Kidscorner

Friday 12 August 2011

Change, change, change in Christchurch

Proposed for 2015-2017, a green square where you can hang around and have a picnic. (draft cc plan)
  
Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes

It is nearly a year ago that on the 4th of September we had a horrible wake up call from a 7.1 earthquake. I remember it as if it happened yesterday. Since then we had 30 significant earth quakes of magnitude 5.0 and above and 2622 ones between magnitude 3 and 5.
They are not over yet but the frequency is a lot lower and we don't get any big ones anymore (hopefully)

There has been a lot of demolishing going on and this process isn't finished yet. Furthermore they are busy planning for the new city centre. The people of Christchurch have put their ideas forward and the Draft Central City Plan has been created.
Change,change,change,but all for the good. The  plan is ready for consultation with the public and I think many people will agree fully with the following great ideas:
  • They want to widen the banks of the river, where people can walk and cycle.
  • A compact place for shopping
  • A rail system
  • A green Cathedral square
  • A new central library and convention centre
  • Lots of parks, green open spaces and low rise buildings
  • and more
In the area where I work there are lots of changes going on as well. The community is going to work closer together, a timebanking system will be set up where people e.g. give  an hour of work and somebody else will give an hour in return.

All good, but we are still completely at the beginning and it is going to take a long time to bring everything into practise. But we have to take it one step at the time, be patient and watch it grow.
My biggest hope is that it brings jobs for the young people as the youth unenployment is very high at the moment and that can have devastating consequences. When they are able to stay here they will than live in a new revamped city with lots of new possibilities.
 The council also has  a virtual tour on their side which takes you through the heart of the city with  rubble, no people, no cars, empty spaces. Lets hope that it is going to change soon.

Rise up Christchurch KIA KAHA

10 comments:

  1. Dear Marja - This concept is magnificent and will surely make Christchurch the most beautiful city in the world. Kia Kaha. Bob

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  2. It's exciting to see this forward movement and a vision being put forward for a new Christchurch. After so much destruction, it's time for a new birth. I hope it brings many good things to you and the people of Christchurch.

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  3. It will be awesome! Looking forward to seeing the pictures you take as things develop.

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  4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadthuys

    Stadthuys (an old Dutch spelling, literally meaning "town hall"[1]), also known as the Red Square, is a historical structure situated in the heart of Malacca Town, the administrative capital of the state of Malacca, Malaysia. It was built by the Dutch occupants in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. ***Correction, Thanks to Marja.***

    Thanks Marja, I have corrected this. Did you have a good time in Malacca? In my junior high school, we had to learn this part of the History.

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  5. do you like the new plan for Christchurch?

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  6. Oh, what a devastating and literal blow to a society after a quake. The new plans look lovely and will probably be more suitable for the modern community. Hopefully, they will be able to also rebuild some of the historic buildings that were so beautiful. All this construction ahead has potential to employ a lot of youth. So that IS a good thing! Thanks as always for sharing your world, Marja. Glad you are well. :)

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  7. Hallo Marja

    Heb weer een paar blogjes van je bekeken en gelezen.
    Het gedicht Dying Flame vind ik indrukwekkend, maar wel verdrietig.
    Mooi verwoord.
    Liefs en een fijn weekend.
    Mapi

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  8. We are a resilient species, are we not, Marja? What better way to celebrate life than to build a park to arise from the rubble.

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  9. Marja I have complete faith that Christchurch will Rise Up and be a wonderful vibrant city again.
    I love the idea of the community working closely together.
    Out of every disaster comes an opportunity for growth and lessons to be learned.
    Warmest heart hugs my friend to you and all the people in Christchurch.

    Peggy xxxxx

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  10. It will be awesome.You like the new plan,Marja?

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Thank you!!