Christchurch Earthquake – thoughts from an Aucklander
Its really hard to think, as I write this blog on Wednesday the 23rd Feburary at 12:36 pm, the most destructive earthquake in New Zealand in 70years happened little under 24-hours ago in our second biggest city and ‘South Island Capital’ as you would call it, Christchurch. Since the event hit the press, it has gone global and having family members who have been affected by this my appreciation for all who have sent messages of support is massive. To add to that, all must applaud the work being done by Mayor Bob Parker, Civil Defence Minister John Carter and the many servicemen and volunteers who are working as hard as they can to minimize the damage.
My story of whats going on so far: My first concerns upon hearing the news naturally was that of my family, most notably my two sisters. Hearing the news about the quake through the grapevine, the seriousness of the situation was comfirmed to me by checking the NZ Herald website where soon after I was in a frantic huff to get in contact with my two sisters.
Amazingly I managed to get hold of my eldest sister by Facebook, who quickly confirmed that herself and my nieces and nephews were fine, just a little shaken up. As communication technology in Christchurch was struggling with the overflow of people trying to make contact with loved one’s, we both sent texts through to her husband who worked in the city and within 20 minutes we got contact later to hear that he was okay. Soon after that a text message from the father of my youngest sister gave me a massive relief to hear that she was fine.
Talking to my youngest sister later that night, she was extremely scared and as her suburb of New Brighton is just north of Lyttelton there is a lot of damage and her house is currently without power and does have (minimal) damage. Right now there are so many people in my situation who just want to hear that their loved ones are okay, so far I have been very lucky, but it is very stressful as with most of Christchurch being without power and phonelines jammed, getting through to people is tough. Patience is essential, but understandably time and panic will cause a lot of stress so the only thing I could say is if you know anyone affected or still waiting to hear from loved one’s is be supportive. I believe John Key couldn’t have said it better that ‘this could be New Zealand’s darkest day’
Hope for the future: Christchurch is the one place in New Zealand where the strong community strength will be enough to pull them out of this dark day to build to bigger and better things. Christchurch leads the way in many values that we place dear as New Zealanders, such as ‘helping ya mate out’ and ‘all chipping in together as more hands make less work’ and with the help of several other provinces and countries, I believe there is enough ability to build on with this. Obviously, Funds will be an issue for many. Everyone I have talked to in Christchurch since the earthquake has talked about broken windows, cracks in walls and destroyed driveways. This is minimal compared to the many businesses that will have to call it quits, taking many jobs with it. On top of that, many parts of Christchurch have just turned to mud which will weaken the structure, vertical and horizontal shape of many buildings and that will condemn the homes of many elderly and solo parents on beneficiaries.
Any bit of help which you can give to support (money is preferable, but even blankets, clothes, food, services or even an ear to listen to those who lives have been turned upside down) check out give a little, the New Zealand Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal website currently isn’t asking for donations or volunteers but if you want to help keep an eye on their page. Also, if you have a loved one who is travelling New Zealand and you haven’t heard from them or been trying unsuccessfully to get in contact, leave a post on the Nomads Hostels facebook page or Nomads Hostels website- we have hostels in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown and may be able to locate your loved one having a sleep- in in one of our dorms.
Just a little thought: Okay, throwing this out there, hows about changing the venue of the world cup final from Eden Park, Auckland to AMI Stadium, Christchurch? I know many are going to have a whinge and a cry about this, but surely, if the NZRFU, Air New Zealand and many ticket holders could arrange a deal which will bring New Zealand’s biggest rugby match of the decade to the city which hold’s this sport so dear? C’mon, they need some good news for a change. To add to that, the extra revenue would be greatly appreciated in a year when it is going to need it most.
For my final thoughts, think about the following quotes- I’m Menz from the Nomads Fat Camel Hostel and Bar in Auckland Central, and our thoughts are with you Christchurch….
“Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand”
“It is the surmounting of difficulties that make heroes”
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Sarah Balsko | by laubarnes via Flickr
