Well, the unexpectedly heavy snowfall and wintery blast these past two days have certainly provided a diversion from the earthquakes! But they have also put further pressure on residents in quake-affected homes and on the city's quake-damaged infrastructure.
Many residents are reporting that the blanket of snow in our city has proved a welcome distraction after months of earthquakes and recovery focus while for others, the upheaval has merely added an extra, unwelcome stress.
But assistance is available, so please don't hesitate to seek help if you need to. Call the government helpline on 0800 779 997.
? Snow Status update from Christchurch City Council
? Earthquake Recovery Ministry / CERA / EQC media briefings
Weekly media briefings are being held with Earthquake Recovery Minister Hon Gerry Brownlee, CERA CEO Roger Sutton and a representative from EQC. Footage of the latest briefing here
? CERA progresses work on Recovery Strategy
More than 500 people attended community workshops this month to share their views on developing a Recovery Strategy for the greater Christchurch area - one of CERA's major tasks in helping the region recover from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
A further 613 also made written and online submissions. Discussions took place with a wide variety of groups and organisations working in the areas covered by the Recovery Strategy - community wellbeing, culture and heritage, the built environment, natural environment, and the economy. More info here
? My Housing Options Expo
An Expo for Canterbury people affected by the recent land announcements is to be held this weekend 30/31 July in Christchurch at the Events Centre, Addington Raceway.
The Expo is designed to help people consider the choices and options especially related to their future housing needs.
Times are: Saturday 30 July - 12 to 6pm; Sunday 31 July - 10am to 4pm
Further details here
? Winter heating programme has NOT been stopped
You may be aware of communications suggesting the winter heat programme has been stopped. Please be reassured this is NOT the case.
As a result of the 13 June earthquake, the predicted slowdown in resource allocation for heat pump installations has not occurred, as there have been more claims for winter heating assistance. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Ministry has been advised that since 20 June more than 700 heat pump installations have been allocated to suppliers.
The first priority for the winter heat programme has been for people who have lost their primary heat source or were vulnerable, with the second priority for houses where people said they needed additional heating, but did not require it urgently for this winter.
Around 7000 heat pumps have been installed into residential properties under the winter heat programme.
? Residential Red Zone Accommodation Support
The Temporary Accommodation Assistance scheme for displaced quake-affected residents is under review and the Government is currently considering the issues.
? 106,000 ideas shared!
Work is progressing well on the draft Central City Plan. Christchurch City Council ended up with 106,000 ideas, which have all influenced the draft Plan.
The draft will go to the 11 August Council meeting for any final changes and adoption for consultation. It will then be available for public consultation from Tuesday 16 August. Copies of the draft will be available at Christchurch City Libraries and Council Service Centres and online at centralcityplan.org.nz to view and make submissions. A summary will be delivered to every residential mailbox on the weekend 20 and 21 August.