On February 22nd, 10 years after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand, a memorial service was held in the city, drawing thousands of people.
The memorial service was broadcast around the world and archived on YouTube and other sites.
10th Anniversary Memorial Service
At 12:51 (8:51 a.m. Japan time), when the earthquake occurred, a minute of silence was observed, and first responders (ambulances, police, and firefighters who rush to the scene first in the event of a disaster) and people with ties to the victims from around the world, including Japan, read out the names of the 185 victims. (The names of the Japanese victims are listed at 35:00 in the video.)
The memorial service began with poems read by family members, a message from Queen Elizabeth II read by New Zealand's Governor-General, Dame Patsy Lady, and a message from the then Mayor of Christchurch by the current Mayor of Christchurch. The service concluded with a floral tribute at the cenotaph after a speech from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Prime Minister Ardern
The last decade has been extremely difficult. It may have felt like recovery was impossible. But the next decade will bring hope, energy and optimism. Christchurch will go on to be one of New Zealand's great and brightest cities.
", he said, thinking of the families of the 87 foreigners who were unable to attend.
My condolences also go to the foreign nationals who lost their lives that day.
He said.
Read Prime Minister Ardern's full speech here
This is from Prime Minister Ardern's Instagram.
Ten years ago, a great earthquake hit Canterbury, changing many lives forever. Speaking to families at the memorial today, I realized that this 10th anniversary is especially difficult. Someone said on the radio this morning, "It's not just 10 years, it's 10 years of birthdays, 10 years of Christmases, 10 years of missed time with loved ones." To all who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and those who have endured aftershocks, I hope that you are still feeling the same love and support as you did 10 years ago.
Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
The memorial service was held at the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, which was completed in 2017 across the Avon River that runs through the center of Christchurch. The names of the victims are inscribed on the wall built along the river, making it a memorial wall.
At the memorial service, flowers were laid along the wall and also released into the river.
▶ The Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
28 Japanese were killed
The Canterbury Television building collapsed in the earthquake, killing 28 Japanese people at the language school that was housed there.
Due to New Zealand's entry restrictions on foreigners due to the new coronavirus, the families of the victims were unable to attend the memorial service on site. The memorial service was observed from Japan, and a memorial service was also held at the Toyama Foreign Language School in Toyama City, where 12 students studying abroad were killed.
Last year, Christchurch City acknowledged that it was responsible for issuing building permits for the Canterbury Television building despite structural problems, and Mayor Leanne Dalziel, who has served as Mayor since 2013, two years after the earthquake, visited Japan to formally apologize to the families of the victims.
In his opening remarks at the memorial service, Mayor Dalziel sent a message to the bereaved families in Japan who were unable to come to the site. (From 15:17 in the video)
I especially want to thank all the bereaved families in Japan whom I met last year, because I know you really wanted to be here today. We are forever connected through this tragedy. Even though we are apart, we will never forget you. Your thoughts are with us here.
This is Mayor Dalziel's tweet from that day.
Te tiro whakamuri kia haere whakamua.
— Lianne Dalziel (@LianneDalziel) February 22, 2021
This whakatauki invites us to walk towards the future with our eyes on the past. For me this reminds us of the importance of learning the lessons of that day so the world we live in is a safer and better place. pic.twitter.com/wQr3o3NC1P
Look back to move forward. This quote reminds us to look forward to the future, not to look back. It reminds me of the importance of learning from those days to make the world a safer and better place.
Article author
- She loves New Zealand, where she spent her high school and university years, and calls it her hometown. She buys 100% New Zealand wine, and always keeps SILENI Sauvignon Blanc on hand. She loves Marmite. More than half of her past boyfriends have been Kiwis.
- Director of Deck Corporation
