Commemoration service for the day Hawke’s Bay shook

The event that changed the face of Hawke’s Bay forever will be remembered in Hastings next Monday (3rd February).

The commemoration service for the 83rd anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake will begin in the Central Mall in Heretaunga Street, Hastings at 10.30am next Monday. The bell in the clock tower will ring out at 10.46am, the time that the quake struck.

The massive earthquake which struck on February 3rd 1931, is the single greatest natural disaster in the region’s recorded history. 93 lives were lost in Hastings, buildings collapsed, fires broke out and roads were destroyed.

Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The 1931 earthquake demolished much of the Hastings town centre. The past 83 years has brought many changes, but we will never forget the day when the bricks and mortar of our city fell. Our citizens united at that time with a determination to rebuild the city and that determination to succeed lives on today.”

Councillor Kevin Watkins says “Out of the loss and devastation which came to the city on that fateful day in 1931 came new growth, a strengthening of community spirit and the rebuild which produced a whole new look to our CBD.”

“It is fitting that we will again gather to remember those who lost their lives and those whose lives were changed forever as a result of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake,” Councillor Watkins says.

Pipers from the Hastings City Pipe Band will walk from each end of the CBD and then lead the dignitaries onto the stage. Councillor Watkins will lead the commemoration service which will include Kaumatua, Jerry Hapuku and Mayor Lawrence Yule.

A special invitation to attend the earthquake commemoration service is extended to survivors and their families. The service will begin at 10.30am on Monday February 3rd in the Central Mall near the clock tower.

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