Local talent to feature at Civic Memorial Service

Local talent including the Linwood College Orchestra, the Christchurch Pops Choir and the Burnham-based New Zealand Army Band will perform at the Civic Memorial Service, to mark the first anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake, on Wednesday 22 February at North Hagley Park

Mayor Bob Parker is pleased with the strong community focus of the service. He says “The Civic Memorial Service is an opportunity for residents of Christchurch to get together and take some time to reflect on the events of the past 12 months. Performances by local music groups will reinforce that this is a service for the people of Christchurch by the people of Christchurch.”

Following a putatara (conch shell trumpet) sounding, manawhenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri will open the Civic Memorial Service at 12 noon with a mihi whakatau (official welcome).

The local focus of the service continues with Sam Johnson, founder of the Canterbury Student Volunteer Army, presenting a reading at the service. Sam says, “I am honoured to be a part of the service, and humbled to read on behalf of the thousands of Cantabrians whose volunteering and generosity has supported our communities through its darkest hour.”

Christchurch based first responders will read the names of the 185 lost on 22 February, prior to the observance of two minutes’ silence at 12.51pm.

Mayor Bob Parker says “An inspirational feature of the service will be the screening of ‘Voices of hope’, which is a collection of stories from the people of Christchurch who came forward to be filmed and share their feelings about the future of our city. It provides a snapshot of the positive attitude and hope that many in the community have about the future of our city.”

At the end of the service the Monarch Butterfly New Zealand Trust will release 185 Monarch butterflies as a mark of respect for those lost on 22 February 2011.

VIPs in attendance will include the Governor-General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, The Rt Hon John Key Prime Minister, Government Ministers, Mayor Bob Parker, Ngāi Tūāhuriri Kaumātua Henare Rakiihia Tau, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon, Anglican Bishop of Christchurch The Rt Revered Bishop Victoria Matthews, Catholic Bishop of Christchurch Bishop Barry Jones and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The Civic Memorial Service is the main public commemorative event and many Christchurch residents are expected to attend. To make travel around the city as easy as possible, the Council suggests residents take a bus, bike or walk to Hagley Park. For information about the bus timetable and route information visit www.metroinfo.co.nz There will be limited parking areas as well as taxi and drop-off places.

The Civic Memorial Service will go ahead rain or shine. More information on this page.