Search

found 156 results

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph submitted by Philip Broderick Willis to the QuakeStories website. The description reads, "Christchurch National Memorial Service (Prince William)".

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Student Army leader Sam Johnston and Patsy Te Are at the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service. A sign language interpreter stands to the right. The service was held in Hagley Park on 18 March 2011.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Prime Minister John Key speaking at the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service. The Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, can be seen in the background. The service was held in Hagley Park on 18 March 2011.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A member of the Salvation Army and Reverend Victoria Matthews speaking at the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service. A sign language interpreter stands to the right. The service was held in Hagley Park on 18 March 2011.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Student Army leader Sam Johnston and Patsy Te Are speaking at the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service. A sign language interpreter stands to the right. The service was held in Hagley Park on 18 March 2011.

Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

On 15 August 1868, a great earthquake struck off the coast of the Chile-Peru border generating a tsunami that travelled across the Pacific. Wharekauri-Rekohu-Chatham Islands, located 800 km east of Christchurch, Aotearoa-New Zealand (A-NZ) was one of the worst affected locations in A-NZ. Tsunami waves, including three over 6 metres high, injured and killed people, destroyed buildings and infrastructure, and impacted the environment, economy and communities. While experience of disasters, and advancements in disaster risk reduction systems and technology have all significantly advanced A-NZ’s capacity to be ready for and respond to future earthquakes and tsunami, social memory of this event and other tsunamis during our history has diminished. In 2018, a team of scientists, emergency managers and communication specialists collaborated to organise a memorial event on the Chatham Islands and co-ordinate a multi-agency media campaign to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Arica tsunami. The purpose was to raise awareness of the disaster and to encourage preparedness for future tsunami. Press releases and science stories were distributed widely by different media outlets and many attended the memorial event indicating public interest for commemorating historical disasters. We highlight the importance of commemorating disaster anniversaries through memorial events, to raise awareness of historical disasters and increase community preparedness for future events – “lest we forget and let us learn.”