Canterbury has outperformed many New Zealand regions in terms of housing over the recent decade. It has been able to rebuild itself from the significant destruction of the 2011 earthquake and is on a trajectory of building its way out of housing shortages.

Looking at data on housing affordability measures for Canterbury and its earthquake recovery experience, this paper discusses the factors contributing to Canterbury’s improved housing availability and affordability despite the significant housing destruction during the 2011 earthquake and identifies key takeaways for policy-makers.