At 12:51pm a year ago today a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city.
The scale of the damage quickly became clear. Much of the centre of the city was unrecognisable and many residential areas, particularly in the East, were devastated. Search and rescue teams and memebrs of the public worked tirelessly in the days that followed to find survivors. The final toll was 185 dead and over 11,000 injured.
In the days, weeks and now months that followed the quake, Christchurch residents have had to come to terms with the fact that their city will never be the same again and New Zealand has had to deal with the loss and impact of a tragedy on this scale.
The earthquake has highlighted the very best of the Kiwi spirit - an outpouring of generosity from donations and fundraising to volunteers to clear mud and rubble; a community spirit that has provided support and comfort to those who need; and, a resilent spirit that will see Christchurch rebuilt and life go on. It will take many years, but a vibrant new Christchurch will emerge and go from strength to strength.
The earthquake happened only a few days after I arrived in New Zealand. I was fortunate to be safely away from the damage and danger in Wellington. The event has marked my year in many ways. I have worked on aspects of the recovery and renewal of education in the city. Over the year I have been to see the city several times and spoken to many people who live there now or were caught there during the quake. Through the efforts they have put in over the last year I have learnt much about what makes New Zealanders such a great people.
Today is a time to remember what happened at 12:51pm on Tuesday 22 February 2011.
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