Christchurch rebuilding concerns dismissed

Labour's infrastructure spokesman Shane Jones has rejected any suggestions a change of government would slow down the post-earthquake rebuilding of Christchurch.

"Labour would slow things down? Hell no! I am amazed anyone would say that. I can categorically refute that," he said during a visit to Dunedin yesterday.

On the campaign trail in Christchurch earlier this week, Otago Daily Times political editor Dene Mackenzie found some people whose homes, businesses and employment had been affected by the earthquakes who indicated National was doing a "fair job" of the rebuilding and they would be voting cautiously, concerned a change of government could slow down the rebuilding process.

Mr Jones said he was in Christchurch on Thursday, inspecting some of the demolition and rebuilding sites and speaking to Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Part of the job of being in Opposition was to "rattle" the Government, he said, and that had included criticism of the slow progress of the rebuilding to date.

But he said he, like Mr Brownlee, had a desire to see the rebuilding progress as quickly as possible once "subterranean issues" and insurance company problems were sorted.

"If anything, I would like Christchurch to be better resourced so the rebuild can progress as quickly as possible."

Mr Jones (52), an MP since 2005 and a former minister of building and construction, was the latest in a string of Labour MPs to visit Dunedin on the campaign trail.

Accompanied by Dunedin North Labour candidate Dr David Clark, he discussed infrastructure and met maritime union officials during a visit to Port Otago, visited Animation Research's sports analysis centre at Forsyth Barr Stadium, toured the stadium facilities and spoke to Otago Polytechnic civil engineering students.

He told about 20 students if they were "only interested in making money" they would probably head for Western Australia, "where my brothers and most of Northland are", once they graduated.

"But if you want to call Aotearoa home, stay here. They are screaming out for people to help with the rebuild."

There were also jobs to be had in roading and mining, he said.

One student asked how long the rebuilding would take and whether there would still be jobs for those yet to graduate.

Mr Jones said he had asked Mr Brownlee that on Thursday.

"The rebuild is starting to gather pace, but it is going to go on for years and years and years. I don't think you should worry about there being a lack of work. When you are about to collect your pensions at 67 there will still be work there."

- allison.rudd@odt.co.nz