Mike Coleman's Appeal: for all those with a heart for the Red Zone

19 Aug 2011

It is almost impossible to get the message through the media about how hard it is for people to leave the Red Zone.
The graph below illustrates the situation in Keller Street, Avonside. I have chosen Keller St as it has had large media coverage over the three quakes. Both 'Close Up' and 'Campbell Live' have telecast live from Keller or close to it. It has also been hit with massive amounts of
liquefaction during the quakes and as I live around the corner I know it has been a great street to live in in the past. It is located in what was considered a nice district to live--Avonside.

Here is a brief summary of the 51 houses on Keller Street.

Land House Section Total

Averages $ 139,550 $168,950 661.74 m2 $303,500

If you read through the spreadsheet I have attached, you will see that a number of homes are under $300,000. Many land prices are very low. Now if you were at the Homes Expo that CERA put on for the Red Zone, you would have seen few sections of 661 m2 for under $230-240,000 Many were significantlly more than this. You can get a section in Rolleston for $180,000 but you would have to leave Christchurch. This is what Mr Brownlee is really saying to the Red Zone; You will not be able to buy land in Christchurch, so you need to leave Christchurch.

Keller Street is symptomatic of the situation throughout the Red Zone. Keller people will need to add $90,000 to their mortgage if they are to buy a 600 m2 section. (In February I checked sections and homes, and you could not put an average size home on anything less than 600 m2.) They will also not be able to buy a home for much less than $230-240,000, a very conservative figure actually. So they will need at least another $65,000 to build a house.

So, simply on conservative estimates that is $155,000 extra money they will need to replace their homes. Remember they will probably have their own mortgage to begin. And remember the banks still have their own prerequisites to obtain a mortgage (the same conditions they have always had!) so many retirees and low income folk will not get a mortgage.
Conclusion: most Red Zoners have been left to obtain huge mortgages or rent. The banks win, the property developers win, the existing vendors win, and the landlords will win.

Read the spreadsheet on Keller Street for yourself ..., it is not rocket science. (

This graph by Andrew Dakers also illustrates the situation quite clearly.)

Mr Brownlee is leaving people to huge future debt. He and CERA have the power to take land and offer it to people. Australia did this in the Queensland Floods. Like for like. Gerry has worked out Stage One of his offer, now he needs to help people with the implications of only getting rateable Value. This is our moral duty as a country to care for people who will be hurting. It is disgraceful for us to leave these people with these dire consequences. WE need to support them, advocate for them and seek real justice. We cant turn a blind eye to this!!
Send this email and attachment to as many people, media outlets as you can. It is the least we can all do.

You know me. I am not a crazy cynic. I am a School Counsellor, Anglican Priest, Teacher, and Consultant. I write this with urgency as nothing is happening to help this situation. The media have moved on. The country has moved on. But people are still here hurting, crying and numb!!

Kind Regards,
Mike Coleman

P.S. This is the follow-up to a letter that Mike wrote in July: