Mayor promotes trackless trams

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Trackless trams could be an option for improving connections with Christchurch in the future, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.

Connections with the central city, transport, housing and commercial developments are just some of things being considered as part of the Huihui Mai Greater Christchurch Partnership consultation.

With the population of the Greater Christchurch area expected to pass 700,000 by 2051, and 1 million over the ensuing decades, an
efficient and sustainable transport system was essential, Gordon said.

"An idea I’m quite attracted to is trackless trams, which don’t need a track. Brisbane has them and they are quite common overseas.

"How we connect our district into the city centre is important."

Providing more housing choices and attracting business opportunities, particularly in the city centre and town centres was another factor, he said.

But one question that was not on the agenda was creating a "Super City", Gordon said.

"There is a conversation which comes up about super cities, but there is no desire within the partnership members for a super city
because we are working very well between us.

"We are at a size where we are sustainable, but we are all part of a bigger picture, which is the Greater Christchurch area, so it is
important that we work together for our shared future."

The Greater Christchurch Partnership is a collaboration between the Christchurch City, and Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils, and Environment Canterbury.

Other members included Ngāi Tahu, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and two Government Ministers.

Public consultation on Huihui Mai closes on Sunday, March 26.