Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island, was badly damaged by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in September 2010 which put the port of Lyttelton out of action.
Akaroa, 75km from Christchurch where passengers have to go ashore in tenders, has been the alternative port for most cruise ships ever since. Akaroa’s inability to handle ships with more than 3,000 passengers has also been an issue for cruise companies with larger ships coming on line.
As reported here, the Lyttelton Port Company announced plans for a new NZ$56m cruise ship berth in May this year.
LPC ce Peter Davie said it will open in time for the 2019/2020 wave season and will accommodate ships the size of Oasis of the Seas.
A NZ$240m Christchurch Convention Centre is scheduled for completion in early 2020. It will feature an auditorium for 1,400 delegates and a 1,250 person banqueting hall.
‘The board is very pleased about attracting someone of Joanna’s calibre to lead the organisation at this important time in the city’s regeneration,’ ChristchurchNZ chair, Therese Arseneau, said.
Norris, who will take up her new appointment on October 16, said: ‘The building blocks of our region are being re-laid and we are growing a strong city that will serve future generations well. ChristchurchNZ’s role is to provide leadership by growing our city’s profile locally, nationally and internationally.’
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