A message from Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon in acknowledgement of the first anniversary of the 22 February earthquake next week:

Ka taka te wa, ka huri te tau. Ka hoki nga maharatanga ki nga pehitanga o te wa, te mamae, te pouri, te ohorere, te papatoiake. Ka tangi tonu nei te manawa. Heoi ano ia kua kite atu i roto i te tau nei, ko te nui o tenei mea te aroha o tetahi ki tetahi. Me te mohio raia ma tera aroha, ka ora ano tatou, ka mahuta ano te pane i te pae. Otautahi, Waitaha kia waka kotuia te rite, he ra ano kei tua.

Time moves on, and a year has passed. And our thoughts return to those trials of the time, the hurt, the sadness, the shock, the challenges. Our hearts still lament. But as we have seen there is plenty of love and respect for others. And it is through this love that we will rise again. Christchurch, Canterbury, remember the strength there is in unity and together we will meet the new day.

It is at this time of reflection that our thoughts are first and foremost with those who lost loved ones in the February 22 earthquake, a year ago. I hope the commemorative events will help to provide some solace knowing that so many of us will be there to help support you during this difficult time. We will continue to share your grief and want to help where we can. He waka kotuia kahore e tukutukua nga mimira - a canoe that is interlaced will not become separated at the bow.

This anniversary is also a time to stop and look back together. Life has changed forever for all of us. We are learning to live with this reality. Some memories will be starting to fade. But let’s keep reminding ourselves of how well we worked together in those first hours, days, weeks and months. Let’s continue to strengthen our bonds.

Before there was adversity, it was all too easy for trivial things to get in the way of good communication and good friendship. But for us this is no longer the case. We have been given a remarkable opportunity. Each day offers new hope and strength as we start to rebuild our city and communities. I have no doubt that we will get there, that we will enhance our community and provide wellbeing for ourselves and the generations to follow.

Mark Solomon.

ENDS

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