5th Anniversary Commemoration for the CHCH Earthquake
February 22nd to many people may be a normal day, but it was on this day 5 years ago at 12.52pm, in a place located at a distant corner of the Southern Hemisphere, on the small island nation of New Zealand, that a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch, causing 185 people of different nationalities to have perished. That moment wrecked untold damage to the city's infrastructure, the homes of many people, and brought uncertainty into the country's economy, Also with the countless number of aftershocks, people were led into fear, desperation, and post traumatic stresses, and it was no surprise that a significant portion had moved away from the city's danger zones that year. Half a decade later, after what seemed like years of rebuilding of the city's community and infrastructure, planning for a resilient future while counseling the fears of the past, Christchurch on this February 22nd, with efforts from the new mayor and many fellow Christchurch members, have struck out once more. The once dead city is flourishing once again, with performances from international players, giving what they've got to motivate and encourage Christchurch back into the vibrancy it once had.
The formal commemorations for the 5th Christchurch earthquake anniversary took place at Christchurch's Hagley Park, with guests such as the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Mateparae, Prime Minister Hon. John Key, Labour Party leader Andrew Little, Christchurch mayor Hon. Lianne Dalzie, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura Representative Sir Mark Solomon, other distinguished Members of Parliament, Christchurch City councilors, and members of the public. This will be the last time that Christchurch City Council will hold an official commemoration for the anniversary of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand was represented by BLIA Vice President Louisa Kuo, Directors Tracy Chen and Jason Liu, and two other BLIA members.
The Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae started his speech by referring to the February 14th earthquake which happened about a week prior this 2016, that may have reminded many of the scars since the fateful day five years ago. But this time was different. This time, the public is better prepared, and more adept at handling another major seismic event, which is something to be commended on. He passed on the condolences from Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth to the Christchurch people during this civic memorial service. Sir Jerry continued by saying how after five years, Christchurch is on the right way to a better future with many of the buildings reconstruction work scheduled to be finished soon. He commented that: “Each time I come to Christchurch I have been able to witness some of the change and I look forward to seeing what is yet to come." Sir Jerry would also like to take this opportunity to thank the countless number of medical staff, fire brigade officers, police officers and emergency personnel, for their commitment to the city after the earthquake, providing their services, protection and help to the numerous people affected by the earthquake.
Christchurch Mayor Hon. Lianne Dalzie said that this will be the last time the public ceremony will be led by the mayor of the city. From next year onwards, this special responsibility will be handed over to the earthquake family's trust, which marks an important milestone in restoring local community leadership. On that day, the World Peace Bell in Christchurch was sounded. The Christchurch bell is modeled after the original United Nations Peace Bell (gifted by a Nagasaki City), and is cast from the coins of the nations that make up the United Nations, and whose sounding symbolizes the remembrance of all the nationalities who experienced loss in the city five years ago. That day is a day when we shall remember the existence of that earthquake long past, respect all who make Christchurch their home, acknowledge what was lost, and yet also claiming our future.
Next up, Christchurch singer Jasmine Webster took the stage; performing for the audience a piece by Celine Dion called “My Heart Will Go On”, followed then by a reading by young members of the Christchurch Interfaith Society entitled “Act of Remembrance”. BLIA South Island New Zealand director Jason Liu gave a short prayer also that day.
Near the end of the memorial service, at 12.52pm, a minute of silence was observed, followed by laying of wreaths as an offering in deep remembrance of the earthquake victims. After five strikes of the Peace Bell, Christchurch once again, welcomes a bright future full of hope. FGS and BLIA South Island New Zealand, are along together with the Christchurch people in paving the way forward, serving a helping hand to make this beautiful garden city lively again.