The Children's Commissioner is calling for children to be more involved in Christchurch's rebuild, and says the government needs to do more to include them.
Regenerate Christchurch's office was taken over by primary school children yesterday, who were pitching ideas for the city's red zone.
Students take over Regenerate Christchurch's boardroom. Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
The organisation responsible for the city's rebuild had called on students to develop concepts for the Otakaro-Avon red zone area, which is four times the size of Hagley Park.
Representatives from four Christchurch schools, Waitakiri, Banks Avenue, Haeata, and Bromley, pitched their ideas to the boss of Regenerate Christchurch.
There is still no decision on what to do with the red zone, formerly occupied by 9000 residents in the city's east, and Regenerate Christchurch were now trying to sort out a plan.
But one young presenter, 11-year-old Shelby, from Waitakiri School, said children had a unique voice that should be considered.
"We're going to be the generation that is actually going to live in that area.. it's important that we have a say," she said.
Shelby said a lot of work went into her school's presentation, and she wanted young people to be involved in other parts of the rebuild.
The students, who ranged from five to 12 years old, presented ideas which ranged from community centres to theme parks, spending months preparing their presentations.
Children's Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft. Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
Regenerate Christchurch chief executive Ivan Iafeta said he was surprised at the variety of ideas the students put forward.
"They often feel like their views aren't necessarily valued, but a lot of the ideas that we heard from the kids is consistent with what we have heard from adults", he said.
Children's Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft was also at the meeting, swapping a suit for a green-eggs-and-ham T-shirt.
He said more needed to be done to include children in decision-making.
"It's a child's entitlement, and that's where I think we've dropped the ball, both at local and central government," said Judge Becroft.
He said there were many ways young people could be better included.
"Why just have one student on a board of trustees? It's really tough, if you selected three you'd get more input and better ideas," he said.
Regenerate Christchurch's statement of intent for the next five years was tabled at Parliament yesterday.
Public consultation on the Otakaro-Avon red zone is set to begin soon, although there is no official date yet.