New governance model for Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor

A new governance model was agreed to at today's Christchurch City Council meeting and will be implemented in two phases.  

The first phase will see the creation of an interim Committee of Council, consisting of up to three representatives appointed by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and up to three Council representatives.  

The Council representatives will include the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and one of the councillors who represents the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor local communities. 

The second phase will see the establishment of a charitable trust for longer-term governance.  

This phase will require formal public consultation proposing to establish a new Council-controlled organisation in the form of a charitable trust. 

Mayor Phil Mauger says implementing a partnership for the development of the OARC will ensure the rūnanga has the ability to exercise their rangatiratanga.  

The two partners will build on the existing working relationship with Whitiora Centre Limited and work with the University of Canterbury Ngāi Tahu Research Centre.  

“This will enable the governance entity to take a cultural and science-based approach for the restoration of the wetlands and delta in the OARC.”  

The Mayor says the technical expertise of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre will support the Council and Ngāi Tūāhuriri to co-design projects to achieve the best outcomes for the regeneration of the OARC. 

He thanked the establishment committee for their work to date.  

The establishment committee, which has eight members alongside the co-chairs, will now be dis-established.