Demolition of the old Millers building is just about complemented. On my walk around the city in the rain.. thought it may have stopped.. but didn't so I just kept walking! June 12, 2014 Christchurch New Zealand.
A photograph submitted by Gaynor James to the QuakeStories website. The description reads, "DTZ building going, 20 July 2011. A small crowd watches the demolition …There is an eerie silence- no excited buzz – people watching yet another part of their history turning into rubble. The wrecking ball, delicately positioned, drops and is followed by the cracking and rending of floor after floor and the debris tumbles down … It starts to clear and an extraordinary sight greets us. Hundreds and hundreds of sheets of paper drift down like giant confetti.".
Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett stands on a large carpet that represents the 'dole'; she has swept the detritus of 'job initiatives', 'unemployment' and 'job summit' under the carpet with a broom and says 'The benefit system is there and can sort of get as big as it needs to' Context - the Government has announced its business assistance package to Christchurch is to be watered down and then cease over the next few weeks. John Key and Paula Bennett have said that 'the dole will be there for them'. Clayton Cosgrove Labour's Canterbury Earthquake Recovery spokesperson says Prime Minister John Key and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett are cruelly missing the point in terms of Canterbury people who lose their jobs in the wake of the earthquakes. He says "They want jobs, and they want to know what the Government is going to do about ensuring Christchurch businesses can get up and running again". (Business Scoop 5 April 2011) 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).
The title reads 'Satellite to plunge to earth "People should see quite a show." A 'NASA' satellite heads towards New Zealand; someone inside says 'Beep! Beep! Christchurch CBD here we come! Woo-hoo!' Context: A great deal of the CBD (Central Business District) in Christchurch is being demolished, considered to dangerous or too expensive to restore. A defunct 6.5 ton NASA satellite falls to earth this week... 26 pieces, with a combined mass of 500kg will survive the fiery re-entry and hurtle towards us. NASA doesn't have much idea of where it will land so it may demolish some of Christchurch. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
External stairs on the Forsyth Barr building in Christchurch. Portions of the internal stairwell collapsed during the earthquake of February 22nd 2011, necessitating use of various means of getting people out of the building. Was the fourth highest building in the city pre earthquakes, but it's future is uncertain. Was for sale "as is, where ...
A proposed design by John Raven for a new cathedral, tied to a cordon fence. Clarendon Tower can be seen in the background. The photographer comments, "Someone is asking for designs for a new Christchurch Cathedral after it was announced that the old historical building will not be repaired, to be put on the fences through which people can see the de-construction of the old one. This design looks a great one to me".
One woman says to another as they both struggle to keep their feet against a howling gale 'Things are looking up! We're talking about the weather instead of earthquakes!' Context: It is more than a year after the first earthquake struck in Canterbury on September 3 2011. The city is still struggling to deal with the damage and with the psychological aftermath for many people. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a part of Christchurch with a great earthquake fissure running through it. In the fissure are dozens of eyes shining in the dark and people struggle to clamber out. A sign reads 'The Orange Zone. No fun - no parties - Come in and wait for nothing to happen!' Context: The 'Orange Zone' makes a wordplay on 'fanzone' the play spaces for Rugby World Cup revellers. The Orange Zone in Christchurch is the area where as yet decisions still have not been made about the fate of the houses in it. These people feel as though they are in limbo, unable to make decisions about their lives and homes. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A man chats over the fence with a newcomer to the area who is digging a vegetable patch. The newcomer is wearing a red and black striped jersey, his dog wears a red and black dog-coat and there are red and black curtains in the windows of the house. The passer-by wonders where the newcomer has located to the Waikato from. The colours make it obvious that he is from Christchurch. Context - People moving away from Christchurch following the earthquake of 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a camping ground full of tents and caravans and people looking glum as the rain pours down. All except one family who laugh and enjoy themselves in spite of the weather - it is because they are from Christchurch and the weather is of no consequence when they can live for a few days without fear of earthquakes. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
Shows a mobile phone with a text on it that reads 'Dear Chch (Christchurch) thinking of u (you) all xxx NZ'. Context: Refers to the commemoration events taking place in Christchurch on 22 February 2012 which is the first anniversary of the 2011 earthquake which killed 185 people. Mobile phones were instrumental in helping to locate victims and in enabling people to communicate with trapped victims. B&W and colour versions of this cartoon available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
A poster created by Empowered Christchurch to advertise their submission to the CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan on social media.The poster reads, "Submission, CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan. Risk Acceptance. It is the role of insurance companies, the EQC included, to accept the risks covered under their terms of reference/policies and compensate policyholders when such risks eventuate. However, many policyholders in Christchurch have not been compensated for the damage to their homes and their lives. These responsibilities need to be faced by the entities responsible. An equitable solution needs to be found for properties with hazards such as flooding that are a direct result of the earthquakes. In tandem with this, every effort must be made to protect residents from the risks posed by climate change. We need a city that is driven by the people that live in it, and enabled by a bureaucracy that accepts and mitigates risks, rather than transferring them to the most vulnerable residents".
A photograph of participants in the walk to celebrate Chinese National Day and the Moon Festival. In the foreground, there is a man holding a Chinese flag. Behind him there are two people wearing panda bear costumes. The walk was held at the Upper Riccarton Library in September 2015. It was organised by the Canterbury Migrants Centre (formerly the Christchurch Migrants Centre) and was part of the Christchurch City Council's Walking Festival.
A poster created by Empowered Christchurch to advertise their submission to the CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan on social media.The poster reads, "Submission, CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan. Prime Minister Assurance. Let us remember the much-quoted assurance from the Prime Minister in 2011: 'On behalf of the Government, let me be clear that no one will be left to walk this journey alone. New Zealand will walk this journey with you. We will be there every step of the way. Christchurch; this is not your test; this is New Zealand's test. I promise we will meet this test.' We call on the authorities to live up to this promise. We need a city that is driven by the people that live in it, and enabled by a bureaucracy that accepts and mitigates risks, rather than transferring them to the most vulnerable of its residents".
Balloons and a sign advertising a garage sale hang from a fence. The photographer comments, "Today, 23/7/2011 the Bexley community in Christchurch got together and held a Bexley wide garage sale. You could pick up a map of the garage sales in Arncliffe St, which meant that people could find all the garage sales even if they were on the back sections. People got together with close neighbours to hold joint Garage Sales. In the area where the garage sales were held all the homes have been 'written off' by the government, as the land on which they sit is too damaged by the Christchurch earthquakes to repair. In places it looked more like a ships graveyard with the hulls of the houses sinking lopsidedly into the sand. Unfortunately for nearly everyone in the red zone they cannot rebuild a new home as sections to build on start now around $2,000 and the government is not paying them enough to buy a plot of land and build a new home. The choices for Bexley residents in most cases is to rent, buy a house at least a few years old or move to Australia to start again. I was told that up to 80% could be off to Oz".
An image encouraging people to take notice and connect. The image depicts two 'All Righties' flying a kite and accompanied by a dog and reads, "When did you last get caught up in the moment? It's the simple things that bring us joy." The image was from phase 2 of the All Right? campaign, promoting the Five Ways to Wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a simple, evidence-based approach to improving wellbeing, promoted by the Mental Health oundation.
An image encouraging people to give. The image depicts an 'All Rightie' trimming a hedge and accompanied by a dog and reads, "When did you last show a little love? It's the little things that really make a big difference to our family and friends." The image was from phase 2 of the All Right? campaign, promoting the Five Ways to Wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a simple, evidence-based approach to improving wellbeing, promoted by the Mental Health Foundation.
A notice on the cordon fence around the site where the CTV building once was. It says 'Please respect this site. In recognition of the special significance this site holds for the people of our city and all those affect by the earthquakes, the Christchurch City Council is working with Canterbury Museum to preserve aspects of our remembering. Tributes may be left at this site. Older tributes will be removed from archiving by the Canterbury Museum to become part of the city's memory of the Canterbury Earthquakes. Organic materials will be composted and used in the city's gardens'.
An arm representing the 'Citizens & Volunteers of Christchurch' offers an Oscar Award for 'True Grit'. Context - Admiration at the way the people and the volunteers have managed after the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. True Grit is a 2010 American Western film written and directed by the Coen brothers. It is the second adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel of the same name, which was previously adapted for film in 1969 starring John Wayne. Colour and black and white versions of this cartoon are available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
A photograph of a presentation slide with the title "Pacific wellbeing". The slide shows a poster from the All Right? I am ... Identity project featuring Sophia Leota. The title of the poster is "It's like a family. On and off the field, we look out for each other". The photograph was taken at the second annual Out of the Heart Pacific Women's Leadership Conference, held at Riccarton Racecourse on 21 May 2016. The conference was sponsored by All Right? and featured posters from the All Right? I am ... Identity project.
A paint-splattered chair sits in front of a brightly-coloured piano painted with a cat's face, part of Gap Filler's Painted Piano Project. The photographer comments, "Gap filler I believe has created three sites filled with a stage area, seating and a piano. This one is at the Junction of Bower Ave and Marine Parade on the site of the demolished TJs Kazbah and opposite the now demolished Ozone. They have really brightened the corner up and we just need a few people to gather and have a nice night of it".
A poster created by Empowered Christchurch to advertise their submission to the CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan on social media.The poster reads, "Submission, CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan. Future Insurability. In an article in the New Zealand Herald of 5 November 2014, the CEO of IAG refers to cooperation with the NZ Government on a strategic intent in 2011 to avoid depopulation of Christchurch. Now that the ICNZ has signalled its intention to withdraw from high-risk areas and the CCC also plans to redefine the boundaries of the city so as to exclude properties below the Mean High Water Springs. We ask whether a 'recovery' involves abandoning people once the insurance and bank sectors have managed a retreat? We need a city that is driven by the people that live in it, and enabled by a bureaucracy that accepts and mitigates risks, rather than transferring them to the most vulnerable of its residents".
Text reads 'Pet of the day... ' Below is a notice tacked to a wall which has an image of a cat wearing spectacles on it. Text reads 'LOST. Large moggy, last seen roaming in Christchurch. Answers to the name of "Gerry" or "Dinners ready". Has a loud purr, looks cuddly but can turn...' Context: This is a reference to Gerry Brownlee, the Minister for Earthquake Recovery. When National announced its offer based on the 2007 rating valuation to red-zone property owners on 23 June, Gerry Brownlee specifically told people who had made improvements between the time of the valuation and the September quake to 'keep their receipts'. The offer from CERA dated August 19 now says quite clearly that people can only seek an adjustment to the purchase price if the rating valuation is based on an incorrect floor area, or if 'you have received a code compliance certificate for consented building work undertaken after the rating valuation and that work increased the floor area of your house'. (Voxy - 23 August 2011) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Shows a couple in their car driving along a road festooned with election billboards. The man reads a billboard and comments that the mayor is promising to 'move our district forward' and his partner suggests that with all the new jobs down in Christchurch maybe he should move the district down there. Probably refers to mayoral hopefuls in Whangarei, Pamela Sue Peters or Stan Semenoff, suggesting that people should move to Christchurch for jobs which, since the 4th September 2010 earthquake, are going to be plentiful. But it seems that every mayoral candidate in the country is intent on moving his or her part of New Zealand forward if they win the October 9 local body election. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Astrologer Ken Ring sits at his desk in his study surrounded by ancient scrolls and alchemical instruments; three people stand nearby awaiting advice. Ken Ring says 'Well, predicting a once-in-a-million year movement of tectonic plates is one thing... but predicting when officials will understand the plight of companies affected by it...' Context - Business people in Christchurch in the weeks following the earthquake are becoming increasingly frustrated at their inability to gain access to premises that have been made out of bounds because of potential danger. This has resulted in protests in which police physically intervened when several protesters went inside the cordon. Colour and black and white versions of this cartoon are available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows the hands of two people joined in mutual despair and kindness. One represents 'Christchurch' and the other the 'Pike River Mine'. Context - the 7.1 earthquake on 4 September 2010 in Christchurch in which there was a lot of damage but no deaths, the Pike River Mine disaster which occurred on the West Coast on 19 November 2010 and caused the deaths of 29 coal miners and now on 22 February 2011 a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch which has probably killed more than 200 people (at this point the number is still not known) and caused much more severe damage. The reason the apparently lesser magnitude quake caused more destruction is because it was very shallow, was in the middle of the day and struck very close to the centre of the city. Colour and black and white versions of this cartoon are available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
A poster created by Empowered Christchurch to advertise their submission to the CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan on social media.The poster reads, "Submission. CERA Draft Transition Recovery Plan. 5. In your opinion, is there a better way to report on these recovery issues? We believe that, as regards residential recovery, monitoring should extend to code compliance certificates. According to figures published in 2014, only factions of repairs/rebuilds are completed with the issue of a code compliance certificate. To conclude the work to the required standard, someone must pay for the code compliance. Leaving things as they are could have serious negative consequences for the recovery and for the city as a whole. We suggest an investigation of number of outstanding code compliance certificates and that responsible parties are made to address this outstanding work. We need a city that is driven by the people that live in it, and enabled by a bureaucracy that accepts and mitigates risks, rather than transferring them to the most vulnerable residents."
A large sign just outside Christchurch's Red Zone reads 'Christchurch RED ZONE - security staff and celebrities only'. A security guard phones through to Check Point One, saying 'Base to check point one - no shop keepers allowed but the queen, Fidel Castro, Tina Turner and Elvis are coming in'. These four people have formed a queue and are allowed to enter the Red Zone. Context - It is now three months past the earthquake of 19 February and shopkeepers and owners of small businesses are becoming very frustrated by the still limited access to the Red Zone business area. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
People stand in front of a damaged house in New Brighton. The upper storey at the front of the house has collapsed onto the floor below. The photographer comments, "This house at 158 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch was owned by the man leaning on the fence. He lived next door and his daughter lived here. During the earthquake the 2nd storey stayed mainly whole, but the 1st collapsed. Luckily the daughter was in the top storey. She was rescued from the building by neighbours, by climbing out of the window and down a ladder. Another piece of luck is that most of the belongings were stored in boxes in the garage at the front. Though the garage also collapsed the boxes appear intact. The owner had tried to sell it previously without success".