Auckland united in silence

The Mayor is encouraging all Aucklanders to pause and join the rest of the nation in two minutes silence at 12.51pm tomorrow, to show respect for those affected by the Christchurch earthquake.

Len Brown will be attending an ecumenical prayer service at Parnell’s Holy Trinity Cathedral to offer prayers and show support for the people of Christchurch and Canterbury. The Mayor will offer a message of support on behalf of the people of Auckland.

“Our fellow Kiwis have lost family members, friends, homes and livelihoods. As Aucklanders and New Zealanders, we want to send the people of Christchurch a united message of support and love.”

“All comers are welcome to the service, but wherever you are in Auckland at 12.51pm, please stop and remember the tragedy Christchurch is going through. You may want to take a moment in your local church, mosque, temple or synagogue, step outside in a local park, or just be still where you are.”

The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of Auckland Cathedral of the Holy Trinity says the damage to Christchurch Cathedral continues to be a poignant symbol for everyone of the grief and suffering of the people of Christchurch and Canterbury since the earthquake.

“We are also very aware how this has impacted every New Zealand community in some way. Our hearts and prayers go out to them all. Together with the other Anglican cathedrals around Aotearoa New Zealand, we are glad to offer this opportunity for people to gather to offer our prayers together for them. As we keep silence at 12.51 around our land, we remember those who have died and, with hope, commit ourselves to ongoing support for the journey ahead.”

Later in the week, Aucklanders wanting to send messages of support to Christchurch can write them in condolence books which will be distributed to libraries and council service centres around Auckland.

Ends

Editors’ notes:

• The service at Holy Trinity Cathedral starts at 12.30pm and runs until shortly after 1pm. It will conclude with the opportunity for people to light a candle. All Aucklanders, irrespective of faith, are welcome.

• Auckland Council is encouraging its staff around Auckland to stand outside their buildings at 12.51pm and observe the silence. Staff based in the council buildings around Aotea Square are invited to join CEO Doug McKay and senior managers near the flagpoles outside the Aotea Centre (please note that many areas of Aotea Square are currently being set up for the Auckland Festival).

• All advice received by the council strongly recommends that the best way for people to help the Christchurch earthquake relief effort is to donate what they can afford to appeals such as the Red Cross Appeal.

• Auckland Council Civil Defence has deployed the following personnel to Christchurch to date:
o 30 building inspectors
o 34 engineers
o 22 emergency response staff plus support vehicles
o 11 civil defence staff
o 7 Watercare staff plus contractors and equipment including a mobile water chlorination plant.

• Auckland Council has committed an immediate $1.5 million to the relief effort, and has pledged ongoing staff support and expertise during the next 12 months.

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