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.