Hi. My name is James Macbeth Dann, and this is the site that I use for most of my writings on Christchurch rebuild issues. I also write for the Daily Blog and Pantograph Punch, as well as turning up with columns in the papers from time to time.
I’m a scientist, working on the end stages of my PhD in molecular biology. I also write and perform music as Ed Muzik, though I’m on an indefinite hiatus at the moment.
Rebuilding Christchurch 
Hi James,
Here’s my twitter address: @PublicationsPro
Good post,
John
Great blog, thanks. Keeps us kiwis living os up to speed. Good luck
Who was the poor guy who got blocked by Bob at the press conference? living overseas, a bit out of touch so will keep up-to-date via your glog, thanks!
It’s Ian Athfield, the architect that has recently been appointed to, um, do some stuff.
Just a recommendation James in favour of CBD rebuild, but on some new principles. Try reading:
• Green Metropolis: Why Living Smaller, Living Closer and Driving Less are the Keys to Sustainability
By David Owen
•Triumph of the City
By Edward Gleaser
What do you think of the cardboard Cathedral idea?
Not great
when will chch be rebuilt
I took a few photos of the Re:Start space, I think that is really positive for the city:
http://marktantrum.com/blog/2012/01/restart-christchurch-360-degree-panoramic-views/
Looking forward to see what other creative approaches are put in place in the coming months and years
Mark
You guys may think I’m crazy but I can show you why the Chch earthquake “recovery” is being run as you so ablely describe.
These guys have an agenda that they haven’t yet admitted to and that agenda is United Nations Agenda 21.
Build an Eco City because of the opportunity afforded by the earthquakes. Build light rail and all facilities like stadiums etc. within light rail/cycling/walking distance of the residential areas. Yes there will be high density housing within the frame but they will trickle that one upon us. Protect the riverbanks, mm Agenda 21 again. Take the land to do it, who cares about property rights, but thats in agenda 21 as well.
Cause unnecessary delays, make sure people and residents get too exhausted to protest ad earmark taxpayers money for useless building etc. It all fits.
Best of all infiltrate our education system. Thats well underway. In past regimes thats been known as brain washing the very young.
On page 41 of the Rebuild Christchurch plan http://thedemiseofchristchurch.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/christchurch-central-recovery-plan1.pdf they all but say all of this. Pity they didnt do anything about the supposed sea level change though.
Hey I even wrote about it. See my blogs at http://www.thedemiseofchristchurch.com then give it ten years and see if you want to call me crazy then.
Cheers
Roger
hi James, I’m compelled to point out “must of been” is a
phonetic contraction of must have (must’ve) been or maybe you
really meant it. Sounds like it would go well with eye of noot.
Apart from getting all hung up on that an interesting read as
ever.
Great post, thanks. I will email Emma Johnson separately regarding the Freerange submission. I have lived overseas for many years but am keen to contribute thoughts on the rebuild of my hometown. My latest article is on Hanoi’s urban planning (happened to have written it for Gehl Architects), check it out here is interested: http://gehlcitiesforpeople.dk/2013/12/16/in-search-of-modern-hanoi-an-identity-crisis-of-a-1000-year-old-city/
Great, look forward to it!
really enjoy reading your rebuild material…thanks heaps.