Nicky Wagner MP for Christchurch Central.

Hello everyone and good wishes for the New Year

This is my first earthquake recovery and rebuild update for 2012, and also my first as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central.

With the current, extensively reported community unrest over council matters in Christchurch, I am fully aware of the magnitude of the job ahead of me, the government and the official bodies in our city. As you will no doubt have been following the developments, you will have heard references to overseas disasters and the way those cities have proceeded through their recovery and rebuild phases. And you will hopefully appreciate that none of this has been, or will be ... easy.

But I am wholly committed to advocating for the people of our city and I am willing to take on the challenges ahead. So do feel free to contact me with any queries, concerns or suggestions. Together, we can rebuild Christchurch and our communities to be better than ever.

And as we approach the first anniversary of the devastating February 22nd earthquake, it is a time to reflect as much as a time to look ahead. These are difficult times and unprecedented circumstances which call for tolerance, understanding and community goodwill.

� Civic Memorial Services

The first 'Service to mark the 1st anniversary of the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake' will be held at Latimer Square from 8am-8.45am on Wednesday 22 February 2012. This is a family focused event that the public are welcome to attend. Media and visitors are asked to respect the families who wish to grieve in privacy and dignity.

Later that day there will be two further public events at North Hagley Park. The Civic Memorial Service will be held from 12 noon until 1.30pm and this will be followed by the Christchurch Earthquake Awards.

Mayor Bob Parker says "While we expect most Christchurch residents wishing to attend a public commemorative event will go to the [afternoon] Civic Memorial Service, which is the key public event on the day, I am pleased that the Christchurch community now has another opportunity to come together to remember those lost."

The afternoon service will have a strong community focus and two minutes' silence will be observed at 12.51 pm, Mayor Parker says.

� CERA Update

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority has just released several encouraging statistics regarding the rebuild of our city's infrastructure. These include:

� 20,000 road repair jobs

� 200,000+ cubic metres of metal laid

� 1.2 million litres of bitumen sprayed

� 170km of cracks sealed

� 300 km of sewer network checked

� 12km of major pressure sewer pressure mains replaced

� 72 water wells repaired and back in service

� 26 km of water mains replaced

Building Consent Alert

CERA has drawn attention to new building rules from 1 March 2012. According to the Building Act 2004, building work critical to the integrity of a building is required to be carried out by licensed practitioners. Further details <a href="http://cera.govt.nz/sites/cera.govt.nz/files/common/cera-earthquake-recovery-update-6-26-january-2012.pdf">here</a> see page FOUR.

� Community Funding Seminars 2012

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES FUND and SMALL GRANTS FUND

Christchurch City Council is about to hold a series of public seminars for community organisations and sports groups considering applying for community funding.

* Public Seminar 1

Beckenham Service Centre Boardroom, 66 Colombo Street, Beckenham

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

10:00am to 12:00noon

A Sign Language Interpreter will be available at this session

* Public Seminar 2

Linwood Service Centre Boardroom, 180 Smith Street, Linwood

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

6:00pm to 8:00pm

* Public Seminar 3

Papanui RSA - Meeting Room, 55 Bellvue Avenue, Papanui

Thursday, 9 February 2012

5:30pm to 6:30pm

Drop-in Sessions (March 2012)

Beckenham Service Centre - Tuesday, 6 March 2012 (2.00pm - 4.00pm)

Shirley Library - Tuesday, 13 March 2012 (10.00am - 12.00noon)

Upper Riccarton Library - Tuesday, 20 March 2012 (2.30pm - 4.30pm)

As well as a presentation, staff will be available during the above times to provide your organisation with individual advice and assistance. No bookings are necessary.

See <a href="http://www.ccc.govt.nz/thecouncil/newsmedia/mediareleases/2012/201201311.aspx">the Community Funding page</a> on the City Council website for more information

� Student Volunteer Army looking for new projects

The Student Volunteer Army is currently looking for projects to help with, by providing the labour and energy to help groups improve their communities. If you know of a site where they could build or help build a community garden, a BMX track, paint over graffiti, or provide gardening assistance in a community spot, get in touch - this is a wonderful opportunity!

The Student Volunteer Army is planning volunteer days throughout the year and need projects so if you have an idea, email Andrew (the President of the UC Student

Volunteer Army) at <a href="mailto:info@sva.org.nz">info@sva.org.nz</a>

� Relationship Services new location

The new location for relationship services is now at 222 Bealey Ave on the Madras St corner. This is next to my current office. (Please note, my office is scheduled to move to the corner of Bealey Avenue and Stoneyhurst Street within the next few weeks. Further details shortly.)

To make an appointment at Relationship Services, please phone 741 9201 or 0800 735 283.

� Recover Canterbury free business support

Recover Canterbury is continuing to offer business support to Canterbury businesses well into 2012.

It provides a wide range of free services and resources including advice, assistance, training, mentoring and referrals. Phone 0800 50 50 96 or go to <a href="http://www.recovercanterbury.co.nz">www.recovercanterbury.co.nz</a>

Take care,