New Brighton Mall is set for a major overhaul next year with the confirmed addition of the Māori name Te Ara Kuaka, a reference to the migratory godwit.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger discussed the redevelopment plans in an interview with chrislynchmedia.com.

Work on the mall upgrade is expected to begin in winter next year following current stakeholder engagement.

The Christchurch City Council says the project will refresh the central retail space with new paving and replace rotted channel grates while improving the overall appearance of the pedestrian area.

Mauger said the upgrade would complement the nearby village green redevelopment, which has already become a drawcard for residents. “I challenge anyone go down and have a look it is absolutely outstanding this. They will complement each other really really well.”

Asked why the mall requires a Māori name, he said “They have been gifted the name. It is not costing any money from any council money and it will have New Brighton Mall and the Māori name together on the same sign if they want to.”

He compared the situation to the city’s central library. “I sort of struggle sometimes with Turanga the library. I have had people ask me from overseas have you seen the library and they are standing right out in front of it because it has not got the library written after Turanga. As long as we have got both names on it at the same time I cannot see any issue.”

Mauger said he was not aware of any paid consultation over the gifted name. “Not as far as I know. I may be wrong but it will be all done through the community board. It has not come past council that is for sure.”

Meanwhile, Mauger said Christchurch is expected to receive support from a new national events fund.

“I heard yesterday at seventy million and Christchurch is the first cab off the rank for some of that money to attract Six60 and Symphony to the stadium.”

He said the escalating costs of international acts meant New Zealand performers were a practical choice. “I heard yesterday an overseas act had been offered seven million by Melbourne to go there and the overseas act said thank you but it is not enough. How much money do you spend.”

He said government support would keep ticket prices low. “The cheapest tickets are eighty dollars and the dearest tickets one hundred thirty dollars which is great to get into a stadium like that.”

He said ongoing discussions were aimed at ensuring transport around the stadium runs smoothly. “We designed a stadium with zero car parks.

We have got to make it as easy as possible and as cheap as possible for people to get in and have the experience in our stadium because if they have one negative experience they will go away and say I am not going back.”

He supported integrated or free bus services similar to those used for Sail GP. “My view is free buses from Hornby Hub, Westfield Mall, the Palms just to make it easier to get in. Sail GP ran really really well.”

Mauger rejected claims from the Taxpayers Union that advisers had overstepped by raising a super city concept at a workshop. “Absolutely not. Staff were just giving us all the facts so we can make a decision. They were not pushing us in any direction whatsoever.”

He confirmed he is interested in Christchurch becoming a unitary authority. “I am half keen. I am keen on Christchurch being unitary because it is going to make life so much easier.”

Mauger said a unitary council would assume Environment Canterbury responsibilities within city boundaries. “Christchurch City Council will take over all of the actions of ECAN in the city boundaries. Like running the buses for example. Makes sense does it not.”

He said discussions with neighbouring mayors were at an early stage. “The ink was only just dry on the paper that landed on us the morning before. Once the RM reform comes out next week it is either going to make it easier or harder. We do not know.”

On rate caps he said public demand remains strong. “Please keep the rates down. We have got cost of living crisis that is on the top of everyone’s mind followed very closely by speed humps on main arterials.”