Now we're at a point where we're ready and able to contribute to the country in a way that is befitting our status as the second-largest urban centre in the country. The area we know as Greater Christchurch – the city together with the surrounding towns from Rolleston to Rangiora - is the fastest growing region outside of Auckland. Prior to the 2010/11 earthquakes, we had already worked collaboratively with our two neighbouring districts and Environment Canterbury to develop the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy. Six of the seven Crown Research Institutes are based in Greater Christchurch, we have four quality tertiary institutions, and we have excellent schools. There is an optimism here that matches the opportunities you will see and that bodes well for the future for us all.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 15, 2020 22:52 UTC