Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) organized a media tour of the earthquake-damaged red zone of Christchurch on the 15th February 2012. This was to enable journalists to capture updated footage of the city as the first anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake approaches.
One Year Anniversary of the 6.3 February Earthquake in Christchurch
As Christchurch prepares for the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that took the lives of 185 people, journalists were allowed into the restricted red zoned CBD to get photographs and video footage to show the world. Access into the red zone has been tightly controlled since February 22nd 2011 and access points are still manned by the military.
This controlled access has been a source of much anger and frustration among Christchurch locals who have wanted a chance to say goodbye to the city they love. Bus tours for a limited time in late 2011 along with a controlled walkway to Cathedral Square helped alleviate the problem somewhat.
Media Tour through Christchurch CBD
Journalists were taken into the red zone by bus and four stops were made where they were able to walk around, take photos and conduct interviews with Warwick Isaacs, CERA Demolitions manager and Roger Sutton, CERA CEO.
The stops were the sites of the PGC and CTV buildings which both collapsed in the February earthquake, the corner of Lichfield Street and High Street, and Cathedral Square. It has been several months since the media were granted access and the cityscape has changed dramatically in that time. Gaping holes dot the skyline and buildings that were damaged have deteriorated due to ongoing aftershocks.
News crews were subdued and somber as changes were absorbed and noted. Most of the journalists were local and this was personal for them. It was more than a story; it was the death of the city they loved.
Outlook for Christchurch’s Earthquake-Damaged Red Zone
Warwick Isaacs told the media that CERA had initially hoped to have the red zone open by Easter but it was possible that the date may have to be pushed back to June. Even then, individual buildings will still be cordoned off with some demolitions expected to take another year. This is mostly with regard to the city’s high rise buildings.
Christchurch has suffered a devastating blow with repeated earthquakes originating back to the 7.1 magnitude shake on the 4th September 2010. The estimated cost of rebuilding the city is pegged at NZ$30 billion and is expected to take at least 15 years. Commemorating the first anniversary of the February 22nd earthquake is a step towards healing for a city that has suffered much.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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