Construction now underway at interment site

Construction of the interment site for the unidentified victims of the 22 February earthquake began at Avonhead Cemetery today.

To mark the event, at 8.00 am this morning representatives of Ngāi Tahu blessed the workers involved in the site’s construction.

Mayor Bob Parker says the beginning of construction for the interment site is of great emotional significance for the victims’ families, and represents a symbolic step forward in the grieving process for the Christchurch community.

“This is an important, emotional development for the victims’ families and our wider Christchurch community,” he says.

“So many of us have a connection of some kind with those tragically lost in February’s earthquake, whether it was someone we knew, a friend of a friend or a relative. This special interment site will provide a place for everyone, in their own time, to remember those lost and reach a sense of peace as we move together through the grieving process.”

Construction of the interment site is due to be completed in December 2011, after which the site will be open to the public.

Note: This interment site is for the unidentified victims of the 22 February earthquake and is not to be confused with the Canterbury Earthquake memorial as mentioned in the Central City Plan.