Magnitude 7.1 & 6.3 - Earthquake Book Available on Kindle

Magnitude 7.1 & 6.3 is now available in Kindle format for only $4.99. The book is a compilation of people's experiences of the ongoing earthquakes and aftershocks in Christchurch and Canterbury. The stories reveal the level of trauma and fear that children and adults felt - but also reflect hope and resilience. There are even a couple of humorous stories such as the one where a lady was having her hair coloured in a salon when the February 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck. She reported t ...

HOPES THAT WINNING GOLD WILL CEMENT NEW MARKETS FOR CHCH BUSINESS

The Deconsecration of Earthquake-Damaged Christchurch Cathedral

Christchurch Public Transport, Now & Into the future...

I've been thinking about writing an article for the Rebuild Christchurch site for a while now about public transport issues since the February 22nd earthquake... I'm hoping not to come across as a whinging ungrateful resident when people out there are in damaged houses and here I am complaining about a few buses.

Audiovisual interlude

For your viewing/reading/listening pleasure...

TVNZ7's Media7 programme was shot on location in Chch recently... to view. It includes a look at the , being led/compiled by UC.

Some other CEISMIC linkys:
Video and audio from the - the CEISMIC project is the last on the page

You can share your stories of the quake, or read other people's accounts, on the site.

, via the UC College of Arts

I'll be working on one of the CEISMIC projects - the Quake Box - ...

The Christchurch Quake Long Term Effects

Red Zone Bus Tours in Christchurch 2011

Saturday 5th November 2011 was the day that Christchurch residents finally had the opportunity to see the earthquake-damaged centre of their city. This was through the Red Zone bus tours organised by Cera. The bus tours will be operating over weekends with buses running every ten minutes. A gold coin donation is requested and passengers are made aware that they are entering a dangerous area and further aftershocks and building collapse could result in their death.

Over 7000 people booked ...

Benefits of Chain Wire Fencing

Christchurch Quake Affected Businesses Unite!

CANTERBURY BUSINESSES RECEIVE HALF MILLION DOLLAR BOOST

Dude looks like a lady

I've always maintained that there's a song for everything, for every moment, and I often use them in my uni essay titles. Among others, I've used song and album titles from the likes of (There is no depression in New Zealand), (Never mind the bollocks), and (All shook up). I have an article (soon to be published), about the pop music played at the 2007 Netball World Championships, that quotes the Andy Williams song, 'Music to watch girls by' in its title.

Today's song is appropriate fo ...

Watch Out! No Shops - Lots of Stock!

Take the time to catch up with your favourite Christchurch Central City jewellery and watch retailers at

This is not our dream home

One of our favourite TV shows is , and it's nice to see that host Kevin McCloud has taken an interest in our broken city (Campbell Live , ). We've always enjoyed his take on the building process, especially his little asides to the camera during which he questions the sanity of the people involved, and the likelihood of the project being completed on time or under budget.

And it always seems that, no matter how long the delays or how big the cost overrun is, the house and its completion a ...

Wondering where to hold your Christmas function after the quake?

Ballantynes Reopens in Christchurch

Ballantynes has been closed since the 22nd February earthquake in Christchurch. It reopened on the 29th October along with the temporary stores on Cashel Mall. Shoppers were ecstatic to be back in the store and were given a warm welcome with free samples, cupcakes and live music. for more details.

Cashel Mall Reopens in Earthquake-Damaged Christchurch

On Saturday 29th October, Cashel Mall reopened to the public. Approximately 10,000 queued for the opening and there was great excitement when Prime Minister John Key cut the ribbon. to read more about the temporary shops housed in containers and the grand reopening of Ballantynes.









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Divine Cafe Reflections on the Canterbury Earthquakes

Divine Cafe Reflections – The Canterbury Quake 28 January 2011 – 3:02pm This reflection was written in Divine Cafe less than a month prior to the deadly Christchurch earthquake and collapse of the nearby CTV Building on 22 February 2011 where 115 people lost their lives. As you can see from the photo, it is [...]

Of bricks and daughters

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately... it's pretty much expected when you're a student, I suppose. But it's not always scholarly thoughts that swirl around the brain, sometimes it's that awful, unanswerable question: "what if?"

It was my mother's 60th birthday on the weekend, a birthday she may not have seen had the fickle finger of fate been pointing in her direction on February 22 this year. Walking along Colombo Street that day, my mother and her colleague were both incredibly luc ...

Turkey Earthquake Impacts on Cantabrians

Following on from my article on post traumatic stress disorder a few days ago, I know that the news of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the city of Van, Eastern Turkey, is going to impact upon the survivors of the Christchurch Earthquake.

Powerful Earthquake Hits Eastern Turkey

A powerful 7.2 magnitude hit eastern Turkey at 11:42pm NZT, 23 October 2011. It was 5kms deep. More than 1,000 people are feared dead. My heart goes out to the people of the city of Van, eastern Turkey. After our 7.1 magnitude earthquake on 4 September 2010, followed by the deathly 6.3 magnitude on 22 [...]

JUMP START THE HEART – A VILLAGE IN THE RED ZONE

From behind the chain link fence at the Bridge of Remembrance, I couldn’t tell  what was happening exactly on Cashel Street. That was all about to change. I suited up in a hardhat and high visibility vest, had my red zone pass in hand and gave my name at the check-in point on Oxford Terrace.

Hundreds flock back into city for fashion event

More than 200 people are converging on Victoria Street tonight as local businesses join together to draw people back into central Christchurch.

Canterbury Quakes: A Mass Trauma Event

Canterbury Quakes, Mass Trauma and PTSD

Christchurch Quake: A Mass Trauma Event Do you have Post Trauma Stress Disorder from the Canterbury Quake? Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional; this article is based on research from mental health sources and my own personal experiences of Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Canterbury Quakes. I first knowingly came into contact [...]

Pass the lemonade

You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Or in this case, when earthquakes close all the venues and break the recording studios, turn those streetside jam sessions into a full-length fundraising album recorded in harbourside homes and garden sheds. (yeah I know, not quite so catchy eh!) The seismically-inspired juggernaut that is the Harbour Union has been up and down the country over the last few weeks, with a tour that kicked off at The Aurora Centre here in C- ...

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

We learn new things every day round here, and they're not always earthquake-related. I was on a quest the other day to understand a phobia I appear to have developed over the last 12 months... my instinctive, gut-level fear and mistrust of brick as a building material.

Builder Idol

Over this whole process, there have been many times we've had occasion to think, 'there but for the grace of <insert deity here> go I'...

In January, I wandered through a couple of open homes - inner city apartments  - that turned out to be poky, overpriced and lacking in natural light, but darn they were cute! They don't look quite so cute now... I've seen some pictures on the news and they don't look nearly so purty as they used to. Not nearly so intact eit ...

Community songbook

Sunday marked one whole year since this seismic shittery began disrupting our lives. As it was a year ago, the day was warm and sunny... although the objects at ground level don't always look the same as they did then.

Once upon a time, this was a grandstand at Addington Raceway...

The raceway is across the carpark from the CBS Arena, where I was working that evening for "" - an Arts Festival event that took place on September 4th. A crowd of over 3000 gathered to bat ...

Getting all scientifical

I've been collecting a few interesting links lately, and it hardly seems fair to keep them all to myself. Today's collection is largely focused on the ground beneath our feet. Of course, it could just be me (& most other locals) with a fascination for geotechnical & other scientific information...

Christchurch has become a magnet for seismologists, geoscientists and other curious earthy science folk. I'm not sure we should let Kevin Furlong back into the country though ...

TR97 - Community Arts Theatre

Please check out our link for Town Reserve 97 - Community Arts Theatre.

Fundraiser for Canterbury Business Recover Trust Fund

Counting up and down

For an Arts student, my life has been filled with a disproportionate amount of numbers lately. I think the only thing I haven't been counting is sheep...

In the last week I've given two presentations, one of which was filled with numbers... but I suppose, given it's a survey project, that's not exactly surprising.
Here's a graph I found in my collection, and used on the opening slide:
It's quite an early one, from September 9, 2010. Remember those days? When 395 seismic shakes seeme ...

Counting up and down

For an Arts student, my life has been filled with a disproportionate amount of numbers lately. I think the only thing I haven't been counting is sheep...

In the last week I've given two presentations, one of which was filled with numbers... but I suppose, given it's a survey project, that's not exactly surprising.
Here's a graph I found in my collection, and used on the opening slide:
It's quite an early one, from September 9, 2010. Remember those days? When 395 seismic shakes seeme ...

The Christchurch Swamp

How To Survive In The Christchurch Swamp Back in the “Old Days” (you know when they were… Pre the 7.1M Canterbury Earthquake)… I used to borrow a saying from Kermit the Frog when things felt like they were getting a little tough… “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” Well, a few weekends ago, I attended a [...]

Large 5.5 Aftershock Rattles Christchurch on 9th October

Red Zone Residents

Dear Red Zone Resident.

REDUCE, REUSE, RETHREADS

Through an unassuming door on an unassuming street in central Christchurch, a Guerrilla movement is underway. A zero waste movement to revolutionise how people approach streetwear.

I don't like Mondays

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.

Or so it seems round here these days... I'm still not used to being able to smell the water as I raise my glass - it's just not right! Our water used to be so nice once upon a time, a long, long time ago, in some fairy story called 'normal life'. Now it's tainted, treated with smelly but necessary chemicals, just in case.

And it was strange, yesterday, to read of the water restrictions that are to start this weekend. Strange, becaus ...

I don't like Mondays

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.

Or so it seems round here these days... I'm still not used to being able to smell the water as I raise my glass - it's just not right! Our water used to be so nice once upon a time, a long, long time ago, in some fairy story called 'normal life'. Now it's tainted, treated with smelly but necessary chemicals, just in case.

And it was strange, yesterday, to read of the water restrictions that are to start this weekend. Strange, becaus ...

Made In Christchurch - Supporting Your Business

was established to put businesses back in contact with their customers after the Feb 22nd Canterbury earthquake. With over 800 businesses registered at our site we will increase our efforts to support Christchurch businesses.

Latest Facts about Christchurch's Damaged Infrastructure

On the 28th September, Cera released a report about the extent of damage to Christchurch roads, water systems, power and buildings. This included mention of 600 kilometres of damaged roads and removal of 500,000 tons of silt. for more details.

University of Canterbury Community Open Day

Join UC staff and students on Saturday 1 October as the university throws open its doors and welcomes alumni, friends and the community onto campus.

Quake survey closing soon

Thanks to everyone who has taken the media & communications survey - over 370 people so far!

Pass the lemonade

You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Or in this case, when earthquakes close all the venues and break the recording studios, turn those streetside jam sessions into a full-length fundraising album recorded in harbourside homes and garden sheds. (yeah I know, not quite so catchy eh!) The seismically-inspired juggernaut that is the Harbour Union has been up and down the country over the last few weeks, with a tour that kicked off at The Aurora Centre here in C- ...

A HOUSE THAT DOESN'T NEED INSURANCE

Surely with all of our expertise on engineering and materials we can build a house that doesn't need insurance. It would need to be:

A WAY FORWARD - GREEN ZONE REBUILDS

A WAY FORWARD

Chimney replacement done incorrectly could burn down your house

Anyone who had a chimney damaged in the earthquakes need to check their chimneys have been safely replaced after any damage before they light their fires. I was quoting for a Chim-Lite replacement chimney to replace a chimney in Halswell. It was a cold night and the metal flue that had been inside the fallen brick chimney had been well waterproofed with silicone, lead and cement board. The person who did it was very well meaning and probably told the owner not to use the fire but other people us ...

Cooperative Sections

Earthquake condemned curtains recycled

$100,000 worth of good quality curtains from an earthquake condemned retirement home have been salvaged by a Christchurch charity with volunteer help from a Christchurch business. The curtains will be distributed to low income households.

Staff from Christchurch business Arc Innovations took time out from making smart meters and donated their time to remove the curtains which will be distributed to needy families through local charity Community Energy Action Charitable Trust.< ...

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

We learn new things every day round here, and they're not always earthquake-related. I was on a quest the other day to understand a phobia I appear to have developed over the last 12 months... my instinctive, gut-level fear and mistrust of brick as a building material.

While I was idly perusing the lists of phobias, I came across the word 'hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' which, apparently, is the fear of long words. I kid you not - you can . I bet the person who coined that one is q ...

Help Christchurch Quake Survivors

Please Help Christchurch Quake Survivor Give Children Reason To Smile “There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.” – Unknown The Christchurch Quake has impacted heavily upon the lives of everyone in Christchurch and outlying regions. For many survivors, we have been [...]

Builder Idol

Over this whole process, there have been many times we've had occasion to think, 'there but for the grace of <insert deity here> go I'...

In January, I wandered through a couple of open homes - inner city apartments  - that turned out to be poky, overpriced and lacking in natural light, but darn they were cute! They don't look quite so cute now... I've seen some pictures on the news and they don't look nearly so purty as they used to. Not nearly so intact either...
I haven't ...

Quake survey - media use & communication

There are many questions that need to be asked about how our lives have been disrupted over the last 12 months, and no doubt there will be plenty of academics & researchers (just like me) who want to analyse the answers. So what do I want to know? Or perhaps more importantly - what did you want to know?

This survey aims to find out how Canterbury people (aged 18+) have used/accessed the media and different methods of communication at various t ...

Christchurch Earthquakes Trigger Volcanoes

Ok, before I start a mass exodus, when I say that the Christchurch Earthquakes Trigger Volcanoes, I’m talking about emotional volcanoes. I know I’m not alone in having unexpected, explosive, volcanic-like reactions, sometimes to the smallest trigger. As I connect with people, or lurk on Facebook, I see comment after comment coming out where people [...]

Quake Brain Recovery Tips

I don’t know about you, but Quake Brain is still something that is impacting on my life and the lives of others. I’ve suffered from it for over a year now. In particular, since February 22, I haven’t been thinking clearly. I have moved past the survival mode, but sometimes I wonder if the “flight not fight” decisions I have been making have been the right ones.

Since I returned to Christchurch after my latest escape, I’ve had many friends, f ...

Christchurch Earthquake Recovery: Overcoming Quake Brain

Is Quake Brain a symptom of the Christchurch Earthquake? The first Christchurch earthquake was over a year ago, and I don’t know about you, but Quake Brain is still something that is impacting on my life and the lives of others. I’ve suffered from it since the beginning, but it’s got worse after February 22. [...]

City Mission needs a Food Store Warehouse

Affordable Log Home Building

Ever thought about building a house with Logs or big timbers. Not only are log homes friendly to the environment they are also a solid construction. Able to withstand the forces of nature and man made.

Rinse and repeat

It's been a bit like deja-vu all over again round here lately...

In a carbon copy of July's snowstorm, we were inundated once again with massive amounts of the white stuff. Just like July it arrived on the Sunday night and carpeted the city once more in a massive white duvet (that's a doona for you Aussies). There didn't seem to be quite so many snowfolk this time around, but there were plenty of people who put in the effort, with some impressive results.
Some great sno ...

On the telephone line

I normally only work mornings, but this month I have an extra time commitment which has required me to shuffle my schedule around a bit. As a result, this Friday was my first full day in a while, and all of it spent on the phones taking incoming calls.