************ Media Release ************

Hundreds March on CERA

Call for an Independent Advocacy Commission

On Saturday more than three hundred marched on CERA where they nailed an open letter to all New Zealanders to a “cross of many colours”.

Demonstrators brought their own crosses painted the colour of their zone – symbolising the burden of their land - and laid them at CERA’s doors.

The march started with a rally in Cranmer Square, where the crowd heard from representatives of the Green and Labour parties including a message of support from Labour leader Phil Goff. Other speakers represented communities in Christchurch and Kaiapoi.

Evan Smith, convenor of Riverside Community Group denounced the ‘Recovery’ as a “very bad joke! It has been a catalogue of disasters – not of mother nature’s making, but of bureaucratic bungling, mismanagement and backroom deals.“

Speakers called for an independent Advocacy Commission to work on behalf of individuals in their ‘David and Goliath’ battles with the “formidable corporate and government agencies”.

WeCan! spokesperson, Rev Mike Coleman, lead the march carrying the cross of many colours with the support of Darla Hutt, convenor of the orange zoned communities.

On the steps of CERA, Coleman read the letter to the crowd before nailing it to the cross. The letter opens with, “We would like you to know what is really happening for the people of Canterbury. What you have been led to believe is not the reality for thousands of Cantabrians.”

It then goes on to catalogue the ongoing “quake struggles” of Cantabrians and the “dishonesty” of the government and insurance companies before calling for an independent Advocacy Commission.

The letter ends with a plea to all New Zealanders. “Please New Zealand, hear this reality and get behind us. Support us. We are also doing this for you. We are paving the way in case you are struck by a disaster of this magnitude.“

ENDS

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