The river corridor is probably the largest area of managed retreat in an urban centre worldwide. How can our experience inform processes of managed retreat elsewhere? The question is central to this project, which has developed a model of ‘retreat’, ‘relocation’ and ‘re-imagining’. Re-imagining asks how can the land be re-used for projects that further lower environmental and social risks.
Our Vision
To establish a world-leading living laboratory in the river corridor, where we learn, experiment and research; testing and creating new ideas and ways of living for a climate-challenged city and globe (Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan) .
The river corridor was declared a red zone in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-13 when the land subsided by up to 1.5 metres. It was subsequently abandoned for housing.
The corridor has been described as ‘the city’s field of dreams’, a blue-green space between land and water, and past and future. It is the ideal place for experimentation and discovery in a context of rapid environmental, cultural and social change.
The upper and lower parts of the Goodman St cul-de-sac in Burwood, a decade apart. Image by Iain McGregor & Alden Williams
The red zoned areas in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor are in red; green areas are pre-existing open space. Graphic by Blackant Mapping Solutions.
Our Team
The Living Lab is managed by a team of four. It is constituted as a charitable trust with a group of trustees drawn from the public, community and private sectors.
Independent Researcher | Strategic Policy
KAREN BANWELL
Karen has worked in strategic policy development for Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury. She lives in Governors Bay, where she has returned to her roots restoring the catchment of Whakaraupō Lyttelton harbour. She is a member of the Residents’ Association, the Allandale and Cass Bay Reserve Committees. She is semi-retired but still working as a researcher.
Environmental Science Graduate | Website Designer
JOSH SCHOORL
Josh recently completed an Hons degree in Environmental Science at the University of Canterbury. He has designed and manages the lab website
Chartered Professional Engineer | Project Director
ROB KERR
Rob is an engineer and project manager in private practice. He was Development Director for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, and then General Manager - Residential Red Zone for Regenerate Christchurch where he led the development of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan. In 2023-24 he completed the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
University of Canterbury | Emeritus Professor of Geography
ERIC PAWSON
Eric is Emeritus Professor of Geography at the University of Canterbury. He has research interests in environmental history and climate adaptation. He has been involved in several community initiatives in the river corridor. He undertook the initial scoping work for the living laboratory as one of the foundations of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan.