The public face of Christchurch’s recovery is Roger Sutton. At the time of last year’s quake he was working for the power company Orion, but is now head of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.
His new role makes him the public face of the rebuilding process, a recovery constantly stymied by more shakes. Despite this, he remains upbeat about the role, knowing there is a lot to do but confident it can be achieved.
“Overall I’m happy but it’s all very, very frustrating for a lot of people,” he says.
Mr Sutton says insurance companies are remaining positive about helping out Christchurch. He believes insurance companies will have a bigger role in providing support to the region in 2012.
The CERA boss says he believes the city centre will become more vibrant over the coming year, and the community will continue to band together.
Reflecting on the quake, Mr Sutton says he was having lunch when it hit.
“I just thought it was enormous, I just couldn’t believe that something was so big, and went out onto Manchester Street where I worked and I for a start didn’t think it was real, I thought ‘this is just some horrible dream’. From there I just worked and worked and worked,” he says.
Sutton’s mother-in-law was working in the CTV building at the time of the quake, but managed to escape.
“I remember going [the night of the quake] to the Christchurch Hospital about half past 10 and finding this incredibly well-organised role,” he says.
Sutton’s family located his mother-in-law the day after the quake. He says she is doing well.
3 News