Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2011 |
| Dissolved | 18 April 2016 |
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
| Headquarters | Level 8, HSBC House, 62 Worcester Blvd, Christchurch Canterbury 8140 |
| Annual budget |
Vote Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Total budget for 2015/16 $453,655,000 |
| Ministers responsible |
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| Agency executive |
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| Website | cera.govt.nz |
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) (Māori: Te Mana Haumanu ki Waitaha) was the public service department of New Zealand charged with coordinating the rebuild of Christchurch and the surrounding areas following the 22 February 2011 earthquake. After it was disestablished on 18 April 2016, CERA's functions were taken over by a variety of other agencies.
CERA was formed in response to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, and its establishment was announced late March 2011. It had wide-ranging powers and could suspend laws and regulations for the purpose of earthquake recovery. The department operated for five years, with annual reviews. CERA was disestablished on 18 April 2016.
Roger Sutton commenced as CERA's CEO on 13 June 2011. He had previously been CEO of Orion New Zealand, the electricity distribution company for the Christchurch area. Sutton resigned as CEO on 17 November 2014 effective on 31 January 2015 when CERA was downgraded from a public service department to a departmental agency within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). John Ombler, CERA's establishment CEO was appointed on 19 November 2014 effective on 1 December to be Acting CEO until a permanent Chief Executive is named. CERA received criticism for paying panel members $1000 per day, approximately 10 times the national average.
CERA's powers were challenged in the High Court after it ordered the demolition of Wharetiki House at 854 Colombo Street. The owner of the house wanted to restore it after it had suffered damage in the February 2011 earthquake. Justice Whata dismissed the challenge on 20 June 2011, and the building was demolished the following day.
In October 2011, CERA hoped to have all of the Christchurch Central City open again in April 2012. In April 2012 the Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) was established as a unit within CERA to focus on rebuilding the central business district of Christchurch. A public consultation on the organisation's transport plan closed on 1 February 2013. As of October 2013, Cabinet had not signed off on the plan.
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