Christchurch residential red zone.
Opportunities for community connection - that is what people have asked for most in the red zone.
More than 5500 ideas from Cantabrians have helped shape a "vision" for the red zone released today.
Joint city council and Government agency Regenerate Christchurch has spent months running surveys and workshops and collecting ideas from local people.
People were asked to give ideas under eight key "themes".
Of those, 40 per cent were around community connection or participation.
They included ideas for community gardens, walkways, playgrounds and community events.
Another 20 per cent were under the theme of protection of unique or indigenous nature.
Creating a "good place to work, visit and invest" had 14 per cent support, "valuing culture and heritage" had 9 per cent, a "transport system for community" had 7 per cent and "safety in regenerated areas" 4 per cent.
The least popular themes were "well-designed urban environments" which had 2 per cent support and "range and choice of housing" which had 4 per cent.
They have been used to shape draft vision and objectives, which have been released today.
The objectives include supporting communities, restoring native habitat, creating sustainable economic opportunities, drawing visitors to Christchurch, creating a "living laboratory" for new ideas, and demonstrating ways to adapt to climate change.
Regenerate Christchurch chief executive Ivan Iafeta said it had listened carefully to the people of Christchurch.
"You have told us that the environment is fundamental to our identity and that you would like to see the area used in new and innovative ways. You have also told us that a greater sense of safety and security from natural hazards and climate change is important and have provided ideas on how the land can be used to respond to these priorities," he said.
The draft vision and objectives are open for public feedback until June 2. Feedback can be given on the Regenerate Christchurch website.
Potential ideas and plans for the red zone will then be looked at, with opportunities for the public to look at options and give feedback on them from August.
The preferred ideas are expected to have been selected by November.
Police said charges would be considered.