Text reads 'Parking wardens resume work in Christchurch'. A parking warden peers anxiously at a huge tanker named 'Bill's Septic Tank Services' which is apparently parked illegally. The driver of the tanker, who holds the nozzle of a pump attached to the tank, says 'Your move!' suggesting the threat of a sewage spill if the warden insists on compliance. Context - 'After a lengthy grace period following the devastating February 22 quake, Parking wardens were yesterday on the hunt for parking infringers in the city's non-metered time-restricted zones, loading zones, bus/tour coach stops and taxi stands, and on the likes of broken yellow lines.' The resumption of work by the parking wardens does suggest a return to normal in Christchurch. (NZHerald 30 May 2011) Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
A man representing 'Chch' (Christchurch) walks a tightrope between two cliffs. Suddenly below there are piles of dollar notes from the 'AMI' and he says 'A safety net at last!' Context - Christchurch earthquake problems with insurance. Insurers are saying that they will only pay for repairs for houses in the Red zone that are destined for demolition but that are relatively undamaged. Maybe the cartoon is expressing an ironic response to AMI's 'total replacement' policy. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Cartoon depicts a person wearing a "Rachel Hunter disguise" saying "Maybe NOW they'll let me into the Red Zone!". A second person responds "It won't happen overnight... but it will happen!". Refers to frustration from Christchurch business owners at not being allowed into the Red Zone following the earthquake on 22 February 2011. Source of information: Heather, Ben. "Anger rising outside red zone". 'The Press', 3 June 2011, https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/5094323/Anger-rising-outside-red-zone accessed 25 November 2025. Title taken from item. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s). Processing information: Description written by Library staff updated as part of reparative description work November 2025. Details available on request.
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).
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).
Christchurch City has to be rebuilt after the earthquakes of 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011. People are being invited to contribute ideas about how to rebuild on a city council website. A group of people look at ideas on computers; a boy comments that 'this one looks just like the old city' and his father comments 'but built fifty miles up the road!' A woman looks at what appears to be pre European Maori pa site and says 'Hone Harawira wants something pre-European!' Another woman looks at a map of the middle of the South Island and says 'Rodney Hide doesn't care as long as Christchurch combines with Timaru and Westport!' Context - Former ACT leader Rodney Hide in his role as Minister for Local Government likes 'supercities' and Hone Harawira has left the Maori Party, fed up with the compromises he believes they have to make to suit their coalition agreement with the National government. He seems to prefer a city that will reflect simpler pre-European times. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
A boy writes a list of items that seem to be for a camping holiday but it turns out that he lives in Christchurch and these items; a tent, a groundsheet, sleeping bags, a gas cooker and lamp and a chemical toilet are what may be needed because of earthquakes. Context: quakes and aftershocks continue unabated over Christmas and into the new year. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a scene of rubble in central Christchurch, a workman appears to have fallen down a deep hole whilst another workman says to a man in a suit 'Your land's safe to re-build on...Geo-Tech are just finishing their in-depth report!'. Context: Refers to sceptism about rebuilding central Christchurch after earthquake damage in 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a daffodil blooming in an earthquake fissure with the wrecked buildings of Christchurch in the background. Context: September 4th is the anniversary of the first quake. Many people in Christchurch are still living in houses that may yet be red stickered (condemned) and many city buildings are still out of bounds, either condemned to destruction or rebuilt after the earthquakes of September 4th 2010 and February 22nd and June 13th 2011. But the return of spring maybe brings a sense of encouragement and hope. Title provided by librarian Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A huge fist representing 'quakes', that is wearing a boxing glove, thumps a man who represents 'CHCH' (Christchurch) 'WHUMP! WHUMP! WHUMP!' The man is knocked out. Context - Magnitude 6.0 and 5.5 earthquakes rocked Christchurch again at 1pm and 2.20pm on 13th June 2011. These quakes follow the first earthquake on September 4th 2010 and the second on February 22nd 2011. (www.stuff.co.nz, 13 June 2011) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text above reads 'Cathedral rebuild?... The cartoon shows the Christchurch Cathedral as a bouncy cathedral full of jumping children. Context - Debate about the rebuilding of the cathedral after it was severely damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. There is a strong view that it needs to remain an icon at the heart of the city. It may have to be brought down completely as engineers consider the future for the iconic building. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a house for sale in Christchurch after the earthquakes; there is a jagged rip through the house and the road outside that looks like a seismic graph after a lot of activity. The 'For Sale' sign says 'Open Plan living, open home, Seismologist's dream!'. Context - A house wrecked by the Christchurch earthquakes of September 4th 2010, February 22 2011 and June 13 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text reads 'Uses for Christchurch rubble?...' The cartoon shows a bridge made partially of earthquake rubble leading from Lyttelton Harbour to Diamond Harbour on Banks Peninsula. Someone in a van says 'At long last... A bridge to Diamond Harbour!' And someone else says 'And somewhere to fish!' Context - Rubble from the earthquake may be used for the construction of watersides and bridges. This cartoon is a fanciful use for Christchurch earthquake rubble. Currently a ferry connects Diamond Harbour to Lyttelton, on the harbour's northern shore. In combination with buses from Lyttelton to downtown Christchurch, this allows residents of Diamond Bay to commute to the city. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The title is 'Gambling on the rise in Christchurch'. Several vignettes show two men running in the 'Porta-loo stakes (runs)'; people betting on the 'size of the next shake'; people betting on 'who will have the last chimney standing'; a man sitting over a pot on a little gas ring wondering 'How long will it take to boil a 3 minute egg... when it's minus 10 in the kitchen'; someone in a car wondering 'Whose street can wipe out the most engine sumps'; and someone wondering 'Which power company will be first to put people before profits'. Context: The way of things following the earthquakes of September 4 2010, 22 February 2011 and 13 June 2011. The Problem Gambling Foundation says it is concerned more Christchurch people are turning to gambling to combat stress from earthquakes. It says spending on pokie machines in Christchurch has risen by almost $4 million, going against a downward national trend. The foundation says the data released by the Department of Internal Affairs shows spending on gaming machines rose by more than $3,800,000 in Christchurch city to almost $23 million. (Radio NZ News 26 July 2011) Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 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).
A man, half shown, sits on a loo and says 'Dang! I'm busting again! as he reaches for the toilet paper which has a different 'quake claim' printed on each section. Context - Magnitude 6.0 and 5.5 earthquakes rocked Christchurch again at 1pm and 2.20pm on 13th June 2011. These quakes follow the first earthquake on September 4th 2010 and the second on February 22nd 2011. (www.stuff.co.nz, 13 June 2011) Each time there is a significant quake more damage is done and so people have to make further insurance claims. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text reads 'Canterbury lamb...' and the cartoon shows a slavering wolf that represents 'earthquake' dressed in 'lamb's clothing' and prowling in the night among other sheep. Context - The saying 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' that suggests something sinister sheltering behind something benign. Refers to the devastating Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. A third very damaging earthquake occured on 13th June 2011. 'Canterbury lamb' is well-known as a favourite meat overseas. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Two workmen in hard hats stand amongst the rubble of Christchurch looking askance as the Dalai Lama beams and says 'You do great work, on behalf of mankind, I express great platitude...' One of the workmen holds a newspaper with a heading that reads 'Dalai Lama's quake message: think positive'. Context - The Dalai Lama visited the quake-hit city for two days in early June. He also sent a letter of condolence to Prime Minister John Key after the February 22 earthquake. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A Christchurch man wants to let his home. He stands in a fissure in the garden and tells a man with a large dog who is interested in renting 'Sorry, no dogs! They dig too many holes!' Context: Post earthquake Christchurch tries to return to normal. 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).
A television announcer sits at his desk reading the news. He says 'The shake which lasted 75 minutes and caused widespread damage in living rooms all over the country measured 5.18 on the rugby scale and was centred on Port Elizabeth in South Africa'. Context: The All Blacks lost to the Springboks 5-18 in a tri-nations test match in South Africa only a few days before the World Cup kick-off. Fans have been warned not to panic. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
Text across the top reads 'Wearing burqas and veils could limit job prospects...' The cartoon shows a crowd of people hidden under a huge burqa-like cloth. A man peers from both ends of the crowd and one of them says 'Well, we work behind a veil and STILL have jobs... And so do all our mates!' The man at the other end gives a cheerful thumbs up. There is a great deal of whispering about 'jobs for the...' and 'split contracts'. Above is a notice that reads 'Council job contract meeting'. Context - Complaints have been laid with the Auditor-General's Office about the Christchurch City Council's handling of consultants' contracts (to do with the rebuilding of the city after the earthquakes). City councillors have been questioning the council's awarding of more than $2.8 million of contracts to consultants. The burqa has been in the news lately with bus-drivers refusing to accept women in burqas on their buses. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text reads 'Refugees told they're not welcome in NZ...' The cartoon shows a boat full of refugees, which has tattered sails, one bearing the words 'We need a home'. A helicopter flies by and someone says 'False alarm! They're Christchurch residents trying to get out!' Context - A boat full of Sri Lanken Tamils supposedly want to come to New Zealand as refugees has been told by Prime Minister John Key that they are 'not welcome'. The pm has been accused of 'scaremongering' and that he 'has misjudged his response'. (Nelson Mail 13 July 2011). Also a reference to the plight of many people in Christchurch whose houses have been condemned by the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The title reads 'CBD: High water table, flood/liquefaction risk...' The cartoon shows several Southern Right whales being used to ferry people around Christchurch City. Someone says 'Who needs light rail when you can have right whale!' Context: discussion about building a light rail system as a part of Christchurch post-earthquake development. Context: Several large Southern right whales have found Akaroa Harbour to their liking this week, sticking around rather than heading back south as part of their annual migration back to Antarctica. 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).
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).
In the top frame a man reads a newspaper report that says 'Govt to buy up red stickered homes' and shouts 'That's it - I'm out!' His mate comments that he thought it was his neighbour's house that was munted and that his house was ok. In the lower frame the first man says 'That's right... and I don't want to live next door to a politician?!' Context - A report released 23 June 2011 has divided quake-hit Canterbury into four zones with those in the worst affected residential red zone offered cash to move out. The man in the cartoon thinks that the government is buying up the houses so that politicians can live in them. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
Batman is abroad in the night in 'Gotham City' and says 'Well we're all going batty down here!' Context: A reference to Christchurch, still struggling to recover from the earthquakes of 2010 and 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).
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).