Ruth Gardner's Blog 07/01/2013: Workers' Warrens

Articles, UC QuakeStudies

An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 7 January 2013 entitled, "Workers' Warrens".

Christchurch workers say employment law changes will add to quake stress

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Workers in Christchurh already stressed by the earthquakes are pleading with MPs to stop proposed changes to employment law.

Photograph by Eroica Ritchie 186

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Workers on the demolition site of the ANZ Cathedral Square branch.

Myths and Realities of Reconstruction Workers’ Accommodation

Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

Christchurch and Canterbury suffered significant housing losses due to the earthquakes. Estimates from the Earthquake Commission (EQC) (2011) suggest that over 150,000 homes (around three quarters of Christchurch housing stock) sustained damage from the earthquakes. Some areas of Christchurch have been declared not suitable for rebuilding, affecting more than 7,500 residential properties.

Koen Broekema's Photograph 193

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Construction workers on the scaffolding which surrounds the Millennium Hotel. Fencing has been placed around the buildings to restrict access.

In Technicolor

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A digitally manipulated image of demolition machinery, with the Hotel So in the background. The photographer comments, "Strange things happen when you use technicolor film".

Fairfax Video, January 2013 (2)

Videos, UC QuakeStudies

A video of busker John Higby performing his Yo Yo Guy routine in Cathedral Square. The performance was part of a special World Buskers Festival show for workers in the Christchurch central city Red Zone.

Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :[Revolve]. 21 May 2013

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Passengers use the baggage carousel at the Christchurch Airport to sleep on as they are swept around. 'Such a unique concept... a revolving motel!' Shortage of accommodation in Christchurch, because of earthquake-damaged hotels and motels and workers coming in for the Rebuild, was a serious problem for travellers to Christchurch, leading many to sleep in the airport overnight. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :[Manchester]. 15 April 2013

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Shows a throng of sex workers rushing back following the announcement that 'Manchester Street's open!'. Prior to the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011 Manchester Street was the focus of street prostitution. On 13 April 2013 the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) announced: 'A temporary change to the cordon tonight sees Manchester Street open all the way through for the first time in over two years'. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Fairfax Video, September 2011 (2)

Videos, UC QuakeStudies

A video of an interview with Julia Morison, a Christchurch-based artist, about her sculptures in a vacant site on the Christchurch central city. The artwork, titled 'Tree Houses for Swamp Dwellers', took over a year to make and will act as a centrepiece for the Scape Public Art festival, which begins on 27 September 2013. The sculpture was designed to provide a playground for children and a shady spot for workers on their lunch breaks. Morison also talks about how the sculpture was designed to be relocated and reconfigured so that it can be moved to a new location when construction begins on the vacant site.