NZ stands with Christchurch in its recovery: PM
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged the entire country's continuing support for Christchurch's recovery and regeneration last week at the civic remembrance service, which was held to mark the seventh anniversary of the February 22, 2011, earthquake.
“The promise I want to make today is that the whole country is still just as behind the people of Canterbury today as they were with you on that tragic day seven years ago. We will continue to stand alongside you as you rebuild a city that captures the spirit that has flourished over the last seven years. As you move forward with your recovery, we will stand alongside you,’’ the PM said while addressing a-1000-strong gathering in front of the National Earthquake Memorial in the Garden City.
During the service, the names of the 185 people who lost their lives in the earthquake were read out and then at 12.51 – the time the quake struck seven years ago – the memorial site fell quiet as a minute's silence was observed. At the end of the service, the Prime Minister joined the Mayor, family members and survivors in laying wreaths and flowers at the base of the memorial wall. The service was organised by Christchurch City Council and hosted in partnership with the Quake Families Trust.
The city's Mayor Lianne Dalziel in her remarks noted, “February 22, 2011, 12.51pm as one of those moments etched in our collective memories’’.
Quake Families Trust Chairman Tim Elms added that the event was about “remembering all that we lost and about being grateful for all we have gained”.
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More mental health support for children in Canterbury: PM announces During her visit, the Prime Minister also announced the first stage of the Government’s plan to deliver dedicated mental health support to primary and intermediate schools in the region. The first schools to benefit will be in east Christchurch and Hornby, where 13 schools will share six dedicated staff, including community workers and health professionals.
“This is the first step in a $28 million programme that will be rolled out rapidly over the next three years. Ultimately it will result in a mental health worker for approximately every 500 primary and intermediate age school children in Canterbury. Every primary school aged child in Canterbury will have access to a mental health worker,” she said. Explaining the reasons for this rollout, Ms Ardern noted, “We all want our kids to have a happy and carefree childhood, but sadly for too many that’s not the reality in Canterbury. Since 2011, there has been a 93 per cent increase in demand for mental health services for children and young people in quake affected areas. We want to wrap more care and support around these children at an early age.” |
Other events to mark the day
Former CTV site opens for public
The former site of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building, where 115 people lost their lives as the building collapsed in the earthquake of February 22, 2011, was also open to public after a private blessing. The ceremony was attended by the bereaved families, whose feedback played an important part in design and landscaping the site. Their wishes have been carefully incorporated into the design. Led by the city's new Crown company - Otakaro Ltd, which began the landscaping work in October last year, the site of devastation has been transformed into a peaceful place to sit and reflect.
River of Flowers
Five sites along the Avon River hosted River of Flowers events on February 22, where members of the public were invited to bring a flower to drop in the river, as well as write notes of hope and post them on a tree of hope at the designated sites.
Earthquake and Butterflies
The day ended with the opening of a play – Earthquakes and Butterflies – performed in the Transitional Cathedral. Directed by Ms Helen Moran, the professional theatre “narrated the life stories of a cluster of people whose lives criss-cross like the fault lines under the city. Based on the novel by Ms Kathleen Gallagher, Earthquakes and Butterflies is full of hope, humour and tenderness – strangers help unasked, generosity is freely given and shelter is for sharing”, explained the organisers.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged the entire country's continuing support for Christchurch's recovery and regeneration last week at the civic remembrance service, which was held to mark the seventh anniversary of the February 22, 2011, earthquake.
“The promise I want to make today is that the...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged the entire country's continuing support for Christchurch's recovery and regeneration last week at the civic remembrance service, which was held to mark the seventh anniversary of the February 22, 2011, earthquake.
“The promise I want to make today is that the whole country is still just as behind the people of Canterbury today as they were with you on that tragic day seven years ago. We will continue to stand alongside you as you rebuild a city that captures the spirit that has flourished over the last seven years. As you move forward with your recovery, we will stand alongside you,’’ the PM said while addressing a-1000-strong gathering in front of the National Earthquake Memorial in the Garden City.
During the service, the names of the 185 people who lost their lives in the earthquake were read out and then at 12.51 – the time the quake struck seven years ago – the memorial site fell quiet as a minute's silence was observed. At the end of the service, the Prime Minister joined the Mayor, family members and survivors in laying wreaths and flowers at the base of the memorial wall. The service was organised by Christchurch City Council and hosted in partnership with the Quake Families Trust.
The city's Mayor Lianne Dalziel in her remarks noted, “February 22, 2011, 12.51pm as one of those moments etched in our collective memories’’.
Quake Families Trust Chairman Tim Elms added that the event was about “remembering all that we lost and about being grateful for all we have gained”.
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More mental health support for children in Canterbury: PM announces During her visit, the Prime Minister also announced the first stage of the Government’s plan to deliver dedicated mental health support to primary and intermediate schools in the region. The first schools to benefit will be in east Christchurch and Hornby, where 13 schools will share six dedicated staff, including community workers and health professionals.
“This is the first step in a $28 million programme that will be rolled out rapidly over the next three years. Ultimately it will result in a mental health worker for approximately every 500 primary and intermediate age school children in Canterbury. Every primary school aged child in Canterbury will have access to a mental health worker,” she said. Explaining the reasons for this rollout, Ms Ardern noted, “We all want our kids to have a happy and carefree childhood, but sadly for too many that’s not the reality in Canterbury. Since 2011, there has been a 93 per cent increase in demand for mental health services for children and young people in quake affected areas. We want to wrap more care and support around these children at an early age.” |
Other events to mark the day
Former CTV site opens for public
The former site of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building, where 115 people lost their lives as the building collapsed in the earthquake of February 22, 2011, was also open to public after a private blessing. The ceremony was attended by the bereaved families, whose feedback played an important part in design and landscaping the site. Their wishes have been carefully incorporated into the design. Led by the city's new Crown company - Otakaro Ltd, which began the landscaping work in October last year, the site of devastation has been transformed into a peaceful place to sit and reflect.
River of Flowers
Five sites along the Avon River hosted River of Flowers events on February 22, where members of the public were invited to bring a flower to drop in the river, as well as write notes of hope and post them on a tree of hope at the designated sites.
Earthquake and Butterflies
The day ended with the opening of a play – Earthquakes and Butterflies – performed in the Transitional Cathedral. Directed by Ms Helen Moran, the professional theatre “narrated the life stories of a cluster of people whose lives criss-cross like the fault lines under the city. Based on the novel by Ms Kathleen Gallagher, Earthquakes and Butterflies is full of hope, humour and tenderness – strangers help unasked, generosity is freely given and shelter is for sharing”, explained the organisers.
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