Christchurch Central Recovery Plan - New Zealand Listener

Create a BlueprintComplementary ElementsNgā Muka WhiriwhiriA number of otherdesign elements willshape the city.Integrating the Ngāi TahunarrativeWhile this Plan necessarily presentsa shared vision and programmes forthe redevelopment of the central city,it also presents Christchurch with theopportunity to both incorporate andshowcase Ngāi Tahu cultural identity andvalues in a more visionary and integratedway. It takes the approach of intertwiningMāori culture into the redevelopmentof the central city, and as such can becelebrated as a sound foundation for a21st century relationship in urban planningand design in a post-colonial context.From a Ngāi Tahu perspective the startingpoint is the history, the values and thesites of cultural significance within centralChristchurch. There will be numerousopportunities to integrate the NgāiTahu narrative into the new city throughplanning and design of the anchorprojects and precincts.Possible approaches include theplacement of markers and theincorporation of art works by NgāiTahu artists, the development of a newcultural centre and the incorporation ofindigenous flora into the vegetation mixwithin new open spaces.HeritageExisting cultural and built heritage willcontinue to define the identity of centralChristchurch and provide a point ofdifference for visitors and residents alike.The city’s unique Māori and Europeanheritage will be celebrated, and naturalhistory will be embraced as an importantelement of Christchurch’s heritage. Theplanning framework provides for heritagevalues by encouraging the retention ofheritage buildings in the central city.39Christchurch Central Recovery Plan