Final Crown-owned residential red zone land handed over to Christchurch City Council

Photo: Phil Mauger Facebook page / Christchurch City Council

The final transfer of Crown-owned residential red zone land was handed over to the Christchurch City Council today.

Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor met with Mayor Phil Mauger to mark the transfer of the final block of land at an event on-site at the Avon River Corridor today.

“An incredible amount of work was carried out by Toitū Te Whenua / Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to transform the river corridor into this park-like area for the people of Christchurch” O’Connor said.

Following the Canterbury earthquakes, the Crown and insurers completed thousands of demolitions and site clearances across 600ha of river corridor red-zoned land.

Photo: Phil Mauger Facebook page / Christchurch City Council

“Toitū Te Whenua / LINZ then carried out extensive survey and title work on about 5,500 property titles, working closely with Christchurch City Council.

This work ensured the land could be used immediately by the Council for regeneration purposes once it was transferred. The phased transfer of land started in 2020, with the final block going across to the Council before the agreed completion date of 30 June this year” O’Connor said.

The transfer of the final block of land is the final commitment for Toitū Te Whenua / LINZ under the 2019 Global Settlement Agreement between the Crown and Council to finalise the remaining costs and responsibilities for the city’s earthquake recovery and regeneration.