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.
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.
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 Living Laboratory is overseen by an independent trust. The trust has representatives from the public, private and community sectors, including some of the key institutions in the city. It coordinates with other agencies and groups that have an interest in research and education in and around the river corridor.
Chartered Professional Engineer | Project Director
ROB KERR
Rob was Development Director for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, where he was responsible for a number of the anchor projects in Christchurch central city, including the Margaret Mary playground. He was also General Manager - Residential Red Zone for Regenerate Christchurch and led the development of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan.
University of Canterbury | Emeritus Professor of Geography
ERIC PAWSON
Eric is Emeritus Professor of Geography at the University of Canterbury and trust secretary. He has been part of a range of community initiatives in the river corridor, including serving as chair of a local ecosanctuary trust. He undertook the initial scoping work for the living laboratory as one of the foundations of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan. Contact the sectretary directly.
Lincoln University | Farm Management and Agribusiness Lecturer
JACOB KAMBUTA
Jacob is a member of Lincoln’s Living Lab, which brings together research partners and university students to seek solutions to real world challenges. He is passionate about exploring opportunities that promote sustainable living and agricultural practices, as well as strengthening community resilience.
ChristchurchNZ | General Manager Urban Development
CATH CARTER
Cath is tasked with enabling and delivering urban projects and development activities. She is passionate about the re-emergence of our city and recognises the importance of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor to Ōtautahi Christchurch’s past and future. Her focus is on delivering on the city’s vision by creating connections, opportunities and partnerships that led to real outcomes of benefit to our community.
University of Canterbury | Professor of Geography
SIMON KINGHAM
Simon is a human geographer with interests in the impact of urban spaces on wellbeing. Between 2018 and 2024, he was Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Transport. He has a particular interest in community-based learning and research, and has long been excited by the potential for the Ōtākaro Avon river corridor to enhance wellbeing and for driving greater UC involvement in the Ōtākaro Living Lab.
Christchurch City Council | Head of Strategic Policy and Resilience
DAVID GRIFFITHS
David has worked within central and local government for over 35 years. This included leading the residential recovery response for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority following the 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquake sequence. David leads a team of climate resilience, strategic policy and asset management advisors to help support Christchurch’s move towards becoming a resilient and carbon neutral city.
Environment Canterbury | Chief Scientist
FIONA SHANHUN
Fiona leads the ECan climate change resilience programme. She is focused on developing partnerships and sharing science advice with rūnanga, communities, researchers and decision-makers to help improve environmental outcomes – mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us, and our children after us.
University of Canterbury | Professor and Head of School of Earth and Environment
JAMIE SHULMEISTER
Jamie is an environmental scientist, his interests lie in long-term climate change and landscape evolution. He is excited by the opportunities that work in the Ōtākaro Avon river corridor provides for improved environmental outcomes for Christchurch and for driving UC involvement in the Living Lab.