On the withdrawal Brownlee stated " I suspect few New Zealanders knew the country had such considerable mineral potential before we undertook this process , and I get a sense that New Zealanders are now much more aware of that potential " . He went on that it might contribute to economic growth and further stated that " New Zealanders have given the minerals sector a clear mandate to go and explore that land , and where appropriate , within the constraints of the resource consent process , utilise its mineral resources for everyone 's benefit " . An additional announcement from Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson pronounced that future National Park land would receive protections , stating that , " This is an added layer of protection for New Zealand 's most highly valued conservation land ... " After the Canterbury earthquake of 4 September 2010 , Brownlee , as the senior Christchurch-based Minister , was appointed Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery on 7 September 2010 . The role has given Brownlee substantial powers in supervising and coordinating the involvement of central government , local government , and the private sector in rebuilding Christchurch
Canterbury earthquake
2010 Canterbury earthquake
Gerry Brownlee