Monday 20 February 2012

22 February 2012 commemorative events

A year on from the earthquake of 22 February 2011 is a time for Christchurch to remember those lost and to look forward to the future with hope.

The public commemorative events on Wednesday 22 February 2012 are:

Service to mark the 1st anniversary of the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake
8am-8.45am, Latimer Square

This service is focused towards the families of those lost and first responders. The public are welcome to attend. Members of the public can view the service on a large screen.

Civic Memorial Service
12 noon-1.30pm, North Hagley Park

This is a public event for the whole community. The service include musical accompaniment from Christchurch school children, the reading of the names of the 185 lost and an observance of two minutes' silence at 12.51pm

Christchurch Earthquake Awards
2pm-4pm, North Hagley Park

This is a public event for the whole community where we recognise our earthquake heroes.

Mayor Bob Parker is pleased that there is a strong community focus to the commemorative events and hopes many Christchurch residents will come together on Wednesday 22 February.

"We experienced tremendous loss in 2011 and while it is important to remember those lost, we also need to look ahead to the future as a community. The public commemorative events will provide us with the opportunity to collectively reflect on the events of the past year" he says.

The Civic Memorial Service is the main public commemorative event and many Christchurch residents are expected to attend. To make travel around the city as easy as possible, the Council suggests residents take a bus, bike or walk to Hagley Park. There will be limited parking areas as well as taxi and drop-off places. For information about the bus timetable and route information visit www.metroinfo.co.nz

St Johns first aid will be in attendance and toilets will be on site. Residents are asked to bring their own food, drinking water and a rug to sit on Alcohol is strictly prohibited at the event and there will be security on site to ensure public safety.

The Civic Memorial Service will go ahead rain or shine. Residents are asked to check the weather reports in the morning and bring warm clothing and wet weather gear if needed.

For further information on the public events and community events throughout the city visit www.ccc.govt.nz
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