An exceedingly large 'Gerry' Brownlee, the Minister for Earthquake Recovery, rises from a chair, holding a briefcase labeled 'CERA' and calling for 'Bob' Parker, the mayor of Christchurch. The thin Parker was flattened against Brownlee's enormous rear, when Brownlee sat on the chair. Brownlee and Parker had a strained relationship, with the government taking an increasing amount of control in local decision making. After ongoing assurances by Parker that Christchurch City Council would meet all of International Accreditation New Zealand's requirements on issuing building consents, Brownlee announced in June 2013 without Parker's prior knowledge that the authority had withdrawn its accreditation. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A small house is shown on an enormous foundation block labelled 'Rate$'. The cartoonist's comment is 'Like for like for the house...Total dislike for the foundation!' In Christchurch there were prospects of large rises in householders' rate to help finance the Christchurch Rebuild project. In view of the damage to housing, rate increases may be badly disproportionate. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A man struggles to hold upright a rigid and obstinate man who is shaking like an earthquake. The man pushing says 'That's NOT what we meant by quake strengthening Aaron!' Context: Aaron Gilmore is a councillor, a new councillor, and has been bucking the trend when it comes to voting for the CEO Tony Marryatt who is tied up with CERA, the canterbury earthquake authority, by publicly making his personal views known to the public on radio etc before the voting has been cast. Councillors are meant to present an unbiased facade when it comes to voting. Gilmore was talking to the media and in obvious support of Marryatt....the result being that there was pressure on Gilmore to abstain from voting and stand down from the process. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Shows three new houses sinking into liquefaction after another series of strong aftershocks in early January. A sign reads 'Parklands' and an observer confidently asserts that it is safe to rebuild. Context: the suburb of Parklands in north east Christchurch has been badly damaged by liquifaction. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a man, a woman and a dog all yelling with fright. Refers to the series of severe aftershocks that again rocked Christchurch on January 2nd. The largest was a magnitude-5.5 shake shortly before 6am. All were centred at sea off New Brighton. Mayor Bob Parker said that fear that larger quakes could be triggered had been raised by residents, but the tsunami threat was "highly unlikely". Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The scene shows a tract of land with a jagged crack running through it. An arm representing the 'Council' reaches out of the crack and points a finger. Someone from the 'Tibetan Community' whose head cannot be seen says 'Surely you can lift finger higher than that?' Context: The Dalai Lama visited Christchurch after the earthquakes but The Dalai Lama's New Zealand representative is accusing the Christchurch City Council of snubbing the spiritual leader during his visit, suggesting ties with China are to blame. In a letter to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, New Zealand Tibetan community representative Thuten Kesang said he was disappointed the council "did not lift a finger to help" the Dalai Lama during his visit to the earthquake-hit city in June. Christchurch has a sister-city relationship with the Chinese Gansu Province and Wuhan City. Kesang said he believed this relationship made the council reluctant to engage with the exiled Tibetan leader. (Press - 10 August 2011) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A crowd of Christchurch rugby fans wearing the red and black colours, gather to wish the Crusaders well as they leave for Australia. Someone shouts 'Red and black... It's one zone we ALL belong in!' Context - The Reds (Queensland) and Crusaders (Christchurch) played on the 11th July in the Final of the Investec Super Rugby competition at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The Crusaders were narrowly beaten 18-13. The comment referring to 'one zone' relates to the dividing Christchurch, after the earthquakes, into zones labelled with different colours that indicates whether buildings have to be removed, or can be repaired or whether a decision has yet to be made or they are ok. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows the 'CCC Office' (Christchurch City Council) as a small ramshackle wooden building in a desert; bits of animal skeleton lie around and there are saguaro cactus and tumbleweed. A cowboy has arrived and asks 'So... Can I speak to the Deputy, Deputy, Deputy, Assistant Sheriff?' Context - A reference to layers of officialdom in Christchurch as the city struggles to rebuild itself as well as many councillors being away on holiday while the quake problems continue. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text reads 'New Chch subdivision?...' The cartoon shows a very snowy scene with several igloos; The subdivision is called 'Igloo Park' and the sign says 'Polar packages available'. Context: Christchurch, after being battered by the February 22 earthquake, the June 13 aftershock and last month's snowstorm have had another week of snow. The cartoon suggests that new subdivisions, necessary because of the earthquakes, could be filled with igloos. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Martin Setchell, the organist, is shown playing a mouth organ made out of cardboard tubes. This is a comment on the controversy over the replacement of Christchurch Cathedral, which was severely damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, by a temporary building made out of cardboard tubing. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A plane flies into the distance. Attached to it by a rope is a large package containing Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and CEO of the City Council Tony Marryatt. The package is addressed 'Deepest Siberia c/- isolated hellhole Russia'. The mayor looks on the bright side considering this to be a junket the people will approve of. Context: Public disapproval of the Mayor's two-week tour of Asian countries with a Christchurch International Airport-led delegation. The airport is paying for the mayoral couple to take part in the trip. There is public criticism that the trip take place at this time because of ongoing problems with the council and earthquake recovery. There is also criticism of Tony Marryatt's $68,000 pay increase considered poor form when so many people are struggling with earthquake related problems. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Refers to the reopening of the Christchurch strip club 'Calendar Girls' after more than a year inside the central-city cordon. The building suffered minimal damage but was inaccessible because damage to neighbouring buildings meant the road (Hereford Street) were closed. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The New Zealand public contemplate a dead drought stricken landscape. As well as lack of water, there is a lack of moderate pay scales for CEOs, satisfaction with EQC, quality TV, generous insurance companies, brilliant Solid Energy management, the integrity of John Banks (and by implication that of other MPs), quality education ministers, worthwhile overseas trips by the Prime Minister, 'clever' NZ First MPs and a boost for the West Coast among others. Considered from a Canterbury perspective, the drought of early 2013 becomes a symbol for many of the recent political and social ailments afflicting the land. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
From a house truck labelled 'Dunrentin' the occupant claims that since the Feb 2012 earthquake this is the only accommodation that his family can afford. Since that earthquake, the reultant damage to housing had caused housing rentals to soar, beyond the reach of many of theose displaced. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Shows a sick and damaged Christchurch Anglican Cathedral in a hospital bed with two attendants. The Cathedral asks 'Can ya just pull the plug and let me die peacefully?'. Context refers to recent comments by Bishop Victoria Matthews that the Christchurch Cathedral is 'being left to die with no dignity' because of ongoing legal battles about its future. There has been ongoing debate and controversy over whether the Cathedral should be demolished, reconstructed or restored following damage suffered in the February 2011 Earthquake. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a platter of 'Brownbait patties $2 per kilo'. In the background is a 'contaminated' river. Refers to the contamination of Canterbury's waterways after the earthquake of 4th September which resulted in sewage pipes being damaged thus contaminating the rivers. This means that people should not be attempting to catch whitebait in these rivers during the annual whitebait season which is open between 15 August and 30 November. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A very large woman stands wedged between two rows of concrete pillars eating a huge cream bun. She says 'Christmas fare protection... it helps prevent lateral spread!' Context - overeating at Christmas and lateral spreading, which is associated with liquefaction and tends to occur near streams and waterways as the soil mass moves towards them. Reference to the Christchurch earthquake of 4th September 2010. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A truck carries a house to a new position and the family in the house wonder if they 'can stay on the truck permanently'. Context - Continuing housing problems in Christchurch following the earthquakes of 4 September 2010 and February 22 and June 13 2011. Many aftershocks are still happening and the ground is unstable in many places. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text at top reads 'Some Christchurch suburbs to move?... The cartoon shows three complete suburbs that have been dug up and are now being flown by helicopters attached to tall towers to their new spots on the Australian Gold Coast. Someone in one of the houses on the move yells 'Woohoo! Yeehaa! Well... As NZ and Ozzie are such great mates... Gold Coast here we come!' Context - In some cases where whole communities have to move because the earthquakes have made it impossible for them to remain in their present locations, many in the community have elected to try to move and relocate together in order to retain their old neighbours and community spirit. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text at the top reads 'Bob's next speech?... The cartoon shows Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker making a speech - 'We shall fight on the beaches... We shall fight in the liquefaction... We shall fight in the cracks... We shall fight on the falling rocks and in the sinkholes... We shall fight in the portaloos... We shall fight in the sewage pipes... We shall fight in the polluted waters and subsided streets... We shall fight in the heritage buildings including the Dux de Lux... We shall NEVER surrender! A man leans over a fence and yells 'Hey Bob... How about a rewrite..."We shall raise the white flag and shall get the hell out!"' Context - The continuing earthquakes and aftershocks are causing serious problems in Christchurch, both practical and emotional. Many people are considering leaving the city. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text across the top of the cartoon reads 'Greener pastures for red zone residents?... A new subdivision named 'Quakehaven' has streets named 'Wobble Way', 'Poopong Parade', 'Turd Tce.', 'Liquefaction Lane' etc. One of a couple visiting the new area says 'I've got a bad feeling about this new subdivision!' Context - Housing after the Christchurch earthquakes. After the first Land Report was delivered on 23rd June people whose houses were in the Red Zone had their properties bought up by the government and now have to move to new subdivisions. The suggestion in the cartoon is that the subdivisions may not be on safe ground. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Two skeletal people sit in armchairs waist-deep in silt. The man is reading the newspaper and says 'The wait's over! The Land Report's due out dear!... DEAR?' He realises that his wife, whose bony hand clutches 'EQC update No. 37', is dead. Context - On Thursday 23 June Prime Minister John Key, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and representatives from engineering consultants Tonkin & Taylor announced the first part of the Government's long-awaited land report that revealed the fate of up to 5000 quake-damaged homes. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A rat in a business suit representing 'insurance companies' carries a briefcase labelled 'Total replacement policies' and follows a fellow rat into a large hole 'loop holes' that leads into a collapsed building. The rat says 'Woo-hoo! Home sweet home!' Context - Problems for people whose houses were damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes. One of the options presented to residents in the red zone, ideal for people with replacement policies, was the government bought your land, and you dealt directly with your insurers about your house. However they got a shock when insurers told them they won't replace their homes, they'll only repair them, even though they're earmarked for certain demolition. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Someone in a car full of passengers who represent '10,000 residents' says 'For Pete's sake... Are they ever going to change?' Spider webs have been spun between the car and the road as the car waits at a traffic light that represents the 'land report' and is stuck on orange. Context - Context - On Thursday 23 June Prime Minister John Key, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and representatives from engineering consultants Tonkin & Taylor announced the first part of the Government's long-awaited land report that revealed the fate of up to 5000 quake-damaged homes. These homes were in the 'red zone'. But 10,500 owners in the orange zone were left in limbo, with their properties requiring further assessment. The areas included Kaiapoi, Pines Beach, Brooklands, Spencerville, Parklands and Queenspark (www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz 6 July 2011)) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon is headed 'Whitebait - How to spot the difference.' Below are two frames; the one on the left shows a brown fish wearing goggles and breathing apparatus, it is from the East Coast and is described as 'drab brown' and 'tastes like dung'; the one on the right is pink and wears a sun hat and sunglasses, it is from the West Coast and is described as 'lightly tanned' and 'tastes like coconut'. Context: The whitebait from the east coast has been contaminated by the Canterbury earthquakes. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The upper of two frames shows Auckland all lit up for the Rugby World Cup and the lower frame shows Christchurch with a backdrop of munted buildings and a few people creating light with candles and torches. Context: The cartoon shows a contrast between the two cities as Christchurch struggles with the aftermath of the earthquakes and Auckland revels in the Rugby World Cup festivities. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Prime Minister John Key and Minister for Energy and Resources and Earthquake Recovery Gerry Brownlee, survey a New Zealand full of disasters of one kind or another and gloat that soon it might all be theirs again. They refer to the 2011 November elections which National looks fairly sure of winning. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The title reads 'Shipping container shopping for Merivale?.. The cartoon shows a row of shops that have been created from containers. An oil slick seeps from one of them. Someone in 'Chez Merivale' says 'Nice idea darling. But did they have to use the Rena's containers?' Context: Refers to the container ship 'Rena' which is grounded on the Astrolabe Reef off the Bay of Plenty and threatens to become a disaster of huge proportions as oil spews into the sea. Modified shipping containers have been put in place in the suburb of Merivale to replace broken shops. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
In eight frames a man searches for a house in Christchurch and a real estate agent tries to sell him one. In each case the estate agent tries to emphasise the positives but the buyer sees the negatives brought about by the earthquakes. In the end the buyer settles for a caravan. Context - The problems of buying and selling houses in post-earthquake Christchurch. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Two huge wrestlers, one representing 'Port Hills fault' and the other 'Greendale fault' struggle together over a broken Christchurch. Another wrestler, representing 'Other faults' appears in the distance yelling 'Is it my turn yet?' Context - Christchurch has now had three major earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks. It now appears likely that the Christchurch quakes resulted from activity on a fault extending directly eastward from the Alpine fault that remained unknown until last year, says Roger Musson, a seismologist at the British Geological Survey in Edinburgh. The new fault first came to light last September (4th) when a stronger but less calamitous quake shook Darfield, 40 kilometres west of Christchurch. Musson says the latest quake (Feb 22, 2011) probably resulted from an eastward continuation of activity on the same fault. "It has probably not moved for tens of thousands of years, so lots of strain built up," says Musson. The third major quake happened on 13th June 2011. (New Scientist - February 22, 2011) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
