The day New Zealand came to Christchurch

A big Shout Out to Television New Zealand!


It could be said that never before has Cathedral Square been so crowded. A lot of people go for the New Year concert but this was standing room only, shoulder to shoulder – packed.

TVNZ made the decision to move the Auckland based morning show “Breakfast” to Christchurch for Breakfast for Canterbury on 24 Sep. – a way to show solidarity with and give strength to those devastated by the Sep. 4 quake.

Both our sons (T2 and T1) were keen to go and so we headed off just after 6.30am. We entered an already crowded Square to which only more bodies were added. The area in front of the Cathedral was given over to the TVNZ programme and Paul Henry, broadcasting personality of the year this year, Pippa Wetzel, Tamati Coffey and Corin Dan lead a plethora of personaities including The Wizard, Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadder, and members of the Canterbury Rugby Team etc. etc. During the add breaks we were entertained by such local acts as Stella, Kids of 88 and The Feelers. It was good.

Also present were Prime Minister John Key, earthquake reconstruction minister Gerry Brownlee and Mayor Bob Parker. At one stage they and 2 others were in the middle of the set talking away animatedly, don’t know what they were talking about but it did add to the whole feel good atmosphere.

And just the fact that the whole of New Zealand had come to Canterbury this day was indeed something special was evident in the intense yet jovial, excited yet serious feeling enveloping the crowd. While the odd bunch of school girls added some colour in their own way there was not an over supply of exultation in the crowd. More than anything, everyone was pleased to have something so special to take their minds off the reality and they were happy that New Zealand had come to Christchurch for 3 hours. Thank you TVNZ.


What makes New Zealand such a great place? Read this and find out.


We went to the Square, T1 on his bike and Naomi, Jeff and T2 went on foot. We got close to the front and while I could see, T2 was stuck in his 130cm low hole, surrounded by adult bums and backs. But he was keen to get to the front to do something to be able to say “I was there.” He did get an autograph card and managed to get several signatures but other than that spent most of the time reading clothing labels. Today was the last day of the school term and so we couldn’t wait round till the end at 9 and so started to head home when T2 said, “lets go backstage.” Reluctantly I said, “OK,” and we walked past patrolling police officers to the barriers. What we found was Prime Minister John Key reading an official looking briefing paper – no doubt about Canterbury reconstruction! Took a couple of photos of our boss hard at work but then he put it down and wandered over to where we were.

After talking to another person John was right in front of us and so I asked can we get a photograph?” “Sure,” said John and I got out the camera, “is that the new iphone4,” asked John and I replied “yes.” He asked me how it was and I think I may have said something like that it was bloody good! We took the photo, shook his hand and I thanked him for coming down here today and for all the help he was giving Canterbury. T2 then found a local act, Kids of 88 that had played live and is making a name for themselves and got a photo with them – he was just so happy.

It is this kind of spontaneity – being able to meet, chat with and take a photo with the Prime Minister or a Popstar that sums up how great life is in New Zealand. And no matter how much the earth moves, it can’t take this away from us.

Christchurch photos after earthquake week 2

Photos from post quake Christchurch. See our previous blogs for news about how Christchurch is well on the road to recovery!


CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is open for business.


A lot has happened recently, destruction and reconstruction, here’s some of it in photos;


We lost our beloved Canterbury Cheesemongers, our hearts go out to Martin and Sarah (we hope they find a new shop soon) and all the other small businesses which have been forced out of business after the quake.

On day 6 the punting resumed and then on day 7 the Tram was running and playing chess in the Square was possible.

On a positive note, we were in Cathedral Square to see the Rugby World Cup 2011 countdown clock go 52 Weeks 0 Days 0 Hours 0 Minutes. One year to GO!

Road closures round the city made the city eerily quiet and deserted, and we feel for the business owners who are on the wrong side of the barriers.

It is still not certain if the MLC building, the tallest building in Christchurch when built in 1906 and a true beauty of a structure, will be saved.

When I was out and about, then cordons were relaxed close to 6pm and I was able to photograph the start of TVNZ news on Friday 10 September.

To make the city safe, cleanup continued into the darker hours of the evening.

Amongst all the despair, some parts of the city just kept on being Christchurch and the blooms of the season added colour and beauty.

The unfortunate demolition of buildings means that photos can be taken from previously unseen angles. This was the Asko Furniture building on the corner of Victoria and Salisbury Sts. And also the site of Canterbury Cheesemongers.

The Arts Centre received damage that will take years and millions of dollars to repair and while is currently being patched up, parts of it are still operating including the cafes, restaurants and the Court Theatre!

And remember there is always time to walk to the Botanical Gardens to get some quality time!

2 Weeks After the Quake in Christchurch

We welcome you to read both this and previous blogs about the Canterbury earthquake and how are well on the road to recovery!


CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is open for business.




In 2 days it will be 2 weeks since Christchurch shook violently at 4.35am on 4 September. A lot has changed in these 2 weeks and they are still changing – evident by the sporadic aftershocks as the ground settles into its new shape.


We experienced the disaster first hand, dealt with it and soon realised that while damage was widespread, it was not the end of Christchurch as a beautiful city. Unfortunately international media reported that our city was in ruins – images of the one building that caught on fire when electricity was turned back on went around the world mainly because PM John Key and the media were touring the area when it happened! The camera operator could have at least panned to either the left or right and shown undamaged buildings as well!


In reality, there was a travel advisory for the first week and a State of Emergency was in place, but we were certainly not going the way of Pompei!


Starting off on the back foot and then getting kicked while we were down meant we had to try hard to get our message out that Christchurch was still open for business – and tourism and that meant for a busy week. We got info onto our web site straight away guiding people to our blog which inturn led to Twitter and Facebook. We then blogged, Tweeted and Facebooked the week away, getting a balanced message out to those who wanted some info apart from the mainstream media. We cannot ascertain how much effect all our efforts had but we are pleased to be able to say that accommodation cancellations were limited and have now stopped – thanks for having faith in us and Christchurch! We have also been pleasantly surprised by the number of messages we have received from people commenting positively on what we have been doing.


So how is Christchurch now – physically it’s a lot better than last week but politically things are heating up. The adrenalin and focus on getting through the first week has now given way to some stark realities as communities and individuals try to work out how to get back to normal and come to the realisation of just how long it may take. We also have a Mayoral and City Council election coming up so there is many a matrix operating there! For Christchurch residents in some parts of the city reconstruction is going to be a long term reality.


As for tourism, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism said last week that 98% of our areas tourism activities / attractions etc. were operating normally. Not really sure what makes up the 2% that aren’t but clearly some of the Arts Centre is contributing. While largely visually intact, parts will need intensive TLC over the next year or so to return it to its former glory. Probably one of the hardest hit sectors has been the restaurant industry. Many restaurants, including close by South of The Border, Himalayas and Café Valentino remain closed. See here for a full and up to date list of what is happening to your favourite eating places. But the overwhelming message is that Christchurch is still a great place to visit and it is open for business.


The State of Emergency has been lifted as of 12 noon, not that it will make any real difference to our lives, mainly an administrative issue. But still, it is probably easier to make a decision to visit a city if it does not have such a State of Emergency!


Things are looking up in Christchurch. Victoria Street, which lost a lot of its older buildings, reopened yesterday and means traffic will now flow smoother. Other parts of the central city are being tidied up and there are now few areas off limits. In reality, there are large parts of the city where it is difficult to tell there has been such an earthquake.


Christchurch is very much alive! We say to everyone far and wide, come and visit Christchurch, people are the life blood of a city and you need to be a part of it!

Twitter www.twitter.com/CentrePntMotel

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CentrePointonColomboMotel

Christchurch city after quake - Day 8

"We urge everyone to not cancel your plans to visit Christchurch. Please come to the Garden City as planned, we’d love to see you all here."

This is a standard reply to everyone, thanks for taking the time to read it.Thankfully our family is safe, and the Motel did not sustain any damage.


CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is fully operational.


Over the last week, we have told it, in both words and pictures how it has been. Some parts of Christchurch were a mess, and some places still are, but it’s getting better fast.


We urge everyone to not cancel your plans to visit Christchurch. Please come to the Garden City as planned, we’d love to see you all here.


Many people who have stayed with us before or booked to stay at CentrePoint on Colombo Motel in the coming weeks and months have emailed us with kind messages of support and encouragement and we thank you all for your kind thoughts.


The Christchurch and Canterbury region was rocked by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake at 4.35am on 4 September. 8 days have now passed and sitting in the motel office I can feel the aftershocks but if standing up and doing something they pass unnoticed! Not to say that they are all gone, we are still being told to be careful. These aftershocks have been unsettling to most Cantabrians but they are an ironic reminder of our 19 years in Japan. We rock ‘n rolled there a lot!


Friday evening (10 Sep.) most of the cordons were lifted although there were very few people at the bars etc. in SOL Square and Lichfield Lanes. But there are reports that most retailers are trading today (12 Sep.) and people are there - the city is pretty much open for business!


Also on Friday, the Tram started operating and so now 98% of tourist activities / attractions / accommodation are well and truly operating normally. Sorry, don’t ask me about the 2% that are not!


City wide transport is operating, Civil Defense is out of the Art Gallery and it will reopen Monday. Supermarkets are all open and there will only be a few schools not opening Monday. Our beautiful Arts Centre needs a little TLC before re-opening and the inside of the Cathedral is off limits for now – they held today’s service outside in the Square. And my municipal gym is not open yet!


There are still a few roads closed, Kilmore St. between Manchester and Colombo and the Manchester / Hereford intersection and there will be a few delays as a few more buildings get tidied up.


So how is Christchurch? Close to the Motel, the older buildings have been seriously damaged and some of our favorite restaurants within 2 minutes walk will unfortunately not be reopening for some time. Apart from that, roads are undamaged and there are very few signs of the disaster we experienced. The central city area has isolated pockets of damage. Some buildings have been damaged and are being demolished but others are fine. Ironically, some of the really old and dilapidated stuff is still there!! Parts of the eastern side of the city, closer to the coast and near the rivers (mainly residential) did not fare as well. This is where some of the most serious damage, often caused by liquefaction, occurred. Many roads, power poles, houses, lawns and footpaths are in need of a lot of repair. Initial estimates are that 100,000 houses have been damaged in the quake and this statement is one way of summing up the situation. Christchurch is not in ruins, rather the damage here and there over almost the entire city and probably no-one is unaffected. Even for us, the residential part of the motel (where we live) received cosmetic damage when a neighbouring chimney fell across the boundary.


I have been out and about (yes I did leave the motel site!) and can say that while some of what can be seen is truly heartbreaking, there are also large areas of the city where it is very hard to tell there has been a large earthquake


So what do we say? Come to Christchurch as you were planning. We are getting better and better everyday and by the time you get here the main parts of the city should be back to normal. Us Cantabrians are a resilient lot and bounce back pretty good!


This will be the last daily info-blog but we will provide more information to you over the coming days as Christchurch returns to normal by way of;

Twitter www.twitter.com/CentrePntMotel,


Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CentrePointonColomboMotel


Our motel blog http://centrepointoncolombomotel.blogspot.com/


and we welcome you to follow the Garden City’s progress.


Jeff and Naomi Peters

Christchurch city after quake - Day 6

Day 6 after the quake and another bicycle tour of central city Christchurch.



If you avoid looking at the damaged buildings and closed off parts of town, it looks and feels like Christchurch always has been – a beautiful place!


Lots more big news today.


It’s one year to the start of the Rugby World Cup 2011. Christchurch will be ready!

Yesterday some people asked about the Chalice, don’t worry, it is too much a part of Christchurch now to disappear! (light was not too good today)

Lone Star Steak House is a popular place and the work is already underway to return it to its former glory.

The Arts Centre, while earthquake strengthened, has unfortunately lost some parts off the top. We wish it well and a very speedy recovery!

Art Gallery – the Civil Defence HQ, and not one pane of glass broken!

Our City Otautahi, the first city council chambers also lost a little off the top but is still a proud member of our heritage buildings.

Punting – is operating from today!! And a visitor took the chance to enjoy a peaceful trip down the river!

And amongst such a horrible natural disaster, nature is showing its beautiful side as well - Magnolias are in full bloom in Christchurch there’s plenty more colour as well.

Christchurch, it’s beautiful!

Earthquake in Christchurch - Day 5 Wed 9th Sep 2010

Went into town again by bicycle to see how Christchurch is faring on day 5 Wednesday 8 September.



Lots of big news today.


Café Valentino, a great watering hole which did not look good after the quake, is being tidied up and maybe open for the weekend. Now that is good!

 Even Bigger news! Cathedral Square is open! Not many people there but it is official, the square is accessible and I was there.

In addition Colombo St. and most of the City Mall is open too. There are still some areas blocked off due to worries about the Westpac building but there are shops open, there are restaurants open. Christchurch is getting back to normal!

The IRD (tax department) building is behind the barriers too! I tried to take a photo but it didn’t save – too taxing on the camera maybe! If it is behind the barriers, can I avoid paying my taxes??


     .............

On the way home, there was work being done on the Wharetiki historic Edwardian house over the road from us. The Chimney had fallen through the roof and so needed a blue sheet to protect it from the elements.

Christchurch, you’re looking better everyday!

Earthquake in Christchurch - Day 5

I’ve just been for a bike ride around the central area and the reality in Christchurch today is that most of the CBD is OPEN for the first time including Cathedral Square, Colombo St. and some of the City Mall.....

Here is the message we have been sending out for Day 5.


Thankfully our family is safe, and the Motel did not sustain any damage.


CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is fully operational.


We believe that by telling it how it is, everyone will be happier about keeping your plans in place to visit Christchurch. To be truthful, not the best place to visit right now but we look forward to letting everyone know how our recovery progresses. Read our daily blog (see below) postings to see how the daily situation is changing.


Stay in touch, your support is greatly appreciated!


Many people who have stayed with us before or booked to stay at CentrePoint on Colombo Motel in the coming weeks and months have emailed us with kind messages of support and encouragement and we thank you all for your kind thoughts.


The Christchurch and Canterbury region was rocked by a strong Earthquake at 4.35am on 4 September. We are now becoming accustomed to our new reality and finding ways to cope with the aftershocks that are unevenly spread throughout the day.


Overnight from day 3 to 4 we were rock ‘n rolled by a number of large aftershocks and once again at around 8am of day 5 we were visited by yet another large aftershock. These are unsettling to most Cantabrians but they are an ironic reminder of our 19 years in Japan. We rock ‘n rolled there a lot!


We are now into day 5 and it is overcast and cooler than yesterday.


The State of Emergency was due to be lifted at 12noon today but after this mornings aftershocks, it has been extended by one week to 12 noon on 15 Sep. It may be reviewed and shortened if everything goes well. A State of Emergency allows the City Council extended powers to block off streets and evacuate people when necessary rather than indicate a terribly desperate situation. One reason for this extension is that all the buildings that had been checked in the last 4 days now have to be rechecked after today’s aftershock.


I’ve just been for a bike ride around the central area and the reality in Christchurch today is that most of the CBD is OPEN for the first time including Cathedral Square, Colombo St. and some of the City Mall. The City Mall is closed close to the corner of High & Cashel Sts. Due to problems with the Westpac building. The other main area that is cordoned off is the old warehouse area containing the popular SOL Square and Lichfield Lanes. City bus services are operating although some routes have changed a little due to the blocked off roads. Taxi and shuttle services are operating normally. The Art Gallery is the Civil Defense HQ. Most supermarkets and malls are back to normal and the more and more retail shops in the central city area are opening with each passing day. Some schools may open this week but others will stay closed till Monday next week. Public buildings are still pretty much closed.

Reading the previous paragraph, you could be excused for thinking it does not look good and it would be a normal reaction to say “I’m not going to Christchurch.” However, please remember that it is only day 5 and the situation will improve with time. Us Cantabrians are a resilient lot and bounce back pretty good!


We do look forward to welcoming you to Christchurch as per your original plans. By the time you get here the main parts of the city should be back to normal.


So how is Christchurch? The CBD is getting back to normal, some shops and restaurants are open. Close to the Motel, the older buildings have been seriously damaged and some of our favorite restaurants within 2 minutes walk will unfortunately not be reopening for some time. Apart from that, roads are undamaged and there are very few signs of the disaster we experienced. The eastern side of the city, closer to the coast and mainly residential did not fare as well. This is where some of the most serious damage occurred, often caused by liquefaction. Many roads, power poles, houses, lawns and footpaths are in need of a lot of repair. Initial estimates are that 100,000 houses have been damaged in the quake and this statement is one way of summing up the situation. Christchurch is not in ruins, rather the damage is evenly spread out over almost the entire city and probably no-one is unaffected. Even for us, the residential part of the motel (where we live) received cosmetic damage when a neighbouring chimney fell across the boundary.




We look forward to providing more information to you over the coming days as Christchurch returns to normal by way of Twitter www.twitter.com/CentrePntMotel and our motel blog page at http://centrepointoncolombomotel.blogspot.com/ and we welcome you to follow the Garden City’s progress.




Jeff and Naomi Peters

Earthquake in Christchurch - Day 4

Many people who have stayed with us before or booked to stay at CentrePoint on Colombo Motel in the coming weeks and months have emailed us with kind messages of support and encouragement and we thank you all for your kind thoughts.


The Christchurch and Canterbury region was rocked by a strong Earthquake at 4.35am on 4 September.

Overnight from day 3 to 4 we were rock ‘n rolled by a number of large aftershocks. These are unsettling to most Cantabrians and they do keep us awake but they are an ironic reminder of our 19 years in Japan. We rock ‘n rolled a lot there!

Many people who have stayed with us before or booked to stay at CentrePoint on Colombo Motel in the coming weeks and months have emailed us with kind messages of support and encouragement and we thank you all for your kind thoughts.


This is a standard reply to everyone, thanks for taking the time to read it.


Thankfully our family is safe, and the Motel did not sustain any damage.


CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is fully operational.


We are now into day 4 after a night of light rain which is to continue through the day. Christchurch City and the Canterbury region is becoming accustomed to our new reality and finding ways to cope with it and the aftershocks that are unevenly spread throughout the day.


The reality in Christchurch today is that the CBD is OPEN for the first time, although only those with a good reason (work etc.) will be let through the cordons. The cordon is now limited to the very central 2-3 blocks – it is at the corner of Gloucester and Colombo St. On this side of town. City bus services have started running today although a bit limited. Buses will be doing their best to cope with the cordon. Taxi and shuttle services are operating as usual but are busy due to the lack of buses. The Art Gallery is the Civil Defense HQ. Supermarkets and other retail shops began opening on Sunday afternoon and more are opening with each passing day. All schools and public buildings are planning to stay closed until Wednesday. The main aim for the disaster relief effort now is to restore electricity and water to as many areas as possible.


Reading the previous paragraph, you could be excused for thinking it does not look good and it would be a normal reaction to say “I’m not going to Christchurch.” However, please remember that it is only day 4 and the situation will improve with time. Us Cantabrians are a resilient lot and bounce back pretty good!


We do look forward to welcoming you to Christchurch as per your original plans. By the time you get here the main parts of the city should be back to normal.


So how is Christchurch? The CBD is somewhat closed for cleanup and so that is limiting for tourists, with a reason people can move in and out of the area, but all businesses, restaurants, bars attractions, etc. are closed. CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is about 700 metres from the barrier at the corner of Gloucester St. and Colombo St. The motel can be accessed easily and directly. Close to the Motel, the older buildings have been seriously damaged and some of our favorite restaurants within 2 minutes walk will unfortunately not be reopening for some time. Apart from that, roads are undamaged and there are very few signs of the disaster we experienced. The eastern side of the city, closer to the coast and mainly residential did not fare as well. This is where some of the most serious damage occurred, often caused by liquefaction. Many roads, power poles, houses, lawns and footpaths are in need of a lot of repair. Initial estimates are that 100,000 houses have been damaged in the quake and this statement is one way of summing up the situation. Christchurch is not in ruins, rather the damage is evenly spread out over almost the entire city and probably no-one is unaffected. Even for us, the residential part of the motel (where we live) received cosmetic damage when a neighbouring chimney fell across the boundary.


We look forward to providing more information to you over the coming days as Christchurch returns to normal by way of Twitter www.twitter.com/CentrePntMotel and our motel blog page at http://centrepointoncolombomotel.blogspot.com/ and we welcome you to follow the Garden City’s progress.


Jeff and Naomi Peters

Central city opens up after earthquake

Today, Tom and I headed into the Central City to see what was happening. We had heard that the cordons had been rolled back and that the sad demolition of our heritage was starting. Here’s where we went and what we saw.


1. Cnr Manchester and Gloucester This was the closest we could get to the MLC Building to get a final shot before we said goodbye to a beautiful structure. The news said it would be torn down today but earned a reprieve. The army boys are manning the road closures and everyone we talked to had a most cheerful disposition.

2. Cnr Worcester and Latimer Square From here Radio House, one of the tallest in Christchurch is clearly visible. It is considered unsafe at the moment but a final decision on its future is yet to be made.

3. Gloucester St. close to Colombo St. Here a condemmed building was being loaded onto trucks for its final journey. The changing face of the cityscape.

3. At the Bridge of Rememberance (undamaged) we met more of those who have joined the inner city fashion show – lots of fluorescent this year!

4. The Provincial Buildings have been strengthened and are as beautiful as ever in their splendour. Christchurch still shines!

 
 
6. Big trade off in central city area, it is more accessible but some main roads are blocked off for safety.
 

Earthquake in Christchurch - Day 3

The weekend is over.  It was good to see the milkman and the laundry man working as usual. 

Some people still don't have power and water.  The latest is that most bus services will start running tomorrow but the city centre is still pretty much closed down, although a few blocks less than yesterday.


Have attached a link to a good photo roundup – 6 of the photos were taken by us.


http://www.crashbang.co.nz/quake040910/index.html?ref=nf

Earthquake in Christchurch - Day 2

Below is the update we sent out to our future guests today who are wondering if we are still alive!!  The simple answer is, YES WE ARE.  The long answer is below!! 

The Christchurch and Canterbury region was rocked by a strong Earthquake at 4.35am on 4 September.



Many people who have booked to stay at CentrePoint on Colombo Motel in the coming weeks and months have emailed us with kind messages of support and encouragement and we thank you all for your kind thoughts.


This is a standard reply to everyone, thanks for taking the time to read it.


Thankfully our family is safe, and the Motel did not sustain any damage.


CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is fully operational.


We are now ½ way through day 2 and Christchurch City and the Canterbury region is becoming accustomed to our new reality and finding ways to cope with it. Aftershocks are unevenly spread throughout the day and this afternoon we are faced with gale force winds which will give way to rain and cold southerlies tomorrow.


The reality in Christchurch today is that the CBD is still closed, although residents and hotel guests are allowed in and out. All city bus services have been cancelled. Taxi and shuttle services are operating as usual but are busy due to the lack of buses. The Art Gallery is the Civil Defense HQ. Supermarkets and other retail shops began opening yesterday afternoon and more are opening for business today. Some schools are planning to stay closed tomorrow (Monday) to confirm building safety before allowing students to return. The main aim for the disaster relief effort today is to restore electricity and water to as many areas as possible and ready the CBD area for re-opening although the winds could delay the progress.


Reading the previous paragraph, you could be excused for thinking it does not look good and it would be a normal reaction to say “I’m not going to Christchurch.” However, please remember that it is only day 2 and the situation will improve with time. Us Cantabrians are a resilient lot and bounce back pretty good!


We do look forward to welcoming you to Christchurch as per your original plans. By the time you get here the main parts of the city should be back to normal.


So how is Christchurch? The CBD is closed for cleanup and so that is limiting for tourists, with a reason people can move in and out of the area, but all businesses, restaurants, bars attractions, etc. are closed. CentrePoint on Colombo Motel is about 200 metres from the barrier at the corner of Kilmore St. and Colombo St. The motel can be accessed easily and directly. Close to the Motel, the older buildings have been seriously damaged and some of our favorite restaurants within 2 minutes walk will unfortunately not be reopening for some time. Apart from that, roads are undamaged and there are very few signs of the disaster we experienced. The eastern side of the city, closer to the coast and mainly residential did not fare as well. This is where some of the most serious damage occurred, often caused by liquefaction. Many roads, power poles, houses, lawns and footpaths are in need of a lot of repair. Yesterday, Mayor Bob Parker stated that there is probably not one house that has not been damaged in the quake and this statement is one way of summing up the situation. Christchurch is not in ruins, rather the damage is evenly spread out over almost the entire city and probably no-one is unaffected. Even for us, the residential part of the motel (where we live) received cosmetic damage when a neighbouring chimney fell across the boundary.

We look forward to providing more information to you over the coming days as Christchurch returns to normal by way of Twitter www.twitter.com/CentrePntMotel and our motel blog page at http://centrepointoncolombomotel.blogspot.com/ and we welcome you to follow the Garden City’s progress.


Jeff and Naomi Peters

Earthquake in Christchurch

Whatta day!! As a wrap up to the last 19.5 hours or so, this is what we are sending out to past guests and others who have been contacting us

To be honest, we never thought this would happen in Christchurch. We lived somewhat in fear of a big one in Japan for 19 years and after being back here for 3 years we were greeted by a big one at 4.35am this morning.


To all those who have contacted us today and sent their kind thoughts, thank you.


Thankfully we are all safe, although tired after an early start and a somewhat stressful day.


I have waited until now to reply because it has been an unsettled day. Excuse me for sending a standard letter to everyone.


Awakened by the quake, I got out of bed and had time to check the 2 kids and tell them to hold on all while the quake was continuing. It was a very long shake. After the first shake we dressed, pulled on solid shoes and headed outside to make sure the guests were ok. Everyone was shaken but thankfully safe. We did not lose electricity, unlike much of the central city. The immediate area around our motel did not sustain serious damage from what we could see in the darkness and so we felt strangely safe although the aftershocks were a surprising reminder of the reality. These have been continuing throughout the day.


Once dawn arrived, I headed off with one of our sons into the central city area to see what had happened. What we saw was what you have seen through the media today. Truly shocking, beautiful parts of Christchurch are ruined and we have lost a lot of our heritage. Although, as is always the case, the damage was limited to older buildings. To make it more realistic to those who have stayed with us, the Mexican restaurant, South of the Border, the Indian Restaurant Himalayas and the Italian Restaurant Café Valentino have all sustained serious damage and will probably have to be demolished. The second story brick wall of the small Chinese restaurant collapsed and totally destroyed the shop next to it.


Next time you visit Christchurch, you will notice some dramatic changes in the cityscape.


Thankfully, the motel did not sustain any visible structural damage, a few items toppled and drawers opened but there is no serious damage. Later in the morning we did discover that the neighbouring house’s chimney had fallen over the fence and crashed into the guttering and wall of the motel residence. Marks on the wall indicated a brick had missed the lounge window by about 10cm. We won’t be confirming the extent of the damage till the aftershocks have well finished but the damage appears to be minimal.


We lost water supply for approximately 5 hours and were please to see it return around lunchtime.


We have had incoming guests cancel their reservations today but we have also had new guests who could not leave Christchurch, a common happening in times when people cannot move around. We have also had people arrive who want to get away from the inner city high rise hotels – saying it was very frightening on the upper floors.


That no-one was killed in Christchurch was a true blessing and it is a cruel oxymoron that we feel our hearts going out to the families of the 9 killed in a skydiving plane crash on the West Coast today.


Christchurch has seen a lot today, heritage buildings damaged in the city centre but also serious quake damage on the eastern side of the city. Liquefaction has dumped trailor size loads of sand etc. in gardens, power poles are 3/4 the height they used to be and one friend of a friend had water and sand pushing up through their bedroom floorboards during the quake. 2 billion is the estimated cleanup cost but that is bound to grow over the next few days.


Central Christchurch (from Kilmore St.) is closed tonight and a curfew is in place from 7pm to 7am. We hope that the city will sleep quietly tonite. Tomorrow we are faced with a forecast of gale force nor’west winds so the city will be on edge again.


Once again, thank you for your concern and kind thoughts.


Jeff, Naomi & family


For more up to date info, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CentrePntMotel