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Union rejects claims of illegal activity

Audio, Radio New Zealand

More on allegations from the Earthquake Commission that some contractors have been filing false invoices for work done on the Christchurch rebuild.

Japanese disaster problem for NZ government deficit

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Japanese earthquake may have an impact on plans by the government to borrow more to meet the earthquake rebuilding in Christchurch.

Bioclimatic landscape design: improving outdoor comfort in Christchurch to…

Research papers, Lincoln University

The aftermath of three earthquakes has forced Christchurch to re-plan and rebuild. New perspectives of a sustainable city have arisen granting Christchurch the chance of becoming an example to the world. This work is centred on bioclimatic landscape design as a base for greening strategies. It deals with strategic landscape design adapted to a specific climate, from a user’s perspective. The investigation will be applied to Christchurch’s urban centres, assessing cultural adaptability to the local climate and implications for landscape design. Climatic data shows that humidity is not a local problem. However, the wind is the determinant. In Christchurch the solar radiation and the prevailing winds are the most important microclimatic variables, the latter intensifying the loss of surface heat, decreasing the radiant temperature and affecting thermal sensation. The research objective is to explore design parameters at the street-scale and identify ways to maximise thermal comfort in outdoor spaces through design-based strategies. The investigation will apply methods of participant observation, depth interviews, climatic data collection and design experimentation based on thermal comfort models and computer simulation tools. Case study sites chosen for investigation are places with current levels of activity that may be anticipated in the rebuild of the central city. The research will have two main outcomes: improved understanding of local urban culture adaptation to microclimate, and a demonstration of how design can enhance adaption. These outcomes will inform designers and city managers about good design practices and strategies that can be used to ensure a long term liveable city.

Opposition warning over possible Christchurch ministry

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Opposition parties fear a new department to control the rebuilding of Christchurch will be Wellington-centric and not allow the community to have its fair say in decisions. The Labour Party's spokesperson on the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Clayton Cosgrove, spoke to our political editor Brent Edwards.

New earthquake authority announced

Audio, Radio New Zealand

"Extraordinary powers for extraordinary times."The Government says that's what it's giving to the new Christchurch earthquake authority it's set up to lead the rebuild.

Photograph by Neil Macbeth 025

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Three Ngai Tahu elders speaking to workers of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) at the official opening. A camera operator is filming the speech. The ceremony was held in Burwood Park.

Photograph by Neil Macbeth 009

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Ngai Tahu elders performing a powhiri to welcome workers of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT). Mayor Bob Parker is standing to the right. The ceremony was held in Burwood Park.

Parties uncertain about special tax for earthquake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The country's political parties are uncertain about whether a special tax might be needed to help pay to rebuild Christchurch after this week's devastating earthquake.

All Blacks to play one off test for earthquake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The All Blacks have announced this morning that they'll play an extra test match this year, to raise money for the rebuild of Christchurch.

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :'Okay... er... where do we rebuild?' 17 December …

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A helicopter from Christchurch flies over New Zealand looking for somewhere to rebuild but everywhere are notices referring to fires, floods, oily beaches, volcanoes and geysers, quakes, landslides. Nowhere seems to be safe. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Checkpoint Top Stories for 25 February 2011

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Earthquake bus survivor, Mike Ardagh - Christchurch Hospital, Reporter Erina O'Donohue live from Christchurch, Where to obtain water, Murray McCully thanks international community, Cowles Stadium welfare centre closed, Man escapes from 12th floor of Forsyth Barr building, Aussie medics set up field hospital, Schools need significant rebuilding and Fourteen supermarkets closed in Christchurch.