Virtual Flash Mob aims to ‘Shake the Internet’ For Christchurch

Nelson, NZ 15 February 2016 – One million posts to ‘Shake The Net’ for Christchurch—that’s the goal hoped for by Get Behind It, for the virtual flash mob planned in remembrance of the fifth anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake.

For many, yesterday’s 5.7 magnitude quake in Christchurch was a traumatic flash back to the events 5 years ago when at 12.51 p.m. on 22 February 2011, a 6.3 earthquake rocked Christchurch and shook a nation. 185 lives were lost; thousands more were injured.

It was if the South Island had issued a challenge . . . and Kiwis performed a haka right back at her as they united to help and heal, rescue and restore. Strangers became saviours. Neighbours became superheroes. All saw just how fragile and fleeting life is and how in 2 minutes everything could change.

The Canterbury earthquakes and the last five years have been traumatic, stressful and life changing. Whilst Christchurch has regrouped and it’s community become stronger than ever, it’s streets, businesses and homes are still being rebuilt.

Get Behind It’s ‘Shake The Net’ for Christchurch campaign on 22 February 2016 wants to literally ‘shake’ up the internet in honor of this great city.

The campaign is sponsored by Becky Siame, founder of Get Behind It, a social media story amplifier tool.

For the last 5 years, cantabrians have been resilient in the face of every shake that has wreaked havoc on that beautiful part of our country. Now it’s time for NZ’ers all over the world to rise up and ‘Shake back’ in support of them!

“After yesterday’s quake, there’s been growing surge of support and concern flooding in to Christchurch from Kiwi’s around NZ, and the rest of the world.” Siame says, “A virtual flash mob is a unique way for Kiwi’s to stand together in this and synchronise their efforts. We are not asking for money, just a small action of support that will take less than the two minutes it took for the earthquake to devastate NZ. But this small action, when made by a large number of Kiwi’s, will have a massive impact, reverberating throughout the Internet and the rest of the world.” Siame laughs, “We are not expecting to break the net like Kim Kardashian’s butt. However, we can certainly ‘Shake The Net’, together, as a nation that stands up for the things we care about.”

The message Get Behind It wants to be posted by one million Kiwis at exactly 12:51 p.m. on 22 Februaryis:

Remembering the fallen and their families at 12:51pm, 22 Feb ’11. Kia Kaha Christchurch! We will not forget!

How it works is simple.

“Supporters donate space on their social media walls (Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr) to share an important one-time message. Which is sent out en masse on their news feeds at a specific time by our technology. The goal is to get a hashtag to trend quickly.”

“When we say something together, our voices are louder and the synergy of our actions more powerful. If all NZ spoke on social media at the same time, what would be the impact on the rest of the world?” Siame says.

Siame also joins the movement started in 2012 by Henry Sunderland encouraging Kiwis to remember Christchurch by placing flowers in traffic cones. “I was moved to do an online variation of this concept. So along with the message a photo of the iconic flowers in road cones will also be posted. And on Feb 22nd that same message and image will be blasted throughout all of NZ and the world, potentially reaching billions of people all around the world.”

People who want to join the ‘Shake The Net For Christchurch’ campaign can go to getbehindit.nz/christchurch. It takes less than a minute to pledge their support.

For further information or to start a campaign, go to getbehindit.nz. The service is free.

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