Strong platform for sustainable growth
For all the predictions published on New Year’s Day 2010, none forecast the events that would violently and sporadically punctuate life in the dawning decade.
And because we were blissfully ignorant to the 10 years we were about to live through, we also didn’t foresee we would rise with gutsy courage and compassion.
As it turned out, it wouldn’t solely be these shocking events that defined us – it would be our response.
A decade is a long time and no time at all. My two kids were born near the start of the last decade. Half of their childhood has passed since 2010. This new decade will define that generation’s adolescence, and I think about the responsibility we have to them to act on all we learned in the past 10 years.
As Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg put it: ‘‘The eyes of future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, we will never forgive you.’’
The whole world is grappling with threats to the resilience and prosperity of our species: climate change, poverty, inequality, the future of work, the future of technology – all of which combine to shape people’s experience within economies.
But as my Gen Z daughter would say: ‘‘What does this mean for us?’’
It is this question that means I am entering this next decade with huge optimism for our city and our country. We can use what Christchurch has learned about resilience, compassion, and courage to ensure the next generation does not look back at us with sneering dismay.
The UN is helpfully tackling the answer to this question with a series of targets, sustainable development goals, that nations have agreed to aim for by 2030. They are big targets in short timeframes.
And before you slip off for a cup of tea at the mention of the UN, it is worth considering that Christchurch can, has and will play a part in New Zealand’s contribution to these goals, partly because of our experiences in the past 10 years. We don’t need to leave actions to others.
Our economic wellbeing will be defined by the way in which our city responds to global challenges at a local level. Our city has already set carbon reduction targets; and we are committed to ensuring growth is
inclusive and sustainable – by ensuring unemployment does not rise above the national average and that people living in Christchurch have enough income to cover their daily needs. These are important lines in the sand.
The rebuild has created a strong platform for sustainable growth for our city. And though growth is slowing, we have a high standard of living. Our housing is affordable by national standards – supply is balanced to meet demand. The median house price in Christchurch is almost half that in Auckland.
Our rebuilt infrastructure is new and strong. Our CBD is well
on its way to recovery with exciting urban environments and facilities, including some of my favourites: Tu¯ ranga, Te Papa O¯ ta¯ karo Avon River walkway, the Riverside Market and Margaret Mahy Playground.
We have areas of industry and education strength within our economy that will support global areas of need, if we can transition quickly: food, fibre and agritech (how we will feed the planet in the future); future transport (how we will travel); health tech and resilient communities (how we will stay well). These are evolutions of our traditional strength in agriculture, manufacturing and engineering.
Te Pae convention centre, opening this year, will bring experts to the city for important national and international conferences – among the first will be conferences on wetlands and ecosystems, and maternal and infant health.
And it’s not all about solving big chunky problems, at a local level we have more to look forward to: He Puna Taimoana hot pools will open in New Brighton, and festivals and events throughout the year will build community cohesion, including the stimulating Bread & Circus this month and Bloom Festival in spring.
And let’s not forget the beauty of this place – I love that we live every day between mountains, rivers and the sea. We can work harder to care for these.
So as we start this new decade, I don’t know what it will bring, but I do know our city, our diverse economy and our country are well-placed to deal with the events the decade will deliver. And most importantly we are ready to rise to the challenge our children have thrown us - 2020 is our year to act.
Joanna Norris is chief executive of ChristchurchNZ, the city’s sustainable economic development agency.