12. Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
Has he had any discussions with the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery about heritage buildings or recovering cultural artefacts from buildings damaged by the earthquake on 22 February; if so, what did he say to the Minister?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) Link to this
Yes, we have had a number of conversations about those issues. We both agreed that the priority was first to ensure that the city was as safe as possible for the rescue effort, and then the recovery and rebuilding effort could begin.
Hon Steve Chadwick Link to this
Did he read the statement by Blue Shield, the cultural equivalent of the Red Cross, placing the expertise and network of its members at the disposal of their New Zealand colleagues; if so, what action has he taken to ensure that it is involved in the process?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
I do not recall reading that statement; I am sure that Ministry for Culture and Heritage officials will have read it. We are certainly anxious to contact as many people as possible around the globe to assist us with the tasks of reconstruction and also, I might add, deconstruction, which is a different concept from demolition. It is focused deconstruction, saving the materials until reconstruction can begin.
Hon Steve Chadwick Link to this
Does he agree with Bruce Chapman, the chief executive of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, that much of Christchurch’s heritage could be saved; if so, what action has he taken to ensure that as much as possible is saved, after all due regard is had to safety?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
I certainly agree with Mr Chapman. He, I, and a group of my Cabinet colleagues visited Christchurch last Sunday and were briefed by civil defence and various engineers on what could be done to save buildings. Mr Chapman’s views are commendable, but they are not his alone.
Hon Steve Chadwick Link to this
I seek leave to table the Blue Shield statement on Christchurch, offering assistance to the New Zealand Government.
Mr SPEAKER