Interview: 2017 will be a landmark in regenerating Christchurch: Albert Brantley, Chief Executive of Otakaro, and a migrant himself
(caption for the above picture: Albert Brantley, Chief Executive of Otakaro Limited, which is delivering Crown-led anchor projects in Central Christchurch and divesting the balance of Crown land)
Highlights:
it's important to tell the story
we need to get the community and people more involved
all new anchor projects will be inclusive, will appeal to everyone and everybody
Christchurch will be the city of future
we encourage diversity of thoughts at Otakaro
diversity of cultures and migrants have been great for New Zealand
He may very well be - if not the most - then certainly one of the most successful migrants in New Zealand. Having lived in more countries than most people visit in their lifetimes, Brantley is nowadays busy making sure that all the Crown-led anchor projects are delivered on time.
Married to a Kiwi, with three kids - born in Philippines and Guatemala, he returned to New Zealand for good in 2004, after constructing and operating big projects in South America, South East Asia, North America, Pakistan and the UAE. He then joined OceanaGold, followed it with an eight-year-stint with Genesis Energy, before coming on board at Otakaro.
"I am from Western Canada, and have seen places. By virtue of which, I can say that diversity of thoughts is the only way for any organisation or society to grow and prosper. This is what we encourage in Otakaro, and this has what has helped New Zealand. Diversity of cultures and migrants have been great for this country."
"With regards to Otakaro's work, I can assure you that 2017 will be a landmark year in the City's regeneration. Our emphasis is on telling the rebuild story so as to involve more and more communities in the process. We are also making sure that all new anchor projects are inclusive and appeal to everyone and everybody."
