Afternoon Tea for 1931 Earthquake Survivors

The popular afternoon tea get together for survivors of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake will be held again next year on Sunday 9 February 2014.

The afternoon tea will be hosted again by Napier Boys High School at their Henderson Hall in Chambers St. The school was damaged in the 1931 quake and has recently had the hall earthquake strengthened.

“This has become a very special event for many of our senior citizens who take the opportunity to catch up with old friends and share their memories,” says Napier City Deputy Mayor Faye White, who is coordinating this year’s event.

The afternoon tea is jointly organised by Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, Art Deco Trust, Hawke’s Bay Red Cross, and Napier Boys’ High School. Many local organisations and businesses also assist by sponsoring food and equipment.

Interestingly the number of attendees at the afternoon tea has increased in recent years, as more earthquake survivors join in to make contact with old friends and neighbours. They enjoy live music, a guest speaker and afternoon tea, when the Mayor’s cake is traditionally cut by the oldest and youngest survivors.

At the event in February, Red Cross volunteers will welcome guests and issue them with replica evacuee name tags. Parking and disabled access is available, the Art Deco Trust guides are available to assist guests where needed and first aiders will be in attendance.

Invitations will be sent out in January to people who have attended the afternoon tea in previous years. If any earthquake survivors have not attended before and would like to be invited, they can register at the Mayor of Napier’s office. Carers and family are also welcome.

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