From early on, the team was committed to reconnect communities by the end of 2017.
Keeping everyone informed has been key in this project. There has been a real focus on maintaining strong relationships with the communities affected by the earthquake and recovery work but also with all New Zealand businesses relying on the infrastructure such as the freight and tourism industries.
Keeping the travelling public from all parts of the country and from abroad informed was always a priority. People needed to know what conditions to expect and how long their journey would take so they would travel safely.
Community engagement
The road and rail transport links were a critical lifeline for many; the restoration work being vital to the wider community’s social and economic success.
Working closely with the local community enabled a number of logistical challenges to be solved in a timely way. The communication and engagement aspect of each work zone was prioritised before work commenced. Collaboration has been the key.
From day one, regular community meetings were held in the Kaikōura area, as well as ‘door-knocks’ in specific neighbourhoods to discuss upcoming high-impact work.
In March 2017, a NCTIR office opened on Kaikōura’s main street (at 73 Beach Road), welcoming residents and all those who have any queries or want to get an update on any aspect of the recovery work.
Project update evenings are held to update the community at important times.
NCTIR has also worked closely with local communities to provide employment and business opportunities. At its peak, more than 1,700 men and women from 100 organisations joined the rebuild effort and this number included many Kaikōura local residents and businesses.
Keeping you informed
To keep communities informed, a fortnightly update – The Bulletin(external link) – is published online and sent to subscribers. This well received publication provides detailed, accurate and timely information on the progress. Sign up to receive the Bulletin(external link).
The Transport Agency, KiwiRail and NCTIR are committed to keep everyone up-to-date with progress. Where relevant, information is shared on social media channels, including the Transport Agency’s South Island Facebook page(external link) and KiwiRail’s Facebook page(external link).
The NCTIR Village – a ‘community within the community’
The decision to build a temporary accommodation facility in Kaikōura, and a smaller one in Clarence, to house the rebuild workers, was made in April 2017. This was after consultation with local businesses confirmed there would not be enough beds available in Kaikōura throughout the duration of the project.
By the middle of 2017, more than 400 men and women from throughout New Zealand and overseas were based in the area, working to help the region recover from November’s earthquake. All required housing, as well as meals.
Their roles range from labourers and environmental advisors to geotechnical experts and digger operators. For many, the Village has become their home. The hardest thing for many is being away from their families.
The hope was for the Village to become a ‘community within the community’. Local organisations helped to create a neighbourly atmosphere where the team can make the most of what Kaikōura has to offer. This includes providing them with information about special interest groups and sports, places to go, and natural features to explore.
The Village is occupied 24/7. Travel by bus was introduced to minimise the effects of traffic. Local restaurants host the team’s evening meal.
The scale of the transport rebuild requires a significant workforce and the Village is an efficient, cost-effective way to house workers for an extended period of time.
The accommodation facility in Clarence closed in November 2018.
