Greens support creation of Avon-Otakaro River Park

The Green Party is calling on the Government to commit to building an Avon-Otakaro River Park, after more than 18,500 people have signed a petition in support of the Park.

"With so much loss and destruction post quakes, a commitment to establish the Avon-Otakaro River Park would be a significant milestone in the City's recovery," said Green Party Christchurch-based MP Eugenie Sage.

The Avon-Otakaro Network petition began its journey to Parliament this morning. Starting at Moncks Bay near the mouth of the Avon-Heathcote estuary it was carried up the estuary, by the launch Rapanui.

Kayakers, rowers, runners, cyclists, and walkers will then take the petition up the Avon-Otakaro River to Christchurch International Airport. Ms Sage will be one of the two MPs who will receive the petition on the steps of Parliament on Wednesday, May 2nd at 12:30 pm.

"The Avon-Otakaro River park concept deserves to get strong support from CERA and the Government," said Ms Sage.

"The proposed park would span the length of the Avon-Otakaro River from Christchurch City to the sea, providing a beautiful recreation space and paying tribute to the loss red zone residents are facing by giving up their homes and neighbourhoods.

"Hagley Park is a tribute to the foresight of earlier generations. Creating the Avon-Otakaro River Park would show similar leadership.

"The park would work with rather than against nature. It makes sense to have land which is vulnerable to lateral spreading and liquefaction as public open space.

"A park would be less expensive than the heavy engineering and ground stabilisation needed if land redevelopment and building was carried out.

"The river park would celebrate Christchurch's connection with the sea and highlight the Avon-Otakaro River as one of our iconic natural assets," said Ms Sage.