Earthquake Survivors Afternoon Tea

 

There has been a good response from survivors of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake who have been invited to a special afternoon tea commemoration on Sunday 14 February. 

There will be around 200 guests and their companions at this event.

The afternoon tea went into recess last year and a new organising team from Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Art Deco Trust, Napier Boys’ High School, NZ Red Cross and The Tennyson stepped in ensure the event continued.

Any earthquake survivors who have moved home recently or otherwise missed getting their invitation should contact the Mayor of Napier’s office.

“The event is to honour these survivors and their memories of the event and people affected, and give them a chance to catch up with others who went through this dreadful event,” said Cr Kathie Furlong of Napier City Council.

The event is being hosted by Napier Boys’ High School at their Henderson Hall on Chambers St and some of the students will help with the preparation of the afternoon tea.

Cr Furlong says that the Mayor’s cake will be cut by the oldest survivor with the Mayor of Napier, Barbara Arnott, and there will be musical items from the era to enjoy.  New Zealand Red Cross are also supporting the event by providing name badges for attendees to wear based on a replica of the Red Cross evacuee tags used in the 1931 earthquake.  They will also be assisting people to complete the guest book on the day.

“It is truly a community event and we have been thrilled with the generosity of many organisations and businesses who are contributing to make this a special afternoon for our special senior citizens.”