Nick Smith - Nelson MP, Minister National Government

Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service

01 March 2011

1903 Square

Hon Dr Nick Smith MP NELSON

Can I thank Bishop Richard, Mayor Aldo and all of you for coming out this lunch hour so that we can together mourn the tragic loss of life last Tuesday, the worst ever in our South Island’s history. Togetherness is everything at such times.

We should acknowledge today all that links Nelson with Christchurch – our geography, our heritage, our families, our businesses, our sports and so many friendships. Their trauma is our trauma. Their loss is our loss. Their grief is our grief.

Today we should acknowledge the contribution our own citizens have made in the emergency effort this last week. We’ve had doctors, firemen, police, helicopter pilots, civil defence staff, water and wastewater engineers and nurses from Nelson all helping Christchurch in their desperate hour of need.

Today we should commit to continuing this effort.

I call on Nelsonians to help in any way they can. It might be opening our home to provide refuge for a Christchurch family. It might be in helping ensure the children and elderly who are relocated here are supported and comforted.

We need to appreciate the sort of stress the people of Christchurch are under with the loss of loved ones, broken homes, destroyed businesses and lost jobs. We should endeavour to help fill the gaps in their support services to help them recover.

Those of the cloth, to help heal broken hearts and souls.

Those who are builders, to help rebuild the homes.

Those who are engineers, to help replace their broken infrastructure.

Those who have the means, to donate to the Red Cross and other appeals.

Yes, this will involve over coming months some of our needs taking second place, but that is what we must do.

And I take this message on myself, knowing we Ministers and Government must also commit to doing all we can to help Christchurch recover. Today I am travelling to Christchurch as Minister of ACC and Environment to ensure those systems work in these extraordinary circumstances.

I also today acknowledge the significant loss of life amongst our international friends- Australians, Japanese, British, Chinese, Americans, Phillipinos and many others and to acknowledge the way they have so generously responded to New Zealand in our hour of need.

The last point I wish to make today as we reflect on the tragic events is to refocus on that which is important. As we go home tonight we should reflect on those who can’t cuddle their wives or husbands and can’t hug their children. Those who have lost Mothers, Fathers, Nana’s, Granddad’s, Sons and daughters.

Let us be thankful for all those daily blessings that we take for granted. Today, we reflect on how precious life is and on what binds us together as humanity.

Christchurch, Nelsons message to you today is Te kaha, be strong we stand with you.