The Ōtautahi outlook is a mini-series catching the thoughts of Christchurch's leaders on the postitive things happening in Christchurch.

What’s good in Christchurch this year? When you look at the Canterbury economy, we’re in a pretty strong position compared to other regions in New Zealand. That’s underpinned by manufacturing and our primary industries, and our diverse sectors. We have quite a unique diversity of our economy and that’s served us well through the pandemic. Businesses are reasonably optimistic about the future despite the challenges of the cost of doing business and the long Covid tail. There appears to be a turning point, and optimism that things are going to improve. We couldn’t have said that two months ago. We’ve still got a pretty long Covid tail. The quality of life, we as Cantabrians can take for granted. It’s a great place to bring up a family,  lots of opportunity with new and emerging business. And because of that, we attract good people. People choose to live, work and do business here. And often really creative people. Christchurch is known as a test bed of new innovation.

What are you most excited about? I’m actually really excited about seeing our tourists back. And not just international tourists but our domestic tourists too. Seeing people getting out and about and supporting businesses. Our tourists are a really important part of telling our story. Getting Christchurch back on the world stage. And we’ve completed a bunch of major anchor projects. Te Pae has only just opened and finally able to hold big events now we’re in Orange. I’m looking forward to seeing these being utilised. We’ve got all this great new infrastructure.

What’s the last thing you bought, and where? I bought a book from the little bookshop in Merivale Mall. I also bought a Mother’s Day present for my mother from a little shop called Abode in Riverside Market.

Who’s your favourite Christchurch person right now? Rod Carr. I think the work that he’s doing in terms of tackling a really big issue around climate change is pretty important. I admire Rod’s ability to turn a really complex issue into something that everyone can understand. Can I say one more person? I’m on the board of trustees at Christchurch Boys’ High School. I think the work they’ve done over the last couple of years in terms of managing their students and communities during Covid is incredible. Nic Hill, the headmaster at Christchurch Boys’ High School, doesn’t shy away from the issues in society that affect our boys. He’s setting them up as fine young men  for a modern future. I admire his leadership.

Your top Christchurch secret? Just the fact that we’ve got so many amazing restaurants in the city, and we’ve got so much choice when we go out. We’re really spoilt for choice. Some of the fitouts in our bars and restaurants, especially in the central city, are really world-class. We’re so fortunate to have so much choice.

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