New Zealand stands in silence

Yesterday New Zealand stood together in silence one week to the minute after the devastating earthquake that hit Christchurch and claimed so many lives. At 12:51pm we observed two minutes of silence to reflect and show our respect for those who lost their lives. Flags were flown at half mast all around the country, and people gathered in public areas to stand together. Red and Black (the colours of Canterbury) balloons were released in Hamilton’s square, and many people chose to wear the colours as well. It is going to be a long slow healing process for the people of Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand. The many numerous aftershocks that relentlessly continue to hit Christchurch will not be helping residence to let go of their fears. Last night a terrifying 4.6 quake struck at 10.42pm and a depth of 5km just 10km west of Lyttelton.

Today the death toll stands at 155 and one week after the quake rescuers are still retrieving bodies from the rubble. The police have said that the final death toll could be as high as 240. Police are today expected to release the names of 12 more identified victims, bringing the total of identified victims to 28 of the 155 confirmed dead. Workers at the Pyne Gould Corporation building paused work this morning for a karakia (a Maori prayer), as some of the workers missed the two minutes of silence yesterday and wanted to pay tribute.

Prime Minister John Key along with his wife and Chch city Mayor Bob Parker

people gathered at wellington civic square

flag flys at half mast

Due to the huge cost of the quake the government is going to delay and possibly axe some large infrastructure projects such as Auckland down town rail loop and the Puhoi “holiday highway” project. Mr English (Finance Minister) also suggested that the government was looking at the partial sale of state-owned power companies to free cash for Christchurch’s recovery. And he is not ruling out changes to working for families or the student loans scheme.

Kia Kaha New Zealand




XO
Meg


We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot.  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt