Earthquake groupie

During the past few weeks after the earthquake, I have 'bumped' into a few celebrities, sportsmen and even a prince.
At the school I teach at we had Rico and Hosea Gear come along and give a community BBQ, also the guy who used to play Kingi on Shortland Street was there too. Dr Pita Sharples (co-leader of the Maori Party)also came along, although it seemed like he was just in for a photo opportunity.

On Friday 18th February, Canterbury residents had a public holiday for the National Memorial Service at Hagley Park. Prince William came along, and I managed to see him in Sumner in the morning when he did a street meet and greet, while checking out the damage in the suburb.

That's Prince William in the background - Greta not too fussed with royalty!

Then the next morning, Robyn Malcolm (aka Cheryl West from the TV series Outrageous Fortune) came along to our school to meet with our principal (they went to school together) as the school her boys attend want to help our school by doing some fundraising etc. As I am a big fan of the show, I came along and chatted with her, and got the token photo with her!

Again, Greta not looking too impressed.  Robyn was awesome to chat with!

 

 

Who know's who I might 'bump' into in the next few days, weeks, years because of our EQ.

New Brighton Beach - 19 March 2011

Beautiful New Brighton Beach and Pier.
Normally a lot of people around but the Pier is currently closed and the beach and sea are contaminated with sewerage. They are currently building a desalination plant in the main carpark - see pictures below.

New Brighton - you will shine again!

Amazing Video - Christchurch CBD after the 22 Feb EQ

Christchurch - after the quake


Watch the video above - thats all I want to say.

My video for the day

This is not a video I created, but have been sent the link via Facebook and wanted to share it. Christchurch before and after the quake... will be interesting to see what happens to some of these sites in the future when things start to be rebuilt.

Christchurch before and after quake video

The Iconic Christ Church Cathedral

This picture was taken on 28th September 2010 in Cathedral Square

In the centre of Christchurch city stands the Christ Church Cathedral. It is situated in Cathedral Square, which is in the middle of our CBD.

In the earthquake on February 22nd 2011, it was damaged severely. The spire completely caved in. People were inside the cathedral when it was damaged, but luckily, everyone escaped. Initially it was thought that up to 20 people were inside the spire when it collapsed, but luckily the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) found no one inside. In the picture below, you can see the damage to Christchurch's daily newspaper offices of The Press.

ChristChurch  Cathedral following Feb 22nd earthquake

Cathedral before the EQ

Otautahi - Christchurch

3 weeks ago, my beautiful hometown, Christchurch had a deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake. This follows an even bigger 7.1 magnitude earthquake which struck west of the city 6 months ago. In the first earthquake, as it was centered further away from Christchurch, only a few buildings in Christchurch were severley damaged, and there were no casualties. However, in the recent earthquake, the epicentre was near Lyttelton, on the Port Hills which overlook Christchurch.
The earthquake struck in the middle of the day, lunchtime for most, at 12.51pm. In the CBD, two mulit-story buildings were completly flattened, and a large number of historical hertitage buildings suffered partial collapse.
There were many deaths from the earthquake, and as of today, the official number of casualties estimated at over 180 people throughout the city.

Christchurch will never be the same to look at again, but we as residents of Christchurch are staying strong and will rebuild an even better city for the future.

In my blog I will post pictures and articles about why Christchurch was, and still will be, a beautiful city.

Please enjoy the journey Christchurch, Otautahi has in the next few years.