.jpg)
.jpg)
In recent years, however, a number of earthquakes with sizeable damage have taken place in Christchurch, Seddon and Kaikoura. Read this in Rotary Down Under here
Rotary has been there, helping organise donations, restore facilities and mend communities recovering from trauma, along with learning some valuable lessons in Rotary’s role in disaster response.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch on February 22, 2011, left 185 people dead, several thousand injured and forever changed the city’s landscape – both psychologically and physically.
Entire neighbourhoods disappeared, with 1100 buildings entirely demolished and tens of thousands more left in disrepair. Some suburbs were closed entirely, agreed to be too uneconomical to restore. Yet from destruction came rejuvenation.
There was no economic downturn post-earthquakes – an amazing feat – and widespread redevelopment has created a better and brighter city. Those who did leave after the quakes were quickly replaced by tradespeople attracted by the widespread construction work opportunities. Rebuilding efforts put in place enviable modern infrastructure above and below ground, priced at an estimated $30 billion, funded through insurance payouts and government contributions. The enactment of the CERA Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority by the government created the ability to short circuit red tape to avoid roadblocks and get the job done. Cooperation across sectors allowed the city to get quickly on its feet again.
Peter Townsend, CEO of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, played a key role in the earthquake recovery and was appointed to Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Board on Transition in January 2015. Peter observed that housing and offices are now among the most energy efficient in the world, with residents reporting their power bills have been cut in half. Many businesses are now relocating to the area to take advantage of these power savings, as well as other additions, such as the newly installed high-tech IT systems. Christchurch has now developed internationally recognised health and education industries.
The government played a part in conserving pre-existing businesses through their wage subsidy scheme, which granted the money to pay staff until operations recovered. This helped prevent an exodus of employers and their staff following the quake and recurring aftershocks, and allowed the city to battle on in order to flourish again. The scheme has since been copied following other New Zealand earthquakes, as well as overseas. Christchurch’s economy looks set only to expand further, with an airport and port infrastructure connecting the region to international trade and tourism. Most importantly, the earthquakes have taught Christchurch residents to look out for each other and care about their neighbours. People are now eager to help each other out with the new community spirit. The future is bright.