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.