Christchurch earthquake efforts
This week I’ve been visiting Christchurch again, my third trip since the earthquake as Minister of Internal Affairs.
Since this devastating event I’ve been supporting fire fighters and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams who have done a fantastic job of rescuing people, and who are now into the recovery phase.
This week I accompanied the Governor-General and Lady Susan on visits around Christchurch. A real eye-opener was the Disaster Victim Identification Unit where international personnel are helping kiwi teams identify those who lost their lives in this terrible earthquake. It was a very moving experience.
The Prime Minister has announced Friday 18 March as the memorial day. This will be an opportunity for us to mourn those who lost their lives and try and move forward as a country. However there will still be much to do in Christchurch for sometime to come.
While I was down there I dropped off a bit of home baking to friends of ours. They are camping in their home with no electricity, and have to walk a block to the nearest port-a-loo.
They specifically asked for headlamp torches to help navigate night-time visits to the loo. Apparently they are all sold out in Christchurch.
As a community we are doing our bit to support Christchurch people which I'm very proud of. There's a heap of fundraising events are happening locally and you can find the details of most in the pages of this newspaper.
17 year old Bradley Garner has organised concerts this week at Kapiti and Paraparaumu Colleges, and Kenakena School pupils fundraised $645 last week for Waimairi School in Christchurch.
A “Golf for Canterbury” fundraiser is being held in Levin and Foxton on the 18th of March, and Otaki Rotary are hosting a Rock and Roll Revival Night on the following evening.
Horowhenua schools are organising a “Candles for Canterbury” concert on the 19th of March, with locals encouraged to wear red and black.
Those who purchased a Lotto ticket last week will be pleased to know that $8.2 million will be going to support Christchurch.
Thank you to everyone who has contacted my office with offers of help, and remember that you can donate online at www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz.