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'This is the place to reflect as a nation': Christchurch earthquake memorial wall unveiled

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Wed, 22 Feb 2017, 3:19PM
New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English at the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial today (Photo / Christchurch Earthquake National Memorial / Facebook)

'This is the place to reflect as a nation': Christchurch earthquake memorial wall unveiled

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Wed, 22 Feb 2017, 3:19PM

It was a sombre day in Christchurch with a ceremony held on the sixth anniversary of the February 2011 earthquake.

A new memorial wall was unveiled, with the names of the 185 people who died that day etched on it.

LISTEN ABOVE: Newstalk ZB's Christchurch reporter Sam Olley speaks with Kerre McIvor and Mark Dye

Prime Minister Bill English welcomed families who travelled from overseas for today's ceremony.

"To the families here from around the world, we know your heartbreak. This place is yours as much it is ours."

English said the Christchurch earthquake memorial, unveiled on the sixth anniversary of the February quake, is a fantastic concept and thanked all those involved in its creation. 

"I was struck by walking along the wall today that it reminds you again of the scale of loss of life and injury and suffering which we tend to forget as we've got on with the rebuilding of Christchurch.

"A real strong statement about the memory of the lost lives, which in a way is just another step in the rebuilding and renewal of Christchurch."

Mr English thanked all those involved, including the Minister responsible for Christchurch Regeneration, Gerry Brownlee, and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

SEE ALSO: Six years on: Christchurch moving forward

Ms Dalziel said the wall etched with the 185 names of those who died is a place to honour not just them, but also those who supported the city after the devastation.

"This is the place where we can come to reflect as individuals, as families, as communities, as a city, as a region, as a nation."

She said the wall is gift to all those affected by the quakes; those who lost jobs, homes, and particularly those who lost friends or family.

"All who grieved for a loved one who died on the 22nd of February 2011 - this place is for you."

SEE ALSO: Rachel Smalley: Christchurch 'a beautiful, modern' city

New Zealand's Governor General Patsy Reddy came with a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"We dedicate this space as a living testament to the courage and kindness of all people who whose to help another," she said."

The 185 names have been read out and a minute's silence taken to remember the lives taken too soon.

 

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