fear not, there's somebody who is on the case. I met a lovely lady under the wishing tree last week who told me that she and some associates are 'recycling to order'. If you, or your community group, can think of a building material that you might need, or even a piece of office furniture (think of anything that can be removed from some of the buildings that are being knocked over in town: insulation, furniture, light fittings...) make yourself a 'wish list' and email it to the lovely people at recover-earth@live.com - you can very simply help saving the planet while saving your pocket.
Next newsletter, because you know I'm always up to something, I'll be able to bring you some fabulous news about some meetings I've been attending in New Brighton where folk will be discussing our community's needs...
As always, I welcome your contributions and advice if you have any.
Nga mihi,
Rebecca
I'd like to start by saying a special hello to all the new subscribers- thanks for coming along.
This newsletter's primary focus is to talk about our recovery and to pass on information I have received that I think you might find useful. Please, print this, pass it on and forward it- this is all information to be shared. This eNewsletter will be distributed fortnightly, but I will post daily on the facebook page and inbetween times on the blog. Follow the link- do you want to see a renewed Brighton? 'Like' Renew Brighton!
In case you accidentally delete this email, I will be posting it to the blog, too.
Since I last wrote we went and stood under the beautiful wishing tree at the I Love New brighton event in Rawhiti Domain. A typically beautiful Brighton day, over 2500 people visited the park, many of whom left wishes on the tree. The wishes were all carefully collated and handed to a faerie to take care of~ no, seriously, the information gathered has been taken very seriously and you can all be quite proud for taking part in such an incredibly positive event. Have a look at the blog to see a tag-cloud I created with all the wishes you made.
The first piece of information I am going to share with you is possibly the most well compiled list of contacts that you might ever need. Print this page and put it on your fridge. In fact, be a good neighbour and print one for them too.
SCIRT
The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is charged with repairing the city’s roads and underground pipes. This is a massive task – it’s one of the largest and most complex civil engineering programmes of work ever undertaken in New Zealand. It’s estimated to take about five years to complete. Because this task is so large, some work is taking priority over others. Determining what comes first is complex and it is important that there is a well thought out planning process in place to drive the work programme. SCIRT’s prioritisation process considers the following factors:
Operational prioritisation e.g. reducing wastewater flows to rivers Interdependencies e.g. repairing downstream wastewater lines before upstream ones
Key services e.g. maintaining access to medical, emergency, education facilities and major transport routes External factors e.g. plans of power companies
Constraints e.g. availability of resources and materials
Sense check e.g. review the decision and consider whether it makes common sense
So what does this mean for you? You will probably be keen to know when your street will be repaired. SCIRT is currently preparing a schedule of work, which will outline the order of work. The schedule is still under development and will be approved by the Christchurch City Council and CERA before being made available in the near future.
Locally this week, they'll be working on Bridge St Bridge in South New Brighton where they'll be carrying out bridge investigations; work should be completed by mid March. Telephone 941 8999 for more information
CanCERN Surveys / Data Collection
CanCERN are collecting information to provide evidence for claims we are making about insurance and EQC related issues. If you relate to one of the following statements, please click the link and spend a few minutes filling in our survey. All identifying information remains confidential to the CanCERN staff.
EQC and my insurer don't agree on the total cost of the damage to my house.
I have a report from a professional that suggests the EQC/insurance assessment is incorrect.
My insurer initially told me that my house was a 'total loss' (rebuild) but now they have said I am a repair.
Individual Grants & Hardship
CLICK HERE for application information for the Mayors Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund if your hardship is related to the earthquakes and you live in Christchurch city.
CLICK HERE for application information for the Mayors Welfare Fund if your hardship is not directly earthquake related and you live in Christchurch City.
CLICK HERE for application information for the Waimakariri Earthquake Relief Fund if your hardship is related to the earthquakes and you live in Waimakariri.
CLICK HERE for application information about the Waimakariri Relief Fund if your hardship is not directly earthquake related and you live in Waimakariri.
CLICK HERE for eligibility information about the Selwyn Earthquake Relief Fund and
HERE for an application form if your hardship is earthquake related and you live in Selwyn.
The New Zealand Red Cross have announced two new grants:
Storage Grant The storage grant is: "To assist homeowners who have had to vacate their damaged property and pay for storage for their belongings anytime since 4 September 2010 and have exhausted other financial assistance to pay for storage." The value of the grant will be up to $500 per household. More information is available
here, along with a downloadable application form.
Winter Assistance Grant The aim of this grant is to assist vulnerable households who are living in homes significantly damaged by the earthquakes, or who have had to move into damp or hard to heat accommodation. The significant damage must include serious compromise to the heating and/or insulation of the home. This grant assists households with their electricity bills over the months of June, July, August and September 2012. Up to $400 per household will be paid over four months to assist with electricity bills.
Earthquake Support Coordinators: Call 0800 777 846 to be connected to a coordinator who can help navigate your way through earthquake issues.
Earthquake Counseling: Call 0800 777 846 for information and access to free earthquake counseling.
Some important Links
EQC – addition to FAQ on deciding how to settle a claim.
Vero insurance – changes to their temporary accommodation policy
Village people – a report from Linwood Park Temporary Earthquake Village
Release of cabinet papers
Inside information on EQC’s practices
CERA video – property demolitions in the residential Red Zone
Free financial advice for Canterbury red zone residents
Apportionment – is EQC now your insurance company?
If you're anything like me you're quite possibly cringing about the amount of recyclable materials that are being dumped. Fear not, there's somebody who is on the case. I met a lovely lady under the wishing tree last week who told me that she and some associates are 'recycling to order'. If you, or your community group, can think of a building material that you might need, or even a piece of office furniture (think of anything that can be removed from some of the buildings that are being knocked over in town: insulation, furniture, light fittings...) make yourself a 'wish list' and email it to the lovely people at recover-earth@live.com - you can very simply help saving the planet while saving your pocket.
Next newsletter, because you know I'm always up to something, I'll be able to bring you some fabulous news about some meetings I've been attending in New Brighton where folk will be discussing our community's needs...
As always, I welcome your contributions and advice if you have any.
Nga mihi,
Rebecca
New Brighton: Canterbury's Playground
the smoothness and fineness of the sand, the great length of uninterrupted promenadeIf you browse further there are photos of The Stadium (which we now refer to as either the Sound Shell, or amphitheatre) and of course, the original pier. There were two New Brighton tram services, the number 5 -direct route, and the number 10 -Burwood route. I'd love to see better transport options for Brighton folk- wouldn't the old cinema site be ideal for a bus exchange? Shelter from the elements for both drivers and passengers, safety for late night travellers... Why not dream a little further and imagine it as en electric bus exchange ~ the technology's there! I love reminiscing, I often feel it lets me dream in both directions- possibilities for the future, too.
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