Welcome everyone. Today is about having a bit of fun while celebrating what is putting Christchurch on the world stage.

Lonely Planet and the New York Times didn't talk about the traditional Christchurch when they said people should come here – they talked about the creativity and innovation that was literally popping up in unexpected places. They talked about the people and the projects that were inspiring the rebirth of our city.
 
They talked about the energy that was infecting those around us.

International and local guests – friends of Antarctica one and all.
 
It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you to tonight's civic reception for the opening of the Antarctic summer season.
 
I have only been a guest at this event before, although in 2008 I spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Helen Clark.
 
I said then that I had always enjoyed coming to this celebration having made many friends from this shared enthusiasm for the relationship with Antarctica, so it is a real pleasure to be able to welcome you all as the Mayor of Christchurch.

Trans-Tasman Business Council. You have asked me to speak about my vision for our city of Christchurch.

I hate this question because I cannot reduce it to a single phrase – the 10 second sound-bite that captures the essence of its meaning.
 
Somebody said something me to me the other day that sort of got me there, but it doesn't completely get there. And that was – Christchurch – the best of all worlds.

Sir Marten Weavers – chairman, Ian Simpson, Chief Executive and Hugh Cowan, from New Zealand's Earthquake Commission (EQC).

But especially Hugh as President of the World Forum of Catastrophe Programmes - an informal platform for national disaster insurance schemes.
 
May I also acknowledge David Middleton, who was the inaugural chair of the WFCP.

When my husband woke me this morning just after 4.30 this morning I turned over to go back to sleep.
 
But then I realised the significance of being awake at that time.
 
I remember vividly the shock of suddenly being awake.
 
And being out of bed. Robbie said I yelled earthquake – I don't remember that.
 
I know I wanted to get out of the house.