Hello everyone This week sees the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake which struck

Christchurch on 22 February 2011. For some, it is hard to believe it has already been

two years, for others it has seemed a lifetime. Every story, every memory is different

but one reality we have all had to face … Christchurch will never be the same. The past two years have been incredibly challenging for Christchurch and Canterbury

residents. As we remember those whose lives were tragically lost that day, many are

still struggling with the grief. Many are having to face the loss and abandonment of

loved family homes and businesses. Christchurch is my home. I was born here, grew up here, and have lived and worked in

the centre city all my adult life. Like tens of thousands of others, I have witnessed

buildings carrying cherished memories simply

reduced to rubble. Over 500 buildings have

been demolished in central Christchurch alone

and with those disappear iconic landmarks and

a significant part of Christchurch’s treasured

history. Arts Centre clock tower set for reconstruction

Extensive damage to roads, water and

wastewater networks, bridges and power supply

networks has meant billions of dollars have

needed to be allocated to infrastructure repairs

and upgrades. Medway Street bridge

While we may face frustrations over the inconvenience imposed by such a massive

repair and rebuild process, it is timely to remind ourselves that the February 2011

earthquake was this country’s biggest ever natural disaster and the biggest economic

event in New Zealand history.

And in response to this, I am proud of the resolute commitment the National-led

government has demonstrated to Christchurch. We have included the city’s rebuild as

one of our four key priorities this term and to this end, earmarked $5.5 billion of

government funding for Christchurch and Canterbury.

Arts Centre repair and reconstruction Victoria St Construction projects now abound and huge numbers of skilled tradespeople,

consultants, engineers, construction contractors and others are arriving in the city for

the rebuild. Billions of dollars of private and insurance capital are pouring in and there is

a new buzz in the city.

EPIC Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Campus Carlton Butchery Victoria St Signs of redevelopment are everywhere and the Canterbury economy is booming –

growing at more than twice the rate of the rest of the country in the past year. I was

fascinated listening to last week’s speech by Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister

Gerry Brownlee inside the CBD cordon outlining just how much has been achieved by

Cantabrians. You can read Minister Brownlee’s speech here So while we are accepting that Christchurch will never be the same and we have lost so

much, we are also embracing a new Christchurch … one with a vision to become one of

the best modern cities of the world. And yet amidst such intense activity, it is important we still take time out to stop,

reflect, and remember. This Friday’s second anniversary is being commemorated in

many ways around the city.

Civic Memorial Service

There will be a Civic Memorial

Service for the community of

Christchurch on Friday 22 February

2013 in Latimer Square at noon.

This is a public event. The Service,

co-hosted by the ChristChurch

Anglican Cathedral, will include one

minute's silence at 12.51 pm. The service is for the full Christchurch community and is a public event. Please Note: Seating will not be provided at this event. If you wish to sit, please bring

your own. Order of Service here

Festival of Flowers Commemorative event Venue: Christchurch Botanic Gardens Date: 22 Feb Time 12:30 - 1:30 pm A commemorative ceremony will be held

on the Archery Lawn as well as a wishing

tree and waiata. Further details here

In addition will be the River of

Flowers, Te Waitohi Maumahara and

offerings of flowers into the Avon River. More details here Let us take time to remember,

Nicky Wagner MP for Christchurch Central

Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160 DDI: +64 4 817 6633 Fax: +64 4 473 0469 email: nicky.wagner@parliament.govt.nz www.nickywagner.co.nz

222 Bealey Ave Christchurch DDI: +64 3 365 8297 Fax: +64 3 365 8292 email: chchoffice@nickywagner.co.nz

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