Monday, 9 February, 2015

Civic service for earthquake commemorations

A civic memorial service recognising the fourth anniversary of the 22 February 2011 Canterbury earthquake will start at midday on Sunday 22 February at the Botanic Gardens Archery Lawn.

The service will include a minute's silence at the time of the earthquake - 12.51pm.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel says this is a community event and everyone is invited to attend.

"This is an opportunity to quietly reflect and remember what happened that day," Lianne Dalziel says.

Families of people who died in the earthquake, people who were seriously injured and members of the emergency services will attend the commemoration.

"We have respect for one another at this time as everyone has a different memory and experience of22 February. Even though time has passed, we still feel the pain of loss.

"The earthquake is indelibly etched on the minds of us all but we look to the future with a sense of hope and anticipation," Lianne Dalziel says.

The service will include a mihi whakatau, various addresses, an act of remembrance by youth representatives of different faiths, wreath laying, and reading of the names of those who perished in the earthquake.

After the service people may cast flowers into the Avon River near the Peace Bell at the Botanic Gardens as part of the River of Flowers event.

Further details can be found on the Council's website: www.ccc.govt.nz/22feb

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