Canterbury children can pitch their plans for a central city playground in a new competition launched today.

The ''Amazing Place'' interactive competition, challenges children up to year 6 to design a city centre playground, while intermediate and secondary school students can pitch their dream project for the central city.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said it was a chance for the region's young people to help develop part of the new central city.

''The children of greater Christchurch have been through an awful lot and been exceptionally brave and resilient over the past two years.

''Having endured so much, they deserve a real stake in the new Christchurch - an amazing place they can call their own,'' he said.

Competition packs have been sent to every Canterbury school and early childhood centre with separate competitions for different age groups.

Brownlee said the region's young people had been given a ''blank canvas'' for ideas.

Winners will be named in the third term.

BNZ director-retail Andy Symons said it was fitting the first major community project linked to the rebuild was aimed at the city's children.

"Christchurch's children will inherit the new city that is only now beginning to take shape. These children have a vital stake in what this city will look like and how it will work for them and their children,'' he said.

"Challenging Christchurch children to imagine and contribute to the rebuilding of their city, while learning the social and financial implications of their projects will arm them with important and relevant skills."

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments