Wednesday 20th February 2019 - Christchurch

A leisurely start to the day! And now moving on to the next bit of our tour. We decided that we did not want to rush around to try and fit everything in, which was probably impossible anyway, but to have a relaxed day seeing what we could.

You cannot fail to see the impact of the major earthquake that hit this city in 2011. There is so much development going on, there are large gaps between standing buildings, and there are buildings that are still standing but are empty and unsafe. We decided that we needed to understand more about what happened and the impact so our first stop was the Quake City exhibition. We were able to get some background. There was the first earthquake on 4th September 2010, which although was a big one, was deeper underground so less damage. Then 22nd February which was shallow, so caused more damage and buildings that had suffered a little damage a few months earlier were less able to cope with this one, and it was in the middle of the day so many more people on the streets and in tall buildings. 185 people died and many thousands were injured. Following on from this there were also 2 major aftershocks in the June and December of that year.

There was video footage of the moment the quake struck which showed the fear and horror of the event, then a film where people who were affected in some way told their story. We listened to a few and it was very emotional. The film also lasted over an hour so we felt we couldn’t see it all. There was lots of information about the geology of it all, and much about all the issues it created on a practical level. There was a humorous moment for anyone visiting the toilet there –

lots of pictures of the toilets people had to dig for themselves because of the fracturing of the pipes in the sewage system. All I can say is people are very imaginative and it shows something of the fortitude and sense of humour they had to survive what must have been really difficult conditions. No sewage, no clean water, for some people not being able to get into their homes. And no knowing how long it would be before there was some sense of normality again. Many people left Christchurch in the aftermath of the quake and there was a sense still that this is a very quiet place. Yet everywhere there are signs of hope. It made the odd bits of discomfort we thought we had put up with over the last 2 weeks seem very insignificant.

We took a wander around the botanical gardens after this. Somewhere calm and peaceful to reflect, and then we went onto the national memorial which is by the river. All those who died are named and it was very poignant to look at some of the tributes. Then onto the Bridge of Remebrance to those who have died in various conflicts.

There is the large arch but it is situated on a bridge over the river. We liked the messages this seemed to convey. Then onto the cardboard cathedral, or the transitional cathedral as it is more correctly known. However, much of the structure is made out of cardboard! It is a very simple building but warm and welcoming.

I can’t upload photos again, so Geoff will put some of the damaged cathedral and the transitional cathedral on the photo gallery when he can!

Following all this, we felt we needed to take stock, so headed back to the hotel and sat in Cathedral Square watching the world go by.

In the evening we met up with Bill and Shabeena for a meal, and once again had a fabulous time in the company of some very special people. We will miss them, their humour, and the things we have in common.