On Sunday I officiated at a special citizenship ceremony to mark the 160th anniversary of the City of Christchurch. We were New Zealand’s first city, by royal charter signed by Queen Victoria in 1856.
I made the point that New Zealand’s oldest city is becoming New Zealand’s newest city. How good is that?
Blackwell Motors has had a long and proud history in Christchurch since they were established in 1923.
Like the rest of the city, they have faced huge challenges since the 2010 and 2011 earthquake sequence which destroyed their Cashel Street dealerships.
But Blackwells has come back from those challenges – stronger and better than before. That doesn’t happen by chance. And it says a lot about the team that has made Blackwells the company it is today.
The reason that I wanted to be here was to acknowledge the importance of that team – my husband doesn’t come to many events with me, but he wanted to acknowledge that as a former union official, he recognised those qualities back then as my own union did.
Having being Mayor for three years, with a strong government presence, I know mutually respectful relationships can achieve a lot more for than if we spend time in bitter disputes. Working to solve problems together is what builds those relationships.
Blackwells has always been such a company. So congratulations to you and your affiliate Oakwood Properties – tonight represents your commitment to Christchurch.
We celebrate the new Blackwells tonight, built on a solid foundation not only in terms of the physical building, but also on their history in Christchurch – the oldest and newest city in New Zealand.
I made the point that New Zealand’s oldest city is becoming New Zealand’s newest city. How good is that?
Blackwell Motors has had a long and proud history in Christchurch since they were established in 1923.
Like the rest of the city, they have faced huge challenges since the 2010 and 2011 earthquake sequence which destroyed their Cashel Street dealerships.
But Blackwells has come back from those challenges – stronger and better than before. That doesn’t happen by chance. And it says a lot about the team that has made Blackwells the company it is today.
The reason that I wanted to be here was to acknowledge the importance of that team – my husband doesn’t come to many events with me, but he wanted to acknowledge that as a former union official, he recognised those qualities back then as my own union did.
Having being Mayor for three years, with a strong government presence, I know mutually respectful relationships can achieve a lot more for than if we spend time in bitter disputes. Working to solve problems together is what builds those relationships.
Blackwells has always been such a company. So congratulations to you and your affiliate Oakwood Properties – tonight represents your commitment to Christchurch.
We celebrate the new Blackwells tonight, built on a solid foundation not only in terms of the physical building, but also on their history in Christchurch – the oldest and newest city in New Zealand.
