22 February 2012 commemorative events now confirmed

Christchurch City Council has confirmed the commemorative events which will mark the first anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake.

A Civic Memorial Service will be held at North Hagley Park from 12 noon until 1.30pm. The Christchurch Earthquake Awards will follow the Civic Memorial Service and will also be held at North Hagley Park.

Following the events in North Hagley Park it is expected that Christchurch residents will organise their own community events across the city.

Mayor Bob Parker is pleased that there is a strong community focus to the commemorative events.

"We experienced tremendous loss in 2011 and while it is important to remember those lost, we also need to look ahead to the future as a community. The public commemorative events will provide us with the opportunity to collectively reflect on the events of the past year.

"We have consulted with the community, service agencies and Central Government and believe that the public events will provide an opportunity for us to come together as a community.

“The Civic Memorial Service on Wednesday 22 February 2012 will have a strong community focus, including musical accompaniment for the service from Christchurch school children. We will then recognise our earthquake heroes during the presentation of the Christchurch Earthquake Awards event later that day.

“For those of us that are able to attend the Civic Memorial Service, we will observe two minutes’ silence from 12.51pm. I hope that all Christchurch residents who are at work or elsewhere in the city, and are unable to attend the service, will also observe two minutes’ of silence at this time to honour those lost.

Further details regarding the format of the events will be made available in February 2012.