Aquatic fun at the new QEII Park. Nga Puna Wai is Christchurch’s new athletics facility (below).
10 Years On Richard Lindsay outlines how the sport and recreation sector has recovered from the Canterbury earthquakes
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n February we collectively reflected on the horrors that were experienced 10 years ago due to the Christchurch earthquakes. It was not surprising to see the levels of grief and sadness reflected in the anniversary commemorations. It is still a raw, real event that affected Cantabrians in many ways. Some lost family and friends, many lost their homes and many more lost their livelihoods. Some are still battling to be compensated for their losses while the loss of lives will never be forgotten. Reflecting on the last decade from a sport and recreation perspective, and having been actively involved in the recovery process the key question I want to address is how has Canterbury fared, 10 years on? Sport and recreation were the last thing on most people’s minds immediately after the February 2011 events. Rather, the focus was on rescuing trapped people and re-uniting families. There was a natural flight from Christchurch to other parts of New Zealand to seek safety and respite from the constant aftershocks. There was a sense of confusion and bewilderment as people began to pick up the pieces. In a very short period (in some instances only a few days) efforts were made to re-engage communities and to provide some sense of normality for people. The true values of sport and recreation were confirmed. Social cohesion, community engagement and self-worth were gained through local and community level consultation. Sport and recreation organisations rallied together and offered casual games and activities for children and adults to escape the reality that surrounded them. 44 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 143
Investigations began, to understand what was damaged and what needed to be repaired, restored or replaced. Some of those looking from outside of Canterbury saw the situation as a blank canvas; an opportunity to completely re-imagine the sport and recreation landscape in the city and surrounding province. However, the reality was that while there were a significant number of damaged facilities, there were also a number that were unscathed or only in need of minor repairs. The other reality was it was not just the sport and recreation infrastructure that needed to be attended to; roads, houses, water, wastewater and other infrastructure also needed investment. The government of the day was quick to establish an agency to support local government with the mammoth recovery process. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency (CERA) was set up and tasked with developing a recovery strategy. CERA was given unprecedented powers to oversee the recovery of Canterbury. At around the same time the sport and recreation community was brought together by Sport Canterbury, Sport NZ and the Christchurch City Council (CCC) to understand recovery needs. This was formalised through the establishment of the Sport and Recreation Earthquake Leadership Group (SRELG). CERA recognised the organised approach of sport and recreation and requested that SRELG map out a recovery plan for the sector. Ten years on as we look back, how has Canterbury fared? Here are some key observations that may help others who ever have to embark on a recovery process, regardless of the magnitude.
