Energy firm CEO and staff pledge commitment to city

NICOLE MATHEWSON

Last updated 05:00 29/04/2011

 

Four hundred Meridian Energy staff signed The Pledge yesterday, cementing their commitment to the rebuilding of Christchurch.

Chief executive Tim Lusk signed on behalf of the company, saying Meridian was committed to staying in Christchurch after the February 22 earthquake.

He said most of the company's 650 staff were normally based in Christchurch, along with about 85,000 customers.

"We've got the majority of our customers here.

"It is our city and it will be again a fantastic city," Lusk said.

Staff were relocated to various sites in Christchurch, Twizel and Wellington after the company's Manchester St building was damaged in the quake, but most would return over the next month to a newly-refurbished office block in Moorhouse Ave, he said.

Head of marketing Gareth Owen said he was a "proud Christchurch person", having lived in the city most of his life.

"I think it's important personally to sign The Pledge for Christchurch, and it puts out a strong message from Meridian for our customers," he said.

Retail general manager Bill Highet said Christchurch was one of the best cities in New Zealand for raising adventurous children.

"I think my children would have to be dragged kicking and screaming from here," Highet said.

Companies, schools and organisations have requested enough Pledge sheets for 60,000 signatures, and about 10,000 have been collected from public signings.

Pledge T-shirts can be ordered from globalculture.co.nz, and people can visit www.facebook.com/cantabpledge for signing locations.

The signed sheets will be collated by Rainbow Print after May 15 to be presented to Mayor Bob Parker and the Christchurch City Council.