By Dan Parker
The Government is considering special legislation to enable rebuilding to go ahead as fast as possible without the usual planning consents – they would be granted retrospectively.
The idea was suggested by Prime Minister John Key during a visit to rural Canterbury.
Kaiapoi is the first stop of Mr Key’s tour. It is the Prime Minister's first chance to see the damage outside the Christchurch CBD.
The town's commercial buildings have taken a battering.
“It’s like a warzone through the centre of town,” said Mr Key.
Andrew Blackwell's shop has been in his family for five generations and he wants to rebuild or repair as soon as possible.
“The building has been here since 1921, so there’s a bit of history here,” explained Mr Blackwell.
To enable Mr Blackwell and everyone else to get back on their feet fast, Mr Key says special legislation will be considered next week to allow building to get underway - and then be given consents later.
The next stop is rural Canterbury where the damage to irrigation systems across the plains is unknown. However, Mr Key says it is clear the farming community will need the Government's support.
Mike Oakley's potato crop was all set for the market, but five varieties have been mixed up so most of them will be thrown out.
Mr Key has made a pledged to rebuild Canterbury where possible.
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