NEW ZEALAND, CHRISTCHURCH, EARTHQUAKE, THE WALLS DID COME TUMBLING DOWN

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March 2013

Christchurch, New Zealand

On February 22, 2011, Christchurch had a game changer. What was called the most British city outside of Great Britain was dealt a seismic blow and suffered, as evident below. I couldn't write enough to capture Kate and mine mood as we did a somber walk around the fenced off perimeter of downtown. It very unfortunately seemed, from what we had seen of the area, unluckily, ground zero. For a city very dependent on tourism, devastating in more ways than one.

Still after two years, the whole of downtown is virtually fenced off.  Feeling very vacant.

We couldn't have taken enough photos to show the devastation. Endless multiple story buildings that appeared somewhat unscathed remain standing but sadly boarded up. A sad and more so, erie sight.

Will anyone come back to work on a 15th floor? Feel comfortable falling asleep in a high rise? Getting a room on your holidays in the Sheraton knowing whats above or below you? Park your vehicle in a multi tiered mass of concrete car park.

Most anything seems to have been done to preserve any facade still standing. Who knows what they will do with the rest.

On top of the casualties, upwards of seven thousand people were treated for various degrees of personal injury.

The fact that two years have past and the place looks void of any significant re-building has one wonder of this city's future. Could the HUGE additional cost of building to modern earthquake standards be a factor? 
Note the stack of shipping containers used as a secure for bracing. Used throughout the destruction.

An unfortunate exodus of many businesses and population leaves this city with an rather uncertain future. Auckland's sunny climes is also a contributing factor to locals leaving the rainy and voliatle south.

The lack of any current work being done on one of Christchurch's most notable attractions is evident by the untouched and random growth of weeds. Apparently the plans for reconstruction is mired in litigation between various interest groups and insurance companies. 
Can our higher power help us all. 

I feel sad for having visited for not the right reason.