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Scoop Coverage: Christchurch Earthquake 22/2/11

Wednesday, 23 February 2011, 10:05 am
Article: Scoop Full Coverage

The ongoing coverage will be organised and updated progressively. Please reload to see latest version.

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Quake Technical info: GNS: 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Part of Aftershock Sequence - Magnitude 6.3 earthquake rocks Christchurch | Highly Allochthonous - Christchurch Quake Map - Earthquakes in the past 7 days
Update: Scoop Audio: Science On Canterbury Quakes - Royal Society paper - PM's Science Advisor

Most recent on Scoop: Scoop Search or see the Scoop.co.nz front page.
Earlier: Scoop updates: Christchurch Earthquake, February 2011

geonet Christchurch aftershock forecast mapSaturday 18/4: Christchurch Rocked By Another Strong Quake

Another earthquake has hit Christchurch with reports that power has been lost to parts of the area and of rock slides in the Sumner area. People are reporting through social media of televisions and other household good being knocked over. It is reported that power is out to around 20,000 homes, though network company Orion is hoping that this is mainly due to equipment shutting down automatically and will be quickly restarted. More>>

ALSO:

Legislation: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill Passes

On Thursday afternoon The House passed the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill, which repeals the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act 2010. The Bill sets out appropriate measures to enable the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and/or the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) to facilitate and direct greater Christchurch and its communities to respond to, and recover from, the impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes. More>>

ALSO:

Urgency: New Quake Bill

From the bill: "The Bill sets out appropriate measures to enable the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and/or the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) to facilitate and direct, if necessary, greater Christchurch and its communities to respond to, and recover from, the impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes." More>>

ALSO:

12/4/11: Quake-Revealed Time Capsules Opened

The two sealed time capsules have been opened by Mayor Bob Parker at the Canterbury Museum and the contents of both were revealed. More>>

ALSO:

Price Tag: Govt To Spend $8.5b On Rebuilding Christchurch

The Government will spend about $8.5 billion over the next few years to help the rebuilding of Christchurch, Finance Minister Bill English said today. More>>

ALSO:

Underground: Gravity Survey Included In Christchurch Subsurface Study

GNS Science will spend the next two weeks undertaking a gravity survey of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to get a clearer picture of the subsurface structure of the region. More>>

ALSO:

8/4/11: Boil Water Notice Lifted Across Christchurch

Time Capsules To Be Opened By Mayor

In the weeks following the 22 February earthquake the discovery of two time capsules beneath the Godley Statue in Cathedral Square was a welcome spot of good news. In recent weeks a third time capsule has been unearthed in the old Civic Building on Manchester Street. More>>

Funny-Name Projects: Vibrant Retail Area Up And Running In CBD From Show Week

The Central City Property Owners and Business Group, Civil Defence and the Christchurch City Council today announced Re:Start 29.10.11 – a project that aims to have existing retail and hospitality buildings, combined with quality relocatable expo structures, open for business from October 29, 2011 ... More>>

ALSO:

bill english6/4/11: "Back Up Financial Support" For AMI Policyholders

The Government has announced it will provide a back up financial support package for AMI Insurance to give policyholders certainty and to ensure an orderly rebuild of Christchurch in the aftermath of the two earthquakes. More>>

ALSO:

26 March to 6 April:

HD Video Link: Christchurch Earthquake 2011 - Central City Footage

Police: Seven More Names Released Following Christchurch Earthquake

Police have today [23/3/11] confirmed the identities of a further seven people who died in the Christchurch earthquake. More>>

ALSO:

One Month On: Christchurch – The Only Place With A Cordoned Off Inner City

Kip Brook: One month on since the fatal February 22 earthquake, the most English of New Zealand cities is a city no more. The inner central area is still cordoned off to the public. More>>

Werewolf Monthly Magazine: Left Coasting - On Edge

Rosalea Barker on quake, at home and abroad We’re kind of a bit on edge here in California. On March 11, having been horrified by the TV news images of what had happened in northeastern Japan overnight, I was seeing way too many “soft first story” buildings on my way to work. More>>

ALSO:

Public Address Link: Everything Has Changed (Until 2014)

Keith Ng on austerity In its first update since the Christchurch earthquake, Treasury lowered their GDP forecast by $15b. The Government has ran with this and are preparing us for a massive cut in this Budget, saying that “everything changed” since the earthquake. That’s not quite true. More>>

ALSO:

Brigadier Phil GibbonsChristchurch: Trans Tasman Names New Earthquake Recovery Authority Boss

NZ's premier political newsweekly, Trans Tasman can reveal NZ’s senior defence attaché in Europe, Brigadier Phil Gibbons, has been whisked out of London to become Chief of Staff to the new Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority ... More>>

ALSO:

Scoop Business: Quake-Hit Businesses Target Of $6.85m Fund

Quake-hit Christchurch businesses will be eligible for government funding to help either rebuild or close their businesses, and to take international trips to visit export customers. More>>

ALSO:

Scoop Audio: PM's Presser - Budgetquake

Today's post-cabinet press conference concentrated on the Government's proposal to pay for the costs of the Christchurch earthquake and rebuilding through spending cuts on other areas (excluding education and health). More>>

ALSO:

Cordon Bleh: Business Owners Raid Red Zone

The central Christchurch cordon put in place after the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake on 22 February is there to save lives, Civil Defence Minister John Carter said today. More>>

ALSO:

Search And Rescue: USAR Team Welcomed Home From Japan

Hon Nathan Guy Minister of Internal Affairs 20 March 2011 Media Statement USAR team welcomed home from Japan The New Zealand USAR team have been welcomed home from Japan by Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy today, after their first ever overseas deployment ... More>>

ALSO:

Victims And Families Remembered At Memorial

Friday 18 March 2011: At Midday today a memorial service will be held at Christchurch's Hagley Park to remember all the victims and those who have suffered as a result of the earthquake. Police state that 182 people died in the quake that struck at 12:51pm on February 22.

HRH Prince William, Prime Minister John Key, the Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, the Mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker and other dignitaries will also be at the service to pay special tribute to the people of Christchurch and all families who have lost loved ones. More>>

ALSO:

Jolly Good Show: PM Thanks Prince For Support

Prime Minister John Key today thanked Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton for their generous support for Christchurch and the West Coast following the tragic events in those areas.

"Prince William's visit to New Zealand to meet with the families of those lost in November's Pike River Mine tragedy, and to attend the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service, is hugely appreciated by New Zealanders. More>>

ALSO:

RWC: Christchurch Loses Games - Quarter Finals For Eden Park

Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Tournament partners have today reluctantly decided that Christchurch will be unable to host the seven matches scheduled to be played at Stadium Christchurch and these will be rescheduled to be played at other venues in New Zealand.

The decision was unanimously supported by Tournament owners the International Rugby Board, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011). More>>

ALSO:

Scoop Audio: Science On Canterbury Quakes

Today the Royal Society, assisted by the PM’s Science Advisory Committee, gathered a group of scientists from GNS Science’s National Hazards Research Platform to discuss recent earthquakes and aftershocks in the Canterbury region. More>>

ALSO:

Charity Gigs: Star-Studded Cast To Perform 'Bare' For Christchurch

Sam Neill, Rhys Darby, Keisha Castle-Hughes and Lucy Lawless are among the star-studded cast of New Zealand actors performing Toa Fraser’s iconic play Bare to raise funds for the Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. More>>

ALSO:

PM's Presser: Earthquake Inquiry

Scoop Audio: At his post-cabinet press conference, PM John Key announced a royal commission of inquiry into building collapses in the Canterbury earthquake.

This is in addition to investigations being undertaken by the Department of Building and Housing into the Canterbury Television, PGC, Forsyth Barr and Hotel Grand Chancellor building collapses. More>>

ALSO:

Huge Quake & Devestating Tsunami: Motion Without Notice On Japan

PM John Key I move that this House express its condolences to the people of Japan for the losses they have suffered as a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami. More>>

ALSO:

Pundit.co.nz Link: Just Like The Pictures, The Quake Debate Goes On

Tim Watkin: The debate that barrister and journalist Steven Price and I began here on Pundit last week got an airing on TVNZ7's Court Report. You can watch last night's episode here. I'd like to hear your thoughts. More>>

Rebuild: EQC Rolling Out Rapid Assessments In Christchurch

The Earthquake Commission is rolling out a new assessment approach to give people with houses damaged by the 22 February earthquake in Christchurch more certainty faster, Chief Executive Ian Simpson said today. More>>

ALSO:

Royalty: PM Welcomes Prince William’s Visit To Chch And Greymouth

Prime Minister John Key is welcoming the news that Prince William is taking time to visit the people of Christchurch as they cope with the tragic aftermath of the February 22 earthquake. More>>

ALSO:

Work Stimulus: Goff Calls For Immediate Trades Training To Assist ChCh Rebuild

Labour Leader Phil Goff is calling on the Government to take immediate action to get people into training for trades like building, plumbing, plastering and drain-laying so we have the skilled workforce needed to rebuild Canterbury. More>>

ALSO:

beerBeer Glass Half Full: A Ray Of Amber Light For Christchurch

Its iconic buildings may be in ruins, its central business district shut for the foreseeable future, and its residents still in shock, but there is one small ray of amber light for Christchurch: its craft breweries are largely intact. More>>

ALSO:

Police Release More Names Of Deceased Tuesday 8th March Police are able to release the names of a further 13 people who died in the earthquake. More>>

mental healthQuake: Urgent Support Plea For People With Mental Illness

Urgent support needs to go out to Christchurch people with a mental health illness in the wake of last month's devastating earthquake, Supporting Families in Mental Illness New Zealand (SFNZ) spokesman Jim Crowe said today. More>>

ALSO:

Culture: The Arts Rally For Christchurch

Nationally funded arts organisations are mobilising to raise money for and to support the people of Christchurch. Free and fundraising events for the people of Christchurch are being organised by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Te Matatini. More>>

ALSO:

  • TV3 Video - Parker wants 'Remembrance Walkway' through CBD - Uncertain future for some eastern suburb homes - Christchurch quake: Two weeks on - 600-900 buildings to be demolished in Chch CBD - Christchurch heritage advocates will 'save what we can' - Public health a major concern in Christchurch - 10,000 Christchurch homes face demolition - Parker - we will build temporary homes - Uncertain future for ChCh's heritage buildings - Cricket legends Richards, Cairns send support to Christchurch - PM: Canterbury tourism off the agenda - National memorial to mark 'terrible loss of life' - What to do in an earthquake - Crusaders consider a move to London? - Quake damaged NZ Cricket offices move to Lincoln - Christchurch residents tell of insurance nightmares - 1000 heritage buildings damaged - but should they go? - Fears rats could take over Christchurch CBD - Timaru population up 20 percent since quake - Mayor shows off ChCh's new chemical toilets - Chch motorcycle shop owners dealt cruel blow - Businesses cut off from theior owners

    • **** Sunday 6 March To Monday 7 ****

    Scoop News: Brownlee Emotive Over Demolition Comments - Goff

    Labour leader Phil Goff said Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee's comments on demolishing buildings were emotive and ill-advised and said he was sure Brownlee was reconsidering his postion on Christchurch's heritage buildings.

    Brownlee had earlier said all but a handful of heritage buildings will be demolished. More>>

    ALSO:

    john keyNational Memorial Service Planned For Christchurch

    Prime Minister John Key has announced that a National Memorial Service for the victims of the February 22 earthquake will be held in Christchurch on Friday March 18. More>>

    ALSO:

    Budget: Govt Considers 'Balanced' Quake Policy Response

    The Treasury’s preliminary assessment of the Christchurch earthquake’s economic impact confirms the need for the Government to carefully consider its priorities, Finance Minister Bill English says.

    It also points out that economic growth was slower than forecast previously, even before the latest earthquake. This reflects soft domestic demand – as New Zealanders save more - despite exporters benefiting from higher commodity prices. More>>

    State Of Emergency To Be Extended The National State of Emergency will be extended today and is expected to remain in place for some time yet. More>>

    ALSO:

    **** Thursday 3 March To Friday 4 ****

    Kip Brook: Christchurch Reels But Begins To Regroup

    Christchurch was known as the most English of New Zealand cities. It was the Garden city and one of the most liveable and safest places in the world. None of that applies any more. It’s etched in the unnerving faces of people who still remain; those that believe in fight; not flight.

    It will be become known as of now as the city that suffered two the worst earthquakes on record in New Zealand. More>>

    christchurch rescue red and black

    Christchurch: Change From Rescue To Recovery Operation

    Statement From The Governor-General It is with great sadness, but with full understanding, that my wife Susan and I have received advice of the change in focus of the response to the Christchurch earthquake, from rescue to recovery.

    The authorities in Christchurch, drawing on expert advice both in New Zealand and from further afield, have made this difficult decision. For more than a week, we have joined with the families and friends of those missing in hoping for a miracle, that people would be pulled from the rubble alive. We must now confront the bitter reality that the possibility that further survivors might be rescued is now very small indeed. More>>

    ALSO:

    More video - late Thurday to early Friday

    Red & Black On Friday March 4

    New Zealanders are being urged to wear red and black on Friday March 4 to honour those who were killed in, or affected by, the Christchurch earthquake. Those wearing the colours are asked to make a gold coin donation to the Red Cross at Redcross.org.nz/donate. More>>

    ALSO:

    **** Wednesday 2 March ****

    TV3 Video – late Wednesday and early Thursday

    Gordon Campbell: English’s Attempt To Politicize The Quake Response (Plus The Rugby)

     Much of the inspirational rhetoric surrounding the Christchurch earthquake has had a genuine “We’re all in this together” quality. Certainly, most of the political benefits the quake has delivered to the government have sprung from that same unity of purpose, and shared sense of suffering. Yesterday, Finance Minister Bill English put all that at risk by flagging that all government spending is now on the table for re-consideration – including, for instance, shrinking the eligibility for Working for Families and interest free student loans. More>>

    ALSO:

    Autism NZ: “Face Of Looting” Actually A Face Of System Failure

    Arie Smith, the 25 year old young man with Asperger’s Syndrome who has been charged with looting after the Christchurch Earthquake, is not the face of looting. He represents a lack of awareness of autism and the failure of society to accommodate a diverse range of needs. More>>

    **** Tuesday 1 March ****

    Nation In Silence: New Zealanders Observed Two Minutes Of Silence At 12:51pm

    People throughout New Zealand observed two minutes silence in honour of those who have perished or have been affected by the Christchurch earthquake. In memory of those lost, up to 2000 people gathered in Wellington's Civic Square, and others gathered at Parliament. Scoop reporter Anna Purcell wrote: "Many people in Wellington attended the service at Parliament early this afternoon, as Governor- General Sir Anand Satyanand, and Lady Satyanand, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, religious representatives, and many others, offered prayers and sympathies before observing the two minutes of silence with all attendees." More>>

    ALSO:

    Christchurch: 'I Predicted The Earthquake' – Scientists Respond

    "No one has predicted the recent earthquakes in Canterbury. Vague quotes about dates of 'increased' activity plus or minus several days, without magnitudes, locations, and exact times do not constitute prediction." More>>

    ALSO:

    1/3/11: Death Toll Now 154

    The death toll in the Christchurch earthquake has now risen to 154 (0634hrs, 1 March) and is expected to increase further. More>>

    **** Monday 28 Feb ****

    Wage & Job Loss Support: PM Releases Initial Earthquake Assistance Package

    Prime Minister John Key today announced an initial support package for Christchurch businesses and workers affected by last week’s major earthquake.

    The six week package is made up of two parts:

    • An Earthquake Support Subsidy to help employers keep paying wages

    • Earthquake Job Loss Cover to support employees whose employer believes their business is no longer viable. More>>

    ALSO:

    Google Earth: Images From Christchurch, Before & After

    New satellite imagery available from our partners at GeoEye. Imagery of Christchurch was taken on Thursday, February 24th from the GeoEye-1 satellite.

    Some parts are covered in clouds but substantial portions of the central business district are clearly visible. More>>

    Brave Account: Brian Coker Speaks Of His Rescue Ordeal

    27 February, 2011 8.15pm - "I didn’t know they were going to amputate my legs but I should have known. They cut my trousers and they did that while I was still conscious. They had no choice. I don’t remember anything of the procedure. When the rescuers came at about 7pm they said they would get me out. They’d been in once before and given me some morphine.

    "I don’t remember the amputation because I was anaesthetised. I was properly and professionally anaesthetised. I owe my life to Helen for contacting the emergency services and my brother Malcolm who is a paramedic," Brian Coker More>>

    Weekend & Friday:

    ALSO:

    Weekend video:

  • TV3 Video - Quake recovery cost will be 'in excess of $10b' - Brownlee - Call 0800 DAMAGE for quake repairs - Bob Parker gives 3 News guided tour of Art Gallery - Christchurch gears up for day seven - Long road to healing in Christchurch - Christchurch's devout left wondering 'why?' - Canterbury baseball side almost take home the cup - Rescue teams scour the suburbs for those in need - Pet owners go online in hunt for missing friends - Donations flood in from around the world - Kids tell their quake stories - Aussie cops scaring Christchurch crims straight - Rescuers risk lives to save others - Young mother tells of attempt to save baby during quake - Former PM Clark compares quake damage to Haiti - Kaumatua bless Christchurch's broken cathedral - Christchurch's heart 'ripped to bits' - Kiwis around the world desperate to get involved - Farmers band together to help clear liquifaction - Christchurch looter confesses to stealing - Christchurch: Day 6 updates - VIDEO TRIBUTE: "Stay Strong Christchurch", Warriors messages to quake victims - Operations cancelled after quake - Student army needs food badly - Church services on, with or without buildings - Family watch as historic manor demolished - Where were you for the Christchurch quake? - Doctors warn of hygiene importance - VIDEO: Moment's silence, Sharks v Blues, Super 15, Chch quake - VIDEO: Paying respect, Stormers v Lions Super 15, Chch quake - Police disappointed with looters - Welfare teams to visit 50,000 homes this week - VIDEO: Minuteas silence Rugby England V France, Christchurch earthquake - Young father died in rubble but saved sister - Fire Service releases haunting Pyne Gould video

    • Police Meet With Families As Death Toll Hits 145

    Police today held two meetings with families of victims believed to have died in the Christchurch earthquake.

    One meeting was held for overseas families, the other for local families.

    At the meetings, each family was connected with a Police family liaison officer, who will provide a consistent point of contact and update families as the identification process continues. More>>

    **** Friday - Day Four ****

    Police Report: Christchurch Earthquake - Death Toll Passes 100

    25 February, 2011 - 03:10 The death toll from the Christchurch Earthquake is now 102 and this figure is still expected to rise.

    The list of people who are unaccounted for, and where there is significant concern that they are in the CBD, remains around 200. It is likely that a large number of those who have died will be on that list but that cross-matching can only be carried out once there have been formal identifications. More>>

    ALSO:

    Statistics: Decision On 2011 Census - Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson and Government Statistician Geoff Bascand today announced the 8 March 2011 Census will not be held. More>> [Also: Labour supports 2011 Census decision]

    ALSO:

    John Minto: Humanity Trumps Selfishness In Earthquake Devastation

    The devastation of Christchurch is a national tragedy unsurpassed as a natural disaster since the 1931 Napier earthquake. Having watched similar tragedies regularly played out on TV screens we’re used to seeing third-world countries gripped by death and destruction on a massive scale. Now our small country is in the centre of the frame. More>>

    TV3 video Thursday evening to Friday morning:

    **** Day Three ****
    christchurch earthquake aftermath dust

    Food, Fuel Supplies Reaching Christchurch

    Canterbury’s Civil Defence Group Controller, Ken Taylor, is reassuring Christchurch residents that sufficient supplies of food and fuel are reaching the city following the earthquake.

    Mr Taylor said that fuel is being transported to Christchurch through the port at Timaru, and despite damage to roads and infrastructure in Christchurch, State Highway One is open for supplies to reach the city. More>>

    ALSO:

    **** Day Two ****
    Images: Quake Causes Glacier Surge At Aoraki Mt Cook

    Yesterday’s Christchurch earthquake triggered a spectacular glacier calving at Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake that is believed to be the largest freshwater Basal calving in the world to be caught on camera. More>>

    Scoop Business: Disruptions To Trigger Solid Energy Force Majeure Notices

    State-owned coal miner Solid Energy Ltd. expects to issue force majeure notices to customers whose coal shipments are delayed as a result of the Christchurch earthquake. More>>

    ALSO:

    Arts Being Useful: Wellington Fringe Rallies For Canterbury

    The Wellington Fringe Festival is traditionally a low budget affair, both for audiences and for performers, but yesterday’s disaster has led Wellington Fringe participants to rally together with fundraising efforts from donating profits from existing shows to setting up specific special events... More>>

    ALSO:

    EQNZ: Help Available To Christchurch People

    “The situation is changing, but currently there are two welfare centres which are operating, at Hagley Park and at Burnside High School,” says Ms Bennett...

    “The advice is to stay at home if people can and to check on their neighbours and if they need any help or advice, call the Government helpline,” says Ms Bennett.

    The 0800 779997 helpline will operate 24 hours, providing information, advice and transferring calls through to other appropriate agencies. More>>.

    ALSO:

    Police: Christchurch Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 75

    Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Dave Cliff says the bodies of 55 people have been identified, and another 20 are awaiting identification.

    Superintendent Cliff says 300 people are reported missing. Some of these people could be trapped in buildings but others may just have difficulty contacting family. More>>

    ALSO:

    **** DAY ONE 22/2/11 ****

    Police Statement: Major Earthquake, Reported Fatalities In Christchurch

    A major earthquake in Christchurch at 12.51pm has caused widespread damage and injury... Multiple fatalities have been reported at several locations in the central city... [Image via - Twitpic] More>>

    More Earthquake Response:

    Triage centres have been established for the injured at Latimer Square in the central city, Spotlight Mall in Sydenham and Sanitarium in Papanui.

    Civil Defence Advice

    People in the affected area should:
    • Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.
    • Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping injured or trapped persons.
    • Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
    • Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
    • Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
    • Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.
    • Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them. Government: Help Available To Christchurch People

    Assistance for Cantabrians is available now and all possible help will be offered to those in need says Social Development Minister.

    “The situation is changing, but currently there are two welfare centres which are operating, at Hagley Park and at Burnside High School,” says Ms Bennett.

    “More welfare centres will open as soon as buildings are declared safe to use,” says Ms Bennett.

    “The advice is to stay at home if people can and to check on their neighbours and if they need any help or advice, call the Government helpline,” says Ms Bennett.

    The 0800 779997 helpline will operate 24 hours, providing information, advice and transferring calls through to other appropriate agencies. More>>


    More Information For Assistance:

    Please restrict phone use to emergency calls THROUGHOUT NZ.

    More>>

    Scoop reports, multimedia and web coverage links:

    Quake Info:

    Christchurch Organisations and More Infrastructure Info:

    NZ Response:

    International Response:

    See also September 2010 Christchurch Earthquake Coverage

    ********

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