Special fast-track process for CERA Bill

A special fast-track procedure will be followed to have the legislation setting up the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) passed by Thursday.

This Brief Counsel explains the procedure and provides a brief outline of the Bill's contents. The Bill is available here.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill sets up CERA as a new government department to be based in Christchurch and dedicated to the task of ensuring that the city is rebuilt and restored to full working order as expeditiously as possible.

The Bill provides CERA with the power to relax or suspend normal regulatory procedures for purposes related to earthquake recovery. It was introduced to the House today under urgency and will go through its second and third readings on Thursday.