ISSUE
Friday, August 22, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 73
As Labour took over from National to govern the country for the next three years, Wigram MP Megan Woods – who has been the Labour's Canterbury spokesperson for many years – has been entrusted with the responsibilities of Greater Regeneration Christchurch and the Earthquake Commission (EQC).
After her appointment, the new minister has laid out her priorities for the next three years. Writing in her regular column for a local newspaper The Star, the minister noted: “in opposition, we have often spoken about the need for a locally-led recovery; now in Government, we get to put this into action.”
For this, she added, “One of the key priorities as the in-coming minister will be ensuring that we have strong relationships across the city and with Wellington. The relationship with the Canterbury District Health Board is at the fore of my mind.
“Underpinning all my thinking is the need to transition our future back to where it belongs – in Canterbury and away from Wellington.”
Ms Woods also expressed her desire to accelerate the anchor projects in the central city.
As regards to insurance issues that have plagued the city since 2011, the new minister – after taking charge – has called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into EQC repairs, as well as establishing an arbitration tribunal to settle all pending EQC and private insurance claims.
As Labour took over from National to govern the country for the next three years, Wigram MP Megan Woods – who has been the Labour's Canterbury spokesperson for many years – has been entrusted with the responsibilities of Greater Regeneration Christchurch and the Earthquake Commission (EQC).
After...
As Labour took over from National to govern the country for the next three years, Wigram MP Megan Woods – who has been the Labour's Canterbury spokesperson for many years – has been entrusted with the responsibilities of Greater Regeneration Christchurch and the Earthquake Commission (EQC).
After her appointment, the new minister has laid out her priorities for the next three years. Writing in her regular column for a local newspaper The Star, the minister noted: “in opposition, we have often spoken about the need for a locally-led recovery; now in Government, we get to put this into action.”
For this, she added, “One of the key priorities as the in-coming minister will be ensuring that we have strong relationships across the city and with Wellington. The relationship with the Canterbury District Health Board is at the fore of my mind.
“Underpinning all my thinking is the need to transition our future back to where it belongs – in Canterbury and away from Wellington.”
Ms Woods also expressed her desire to accelerate the anchor projects in the central city.
As regards to insurance issues that have plagued the city since 2011, the new minister – after taking charge – has called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into EQC repairs, as well as establishing an arbitration tribunal to settle all pending EQC and private insurance claims.
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