Greater Ōtautahi

24/03/2026

Want to have your say on the Christchurch City Council's Annual Plan, but don't have time to read the document fully? We've put together some thoughts which could help. It only takes a few minutes to have your say, and help shape your cities future. Submissions due 27th March (this Friday).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_AVwhHHFQ1hrQCI-1acArr8Vn3f4UzoDm3kSjGPwKbY/edit?usp=sharing

CCC Annual Plan 2026/27 - Submission Guide (due 27/03/26) Our Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 | Kōrero mai | Let’s talk ____________________________________________________________________________ Questions Q1. Rates Do you support our proposed average rates increase of 7.96% across all ratepayers (w.....

09/01/2026

Great to see almost 10,000 people living in the central city! The residents interviewed all had different reasons for moving into the central city - downsizing, more free time, more social interaction, and five minute walking commutes!

Nearly 10,000 residents call central Christchurch home — more than before the earthquakes — and that number is set to grow.

13/12/2025

The GŌ team had a great end-of-year catch-up checking out what’s happening in the central city, reflecting on the year that’s been, and thinking about next year!

10/12/2025

Our spokesperson Harrison McEvoy - Community Advocate has written a short article about the recent decision by Christchurch City Councillors to vote against a swathe of safety measures on city streets:

"It's both short-sighted and goes against good urban design practices. What's potentially worse are some of the arguments against these safety measures made by submitters. We deserve a city that is connected and safe for everyone.”

https://foamerman.substack.com/p/speed-limits-and-culture-wars

Today, Councillors decided to vote against a swathe of safety measures on city streets. It's both short-sighted and goes against good urban design practices.

What's potentially worse are some of the arguments against these safety measures made by submitters. We deserve a city that is connected and safe for everyone.

Read more: https://foamerman.substack.com/p/speed-limits-and-culture-wars

05/12/2025

Fantastic news! We've been campaigning for public transport improvements in Christchurch, and we hope this is another step towards a city which is easier for people to get around!

Public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch are a step closer after being included on a list of nationally important infrastructure priorities.

04/12/2025

Our spokesperson M spoke to The Spinoff about Christchurch's traffic woes, and how we fix them:

"Greater Ōtautahi supports the mass rapid transit proposal. “It’s the best first step towards mitigating traffic and making the city more liveable,” Grace-Stent says. “It has the greatest opportunity to expand towards Rangiora and Rolleston.”"

Rail could save Canterbury from carmageddon – before it's too late.

15/10/2025

We are excited to announce our final panelist, Sinéad Gill will join our panel with Stuart Donovan and Mark Gregory!

Sinéad is a Senior Journalist for The Press/Stuff here in Ōtautahi, focusing on covering news and debates in local government, transport, housing and urban development.

With extensive local knowledge, Sinéad will add valuable insights into the dynamics of a changing and growing Ōtautahi Christchurch.

We are sold out for our kōrero next Monday. If you have booked a ticket, but you will be unable to attend, please let us know so someone else can take your place. We will have a recording available after the event.

Join us, Mark and Sinéad as we host Stuart Donovan to discuss the future of Ōtautahi Christchurch, and how to build for a city of 1.5 million people. See you next week!

07/10/2025

🎟️ UPDATE: TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT 🎟️

We are excited to announce that Mark Gregory will join our panel discussion with urban economist Stuart Donovan to discuss A City of 1.5 Million.

Mark is the Principal Transport Planner at Canterbury Regional Council, national chair of the Engineering New Zealand Transportation Group and is New Zealand’s first Chartered Transportation Planning Professional, representing a high technical hallmark in quality.

His recent project work experience includes developing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) investigations, and planning for the future of Public Transport in Greater Christchurch.

As an expert in local transport challenges, Mark will add great insights into how to efficiently enable a growing Ōtautahi Christchurch.

An overwhelming 85% of tickets for this event have been snatched up for our kōrero later this month. With few spaces left, please get in quick and let us know if you have a ticket and will be unable to attend. Join us and Mark as we host Stuart Donovan to discuss the future of Ōtautahi Christchurch, and how to build for a city of 1.5 million people on 20 October. We will announce our final panelist next week!

Book tickets and find out more below 👇

15/09/2025

Greater Ōtautahi is proud to welcome urban economist Stuart Donovan for a special event, A City of 1.5 Million.
Join us for an insightful talk exploring why Christchurch needs to think bigger — and the benefits that come when we do.

📅 Date & Time: October 20th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (doors open from 5:30pm for informal chats)
📍 Venue: Rutherford’s Den Lecture Theatre @ The Arts Centre
🎟️ FREE: but bookings are essential and seats limited (donations are also greatly appreciated!) — link below!

Stuart will be joined by a panel of special guests, with announcements coming soon on our social media.

To celebrate this event, Stuart is also offering Greater Ōtautahi members 50% off Motu Research’s Urban Economics Short Course, which he hosts.

🔗 Book your spot via Humanitix, sign up as a Greater Ōtautahi member, and register for the Urban Economics Short Course at the links below.

14/08/2025

New post by Greater Ōtautahi: Want Light Rail? Think MDRS.

Councillors are currently deciding where medium density zoning will be implemented across Christchurch. However, their approach will risk mass rapid transit not being constructed at all. Have a read in the coments below 👇