I have been speaking for some time about the need for a high level conversation about learning to live with our environment. Tonight's AGM was offered to me as an opportunity to share some thoughts about this.
 
As was the case for so many people, my life changed forever on 4 September 2010 – I am not the same person that I was before then.
 
I remember speaking to the Avon Ihutai Estuary Trust AGM a couple of years ago and confessing how little I knew about the connections between the health and wellbeing of the community and the natural environment within which we live until I became the  MP for Christchurch East.

Our submission in response to Cera's draft Residential Red Zone Recovery Plan. Comments from The Mayor and Councillors, Christchurch City Council. (PDF 461 KB)

Christchurch City Council has today released a report identifying areas at risk from coastal inundation and coastal erosion.

The Coastal Hazard Assessment Report was presented at this morning's District Plan Review Subcommittee, as part of the proposed Stage Three Natural Hazards chapter.
 
The report, by environmental engineers Tonkin & Taylor Ltd, reviews the existing coastal hazard zones for southern Pegasus Bay and identifies coastal settlement areas susceptible to inundation and erosion around Lyttelton and Akaroa harbours, over a 50 and 100 year timeframe.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has welcomed Prime Minister John Key's announcement this afternoon regarding plans for the transition of the Government's role in the recovery of Christchurch back to the city.
 
"This is such a positive step for Christchurch because it lays the foundation for us to work hand-in-hand with the Government in setting the direction for the regeneration of our city.
 
"As the Prime Minister stated today, working together is the key to progress. We know the best results for Christchurch eventuate when we work together.