It's a theory that's being tested out in a number of ways here in post-quake Christchurch, not least by the inventive forces behind the Gapfiller and Greening the Rubble. With a determined, Whitman-esque optimism, both initiatives have set about regenerating vacant city sites with a variety of temporary community projects, from art exhibitions and book exchanges to community gardens and even a petanque club.

Not to be outshone, the forces of nature have been doing a little regeneration of their own lately...