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.

River Corridor Projects

Interviews with key people involved in red zoning, regeneration planning or community activation

Capturing change through time as the river corridor adapts environmentally since the earthquakes

Design studio in the river corridor focusing on guardianship, regeneration and climate resilience

Projects by student groups about climate change adaptation and mitigation in the river corridor

Mapping biodiversity in the river corridor, and long-term terrestrial invertebrate monitoring

The 2010 Christchurch earthquake prompted managed retreat, creating the Residential Red Zone — a space of hope and contested future visions.

Will be a place for people to reconnect with their natural and cultural heritage. The first large-scale, predator-proof ecosanctuary in Canterbury.

Otautahi’s experiences of managed retreat from its red zoned areas after the earthquakes

Searchable database of published research and primary work undertaken in the river corridor

Tertiary level group research projects undertaken in the corridor on environmental and social themes