Christchurch Earthquake Commemoration
On Friday, March 18, Canterbury residents will stop and take time out to commemorate the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.
We will take time to reflect on the impact of the earthquake on our province, on victim’s families, and on the survivors. We can also reflect on the work of the thousands of volunteers and professionals who have helped those immediately affected through the various emergency and welfare agencies.
While a national memorial service will be held in Christchurch to mark the earthquake and its impact, services will also be held in Ashburton (at 9.30am) and Timaru (at 12 noon).
A provincial holiday has been created so that everyone in Canterbury can attend a memorial service if they want to.
This is a day to mourn the loss of life. It’s also a day to reflect on the significant damage that’s been caused to Christchurch. It’s also a day to reflect on the preciousness of life.
Thank You!
I would like to take a few moments in this column to thank all those who have helped with the huge effort of supporting those directly affected by the Christchurch earthquake.
Mid Canterbury residents have surpassed themselves!
Christchurch residents have been humbled by the generosity shown in the donations of food and goods, the provision of barbecue meals, the army of volunteers who have shovelled their way through tonnes of silt, those who have opened their homes and their wallets.
I would also like to publicly thank the welfare agencies, organisations and churches in Mid Canterbury who have led much of the initial response and are still offering comfort and care to those in need. My thanks also to the professional organisations, council and Government departments who have taken on extra workload and risen to the challenge such disasters bring.
Marine and Coastal Area Bill
The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill has passed its second reading in the House.
The Bill will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004. It restores the right of Maori to seek customary title through the Courts, while guaranteeing the rights of all New Zealanders in the marine and coastal area.
Debate on this Bill has confirmed that the status quo of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 was not an option. Every party which spoke in Parliament acknowledged that the law had failed, and had to be changed.
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill makes it clear that no-one owns the common marine and coastal area. The government looks after it for all New Zealanders, present and future. It is a common space, and will not be able to be sold off. It also restores the right of Maori to go to Court and seek recognition in the High Court of customary title where it has been exercised since 1840.
All New Zealanders have the right equally to walk, swim, fish, sail, dive, surf, picnic or play in it, just as they do now.
The Maori Affairs select committee had reported the Bill back to Parliament on 9 February 2011 after considering it for five months. The Bill’s second reading was initially delayed due to Parliament rising early following the Christchurch earthquake.