On 14 November 2016 a magnitude Mw 7.8 earthquake struck the upper South Island of New Zealand with effects also being observed in the capital city, Wellington. The affected area has low population density but is the largest wine production region in New Zealand and also hosts the main national highway and railway routes connecting the country’s three largest cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Marlborough Port in Picton providing connection between the South and North Islands. These transport facilities sustained substantial earthquake related damage, causing major disruptions. Thousands of landslides and multiple new faults were counted in the area. The winery facilities and a large number of commercial buildings and building components (including brick masonry veneers, historic masonry construction, and chimneys), sustained damage due to the strong vertical and horizontal acceleration. Presented herein are field observations undertaken the day immediately after the earthquake, with the aim to document earthquake damage and assess access to the affected area.
A digitally manipulated photograph of a stencilled logo for the Christchurch School of Music. The photographer comments, "The Christchurch School of Music donated several old broken pianos to be placed on Gap Filler sites in Christchurch. Gap Filler make the land where buildings have been demolished into places the local inhabitants can enjoy. As in Maths two negatives make a positive".
A photograph of 386 and 378 Oxford Terrace, taken from across the road. The former site of Doug Sexton's house is on the right, behind the wire fence. Sexton's house was demolished after his land was Red zoned.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Gorge Road School held a 'Red & Black' themed dress day and a gold coin donation (which they made into a coin trail) to raise funds for earthquake-stricken Canterbury. Pictured are the school pupils (fifty in total) in front of their school".
A PDF copy of pages 334-335 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The pages document the transitional project 'Pages Rd Fulton Hogan Site Mural'. Photos: Shaun Murphy
A PDF copy of pages 310-311 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The pages document the transitional project 'Rotherham Clock Park'. Photos with permission from Greening the Rubble
A PDF copy of pages 240-241 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The pages document the transitional project 'UCSA Events Centre'. Photos: Douglas Horrell
A digitally manipulated image of a damaged bridge in Lake Terrace Road in Burwood. The photographer comments, "After the September earthquake this bridge was a little wonky, but you would cross it, possibly without fear, now though it is too far gone".
A digger demolishing the former Ozone Hotel in New Brighton. The photographer comments, "The bulldozers are starting circling the Ozone in New Brighton, Christchurch. Taking bits of flesh from the mortally wounded building".
Flowers blooming in a vacant site left by the demolition of a building at the corner of Worcester Street and Stanmore Road. A sign on the ground says 'Commemorative service here Wed 22nd Feb. Bring flowers, seedheads and symbols of memory and hope". In the background, on the wall it says 'Do not demo!'.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Aftermath of the earthquake in Christchurch where the cleanup has begun. Teams of building inspectors gathered at the Linwood Service Centre before heading into the eastern suburbs en masse. Movement around Dallington Terrace was varied. The Medway Street footbridge from River Road to Avonside Drive".
A PDF copy of pages 164-165 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The pages document the transitional project 'CPIT Design/Build'. Photos: Gap Filler
Pipes lead into a shipping container. The photographer comments, "In Christchurch containers are so very versatile: They are used as barricades, supports, homes, shops, art galleries, artworks, Malls, pubs and bars, Thai takeaways and now sewage works".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Christchurch Earthquake. A massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake has hit Christchurch and the wider South Island, causing widespread damage, two serious injuries and power cuts to most of the city. Fissures in the road at the Belfast/Marshlands main north motorway on ramp".
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown Greendale Faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
Slipping of the tectonic plates caused tension cracks on this previously unknown faultline that runs through this paddock; magnitude 7.1 earthquake in mid-Canterbury on Saturday 4 September 2010.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
This originally straight farm fence has been laterally displaced at least 2 metres where it crosses the previously unknown faultline from which the Saturday 4 September 2010 earthquake originated.
One Month after the Christchurch Earthquake. The mangled remains of the pedestrian bridge over the river Avon Twitter | Facebook | My ...