Christchurch - Opportunity Rises From The Rubble

http://www.momentum.co.nz/christchurch-opportunity-rises-from-the-rubble/
The damage, devastation and loss of life following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes is not something this country will forget, however, just as unforgettable is the courage, resilience and determination of Cantabrian’s as they dug in over those initial weeks and months and now move forward with the rebuild of their beloved city.

Three years on from those life changing events, sees a new and vibrant Christchurch emerging to take its place as the hub of business within the South Island.

The scale of the rebuild is almost beyond comprehension with an investment of $40 billion, attracting construction workers from the length and breadth of New Zealand as well as from around the globe. As this rebuild spans the full gamut of residential, commercial, infrastructural, government and community assets it is indeed difficult to fully comprehend the scale of this rebuild and the requirements that this level of construction demands. 

Rebuild work is projected to take 10 – 15 years, however, the opportunities that arise from this will no doubt flow on for many decades of growth leaving Christchurch with a thriving economy and a ripple effect that will be felt throughout the country.  Economists warn that the danger of seeing this rebuild phase as ‘real’ economic prosperity will see Christchurch slump into a boom – bust cycle, however, by focusing on the opportunities and the actual business that can be built within this rising economy, Christchurch will indeed become a business hub and an economy that will rival both Auckland and Wellington.

Workers are moving in for the long haul and its not just money and stability of work that attracts people.  Without sounding like an advertisement, Christchurch, during this rebuild phase, currently offers construction workers a wage comparable to Auckland rates but also the enviable bonus of being able to afford housing and the opportunity to actually ‘live’ into the bargain, not something anyone would sniff at. Three years ago many would not have considered a move to Christchurch; however, it is now seen as family friendly, with an affordable cost of living and an enjoyable mix of outdoor activities including walk and cycle ways and beaches. Additional to this, the rebuild plans not only to fix what was broken but to build a city that enhances and adds vitality to the lives of the people living within Christchurch. Do not grab your hat and expect to get off the plane in Christchurch with the vision of flowing milk and honey as Christchurch still has its challenges and they are by no means small.  Currently, there is a lack of residential property, there are infrastructure challenges and frustrations, with recent flooding only adding to these problems.

Needless to say, the spin off on the Christchurch economy that has been kicked off with this rebuild is not to be ignored and only a fool would turn a blind eye to the obvious opportunities that are still on the horizon.  Christchurch has emerged from a flat-lining economy to falling unemployment and an acceleration in both business and consumer confidence.  What will quite possibly set Christchurch apart from an economy that might well fall victim to the boom – bust cycle is the drive and resilience of the business community, which now has an agility to cope with economic change and an ability to seize opportunity as it arises.  It has been said that Christchurch’s biggest strength is the fact that people choose to live there, which can't hurt either.