Christchurch Memorial Service

On the 22nd February 2012, a memorial service was held in Hagley Park, Christchurch to pay tribute to those who died in the 6.3 earthquake a year earlier. It was a somber occasion marked with many tears and much heartache and sadness. Approximately 10,000 people attended and the service concluded with the release of 185 monarch butterflies - one for each life lost in the earthquake. It was a painful but necessary part of the ongoing healing for the people of Christchurch. Click here for a personal account of the service.

Personal Account of the Media Red Zone Tour in Chirstchurch

On Wednesday 15th February 2012, I was part of a media tour around the red-zoned CBD of Christchurch. Following the devastating 6.3 earthquake on the 22nd February 2011, the city centre was shut down as authorities worked to secure the area and clear damaged buildings. This has proved to be a long, painful process and apart from a brief period when the public could access the city through Red Zone bus tours and a walkway into Cathedral Square, the city has remained off limits.

Although not my first media visit into the CBD, I was shocked at how many buildings have come down - at the wide open spaces - at the deterioration of Christchurch Cathedral - at the weeds and debris that have claimed the once pristine parks and streets. Click here to read a full account of my experience.

Media Red Zone Tour

On Wednesday 15th February 2012, the media were invited on a red zone tour of the devastated CBD of Christchurch. This was in preparation for the first anniversary of the 6.3 22nd February earthquake that claimed 185 lives. Journalists were taken into the city by bus which stopped at four points to allow them to capture footage and take photos. Click here for more news on the red zone tour.

January 2012 - Swarm of Aftershocks in Christchurch

Starting soon after midnight on the 2nd January 2012, Christchurch was shaken by approximately 50 aftershocks during the course of the day. The largest were recorded as magnitude 5.1 and 5.5. All the shocks were centred under the sea to the east of the city.

Locals had a restless night as the ground heaved beneath them, knocking out power to thousands of homes. This was restored by the morning but people were uneasy as the city continued to rock and roll throughout the day and into the night. Click here for more information on the aftershocks and how people reacted to them.

December Aftershocks in Christchurch

Click here for a personal account of the 23rd December aftershocks in Christchurch and their emotional impact.

Christchurch Faces the Damage Caused by the 23rd December Aftershocks

After a shaky night puntuated with dozens of aftershocks, Christchurch people awoke to face Christmas Eve. Some malls were partly open by 9am while others remained closed for further structural assessments. The atmosphere was subdued in the city as people did last minute shopping and surveyed the damage. Click here for more details of how Christchurch was affected by the 5.8 and 6.0 aftershocks.

Major Aftershocks Rock Christchurch on December 23rd 2011

On a busy afternoon just before Christmas, Christchurch was shaken violently by a 5.8 and a 6.0 earthquake. All the large malls were evacuated and 3 hours later the airport was still closed. Dazed residents were dealing with the trauma and making new plans for Christmas as the city continued to shake with repeated aftershocks. Click here for more news on the aftershocks.