The new chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority says decisions on the future of marginal sections will be a priority so people can get on with their lives.
The State Services Commission on Thursday announced that Roger Sutton, the former chief executive of the Canterbury lines company Orion, has been appointed to the role.
[image:1937:half:right]Mr Sutton says other immediate priorities include repairing the water and sewerage systems, and the demolition of central city buildings, and thorough but timely decisions need to be made.
Mr Sutton says the unprecedented powers the position gives him are not dissimilar to some of the powers he held as Orion's chief executive.
He says it is imperative to gather wide support before implementing such powers. However, at times hard decisions will have to be made quickly.
Mr Sutton will be paid $500,000 - significantly less than he earned at Orion. However, he told Checkpoint he applied for the role because he loves Christchurch and wants to recreate a place that people want to live in after February's devastating quake.
"The city has been very good to me and it's time for me to put a whole lot more back. I want a challenge ... and I would find it hard just to sit back and see someone else do this job.
"I really want to get in there and roll my sleeves up and try and make a real difference."
Mr Sutton will take up the appointment in June for a five-year term.
Appointment welcomed
State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie says Mr Sutton is a strong leader who has the skills required for the position.
Mr Rennie says he has a high level of credibility in Canterbury and has established relationships with stakeholders in central and local government and with community and business leaders.
Mr Sutton's transition into the role will be assisted by the authority's interim chief executive, deputy State Services Commissioner John Ombler.
Prime Minister John Key says he can't think of a better person for the role. He says Mr Sutton has very strong credentials and played a crucial role in restoring electricity after the February quake.
The appointment has also been welcomed by the Canterbury Development Corporation, the Canterbury Business Leaders Group, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee, the Green Party and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.
