A Community-led, Science-informed Conversation around the Future Use of the Avon River Residential Red Zone

Lincoln University was commissioned by the Avon-Otakaro Network (AvON) to estimate the value of the benefits of a ‘recreation reserve’ or ‘river park’ in the Avon River Residential Red Zone (ARRRZ). Primary data from the qualitative research phase identified the following ‘compatible and complementary’ recreation reserve attributes as including:
– Ecological services and functions including flood control, stormwater management, water quality improvements and biodiversity/restoration
– Active recreation facilities and provisions for locals and tourists
– Opportunities for ‘light’ or ‘boutique’ commercial/retail activities
– Community gardens/allotments/food forests and urban food security
– Preserving iconic historic suburban houses, gardens and heritage/native trees
– Protecting future generations from sea level rise
– Rejuvenation of the eastern suburbs
– Indigenous and cultural values
– Education in a ‘living laboratory’
– A ‘living’ earthquake memorial
Primary data from the quantitative research phase (choice modelling) indicate significant public support for such a reserve. Using a mix of primary and secondary data, we estimate the total annual value of benefits to Christchurch residents, savings in public health costs deriving from a recreational reserve and the value of ecosystem services in the ARRRZ to be approximately $94.1 million/pa.