Media Release

With the Canterbury region's focus shifting from the earthquake aftermath to recovery, ViaStrada is looking at how it can assist with expediting the building and resource consent processes for those wanting to rebuild their premises.

ViaStrada's planners are already actively involved in resource consents for a number of prominent quake affected heritage buildings in central Christchurch and are otherwise providing advice to building company clients on residential and commercial rebuilding options and consenting issues.

ViaStrada has competed in the McLeans Forest Park "6 hour blast" mountain bike event for four consecutive years, winning podium places in each of the last three years.

In 2008 our women's team, the Bicycle Belles (consisting of Helen Woodhouse, Megan Fowler and Jeanette Ward) finished third in their category.

An independent report on the recently notified suite of plan changes proposed by Nelson City Council has revealed a number of potentially significant impacts across the whole of Nelson. 

Former Council manager responsible for administering the Nelson Resource Management Plan and director of ViaStrada, Tony Quickfall, says that the plan changes introduce some significant and wide-ranging amendments.

Prime Minister John Key announced on World Tourism Day, 23 September 2010, that funding of $13.9 million has been approved for five more cycle trails forming part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project. This announcement means that all of the planned eighteen Great Rides have now had their funding confirmed and can proceed to the construction phase if construction has not already begun.

ViaStrada's planning staff are constantly reviewing the Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council planning processes and procedures that relate to the Canterbury earthquake recovery phase.  Reviews of central government and non-governmental initiatives to assist with recovery and redevelopment are also being undertaken (e.g., Recover Canterbury, Stronger Canterbury, Parliamentary Counsel Office, etc).

Thanks to our many friends, clients and colleagues who have sent us messages of support over the last week, since Saturday morning's big (7.1) earthquake in Canterbury. All ViaStrada staff are well, but some have sustained (mostly minor) damage to house contents, houses or gardens.