[Rebuild Christchurch is the concern of the moment, after the recent earthquake. Peter Taylor, who is standing for the Hagley Ferrymead ward attended a meeting on this issue. He writes on what happened. Read more at http://blog.petertaylor.co.nz/2010/09/15/rebuilding-the-peoples-city/.]

A huge event on Rebuilding the People's City occurred in Christchurch on Tuesday night. Around 400 people packed into the sports bar at the Woolston Club to hear views on the rebuilding of Christchurch following the 5 September earthquake.

In recent days the Mayor, the government and Civil Defence have all been guilty of making haste at the expense of the involvement of the people of our city.

The Mayor has unilaterally appointed Wellington architect Ian Athfield to advise the city on reconstruction. No city councillors were consulted in this decision.

The government is pushing emergency legislation through parliament to "cut paperwork" for reconstruction. Basically reconstruction activities will be allowed to by-pass the usual checks and balances that are placed on construction and development.

Of course, there is some value in this; we don't want to get bogged down in making our city liveable again. But only quick-thinking intervention by opposition MPs gives any chance of the recognition of heritage values and sustainability considerations being included in this legislation.

Civil Defence and the Mayor have combined to authorise the demolition of many historic and much-loved buildings that, with a few days of reflection and assessment, could well have been saved.

While the Mayor continues his long-standing practice of springing surprise announcements on the city, the People's Choice team organised a panel of expert speakers to inform the crowd and stimulate public debate.

Read more about the informative presentations from a scientist, engineer, architect, heritage expert and insurance manager in my blog article at http://blog.petertaylor.co.nz/2010/09/15/rebuilding-the-peoples-city/.