Hunt for Christchurch recovery boss goes global

An international hunt is on for the permanent leader of the government's new Christchurch earthquake recovery body.

The State Services Commission advertised for the job of Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) chief executive at the weekend. The ad is expected to run weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee today said there were already some "very, very talented people" interested in the role.

"The prerequisite for the job is that we get the most talented individual we can for what is an extraordinary project."

The government last week announced the formation of the stand-along government department, which will have a lifespan of five years with operations reviewed annually.

Deputy State Services Commissioner John Ombler will lead Cera until a permanent chief executive, who will get paid a $495,000 to $555,000 salary band, is appointed.

Mr Brownlee said the commission was seeking out the best talent, and the new leader may not be a New Zealander.

"I think people in Christchurch just want the job done. They won't be too worried where the person comes from as long as they are doing it competently. We are not going to close ourselves to who it might be."

Meanwhile, Mr Brownlee said there could be up to 10,000 people needing temporary accommodation in Christchurch.

He said a decision on who will get the multimillion-dollar contract to build the houses and utility blocks would be made soon.

The government was looking for different types of accommodation as some people might need a house for 18 months while others only for a short time.

"Obviously if you're going to be in something for a few weeks you are not going to have the same needs as someone who is going to need something for 18 months, so a range of options."

He said speculation the contracting bid might go to a Chinese company were baseless, and that the government had asked for New Zealand firms to be given a fair shot.

A spokeswoman for Housing Minister Phil Heatley yesterday said there was a cabinet paper stating all temporary mobile accommodation must be domestically supplied.

More than 200 companies bidded for the contract, but the seven favoured bids were understood to be from New Zealand.

The government has called for between 5000 and 10,000 units and has identified several "flat, grassy sites" in Christchurch for the new homes, tender details show.