The City of Christchurch recently suffered a series of earthquakes which caused massive damage in and around the city, resulting in a decrease in population and the movement of businesses out of the restricted "red zone." In the next 10 years, an estimated $40 billion from private and public sources will be invested in rebuilding and renewing Christchurch. Mayor Parker asked IBM to work with city leaders, investors, students and innovators to provide recommendations on how to rebuild in a smarter and more effective way. The team delivered recommendations that built on the city's assets in quality of life, access to the outdoors, high levels of education and high GDP growth.