Luncheon – Rydges Hotel

Sunday 26 October 2003

Welcome to this luncheon. I hope you do not mind me constantly talking and enthusing about our beautiful natural setting here in Christchurch. It is rather difficult to stop talking about it.

Christchurch has become a destination city in part because people find that they are enthralled with the natural and man-made beauty that we have within and outside the city limits.

I surprised delegates at an APEC meeting a few years ago when I said that Christchurch must be one of the few cities in the world where we are rebuilding some of our swamps. Most cities drain swamps, here in Christchurch we have been restoring some as part of our efforts to restore and renew our native animal and plant life.

We have also found that as we restore and renew our waterways, streams and rivers we are managing to turn back the clock on pollution and the fading of native plant and animal life.
Instead we are now in the rare position of being a city where each year, as the waterways improve in health, we are seeing more species of native fish and birds within the city limits. It is a great achievement that has been driven by a joint approach between Council staff and the people of Christchurch.

Earlier today I mentioned the recent national quality of life survey. In that survey Christchurch rates very highly as the greenest city
in New Zealand. Our gardens, parks and open spaces are another deliberate choice by the people of Christchurch to keep and expand on our superb natural environment.

Today you will also get the opportunity to savour another of the great sources of pride in New Zealand and Canterbury. We have become something of a market garden to the world. Our farmers have expanded and diversified to the point that there are even
Wasabi growers here in Canterbury! While I have no idea if that is on the menu I can guarantee that what is will give you some insight into why New Zealand foods, wines and cheeses are
so popular in the global dining market.

Our wonderful natural environment has also been put to good use when it comes to the growing and preparation of food. I hope you enjoy what you are served in your capacity as honoured guests here today.