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New Zealand Earthquake Victims Obituary
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the country's second-largest city around lunchtime, collapsing buildings and sending bricks and other heavy debris toppling into busy city streets. It was the second major quake to strike Christchurch in the past five months.
Prime Minister John Key told reporters that the death toll was at least 65, and was expected to rise further.
Video footage showed some multi-storey buildings collapsed in on themselves, and others with walls that had collapsed into the streets, strewn with bricks and shattered concrete. Sidewalks and roads were cracked and split, and thousands of dazed, screaming and crying residents wandered through the streets as sirens blared. Groups of people helped victims clutching bleedings wounds, and others were carried to private vehicles in makeshift stretchers fashioned from rugs or bits of debris.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker declared a state of emergency and ordered people to evacuate the city center. Troops were deployed to help people get out and to throw up a security cordon around the stricken area, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English said.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
618 Entries
Yanggwa L ee
February 23, 2020
9yrs has passed since the earthquake hit in chch. How r u,chch?
Wish no more sad accident in nz...
Yuki Hamasaki at Queenstown 2010
Paula Buick
May 21, 2011
Missing beautiful Yuki Hamasaki ...23 year old student who perished in the CTV building --just a few days before her birthday. If only you had met your friend for lunch a little sooner darling... thanks for giving us an insight into all things Japanese.. one day we hope to visit your country and experience it for ourselves... Paula and Dave Buick, Darfield
garry harris
May 17, 2011
my heart goes out to all the families in christchurch who have lost
so much, may God be with you allas you rebuild your lives,
my thoughts are with u all.
How you can show support
Mitchell O'Connor
May 16, 2011
I was in the Christchurch Earthquake, And I loved the Cantabrian spirit that everyone had! And reading every ones messages touches my heart. Thank you all for such great support
bert paxton
May 6, 2011
my thoughts are with you all...
May 6, 2011
Our thoughts are with you all in beautiful Christchurch. May you rebuild & find happiness again in the near future. We pray that your city will be rebuilt in the same spirit of the Lord as it was originally built by our forefathers.
We have offered our home to those in need.
Thinking of you. Paul & Judy
Sarah Bray
May 5, 2011
My beautiful home will never be the same! I don't know if I'll ever find adequate words to express how I feel, it has taken this long to be able to write in this book & I still have tears in my eyes. I will always be proud to be a Kiwi...kia kaha
Gail Gamble
April 26, 2011
To New Zeland Earthquake Victims, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Be assured that whether you have lost a family member or a dear friend, you are not alone in your grief. The Bible assures us that "Our Heavenly Father is near to those that are broken at heart and those that are crushed in spirit he saves." Recalling happy memories of the times you had together will help you to keep smiles on your faces and joy in your hearts.
wales fepuleai
April 8, 2011
My prayers and thoughts for the families who lost their loved ones.
Having left NZ in 1977 & living in America I am shocked & saddened over this disaster.
God Bless
Wales Fepuleai California USA
Yvonne Watson
April 4, 2011
I currently reside in Australia but my DNA will always be in Aotearoa. Having lived in Christchurch for a time and then visited regularly ever since, the City and its people are close to my heart and my caring thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in this devastating disaster.
KIA KAHA ..
Von
April 3, 2011
My deepest sympathy, new zealand is with you. Hoping you rebuild your christchurch as you would want it to be. Peace be with you. Lorraine Pateman, Auckland, New Zealand.
chrissy
April 2, 2011
god bless you all...xxx
Sharon Constable
March 31, 2011
my thoughts go out to the families of the victims of this tragic event, and also everyone affected by the earthquake, i hope you can find strength to carry on and rebuild your beautiful city,
bob marley
March 31, 2011
kia kaha to everyone in this horrible time. i hope that eventually Chirstchurch can say that they got past this and regained their dignity together. im so proud of the way victims have not lost faith throughout these dark times. love to you all and rip to the souls who never got a chance from Mother Nature.
ShirleyAnn Anderson
March 30, 2011
I'm A Kiwi living in NSW for the past 4year but will always be a Kiwi and NZ will always be in my heart.My deepest thoughts are will you all and I'm sad that such a thing could happen to all my Kiwi Sisters and Brothers.You will always be in or heart's
diane Jordan
March 24, 2011
Everytime I read, see,hear about the earthquakes' it brings tears to my eyes. AKe ake kia kaha. It scares me to return home.
mary anaru
March 24, 2011
such a sad and tragic loss of life, we share in your pain and support you all, new zealand will never forget ....
through your pain you have shown the world your strength as the strong people of christ-church you are,
much aroha to you all, kia kaha mary & tyna anaru
Nicole Ingram
March 22, 2011
To all the beautiful Men, Woman and Children who lost their lives in this tragedy.... you all live on, in the hearts and minds of the people you touched.
Gone but not forgotten.
charmaine boucher
March 20, 2011
christchurch my home.my heart cries at the sorrow and pain felt by many. may new zealand rise again .
Debbie Lornie
March 20, 2011
If anyone could relieve your sorrow they would. Sadly they cannot do so.
However, our thoughts are with you and have been from day one.
We pray for you all at this time and are sure your loved ones are in God's care.
Rachel Hayward
March 18, 2011
Today I do what little I can for you, now that you have passed. But in the true kiwi spirit, I am standing by those you left behind. Working together,we can find peace in unity. Christchurch..we are coming for you, my friends...I promise. Rachel Hayward. For life.
Yvonne & Colin
March 18, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Claire van Horik
March 18, 2011
Even though we have lived in Melbourne for 9 yrs, I will always be a Kiwi and NZ always will be home. My heart goes out to all the people in ChCh whose lives were shattered. There were tears across this side of the Tasman.
Suze Sefont
March 16, 2011
LET YOUR ARMS ENFOLD US,THROUGH THE DARK OF NIGHT, LET YOUR ANGELS HOLD US TILL WE SEE THE LIGHT..
March 15, 2011
My Thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeanine strong Johannesburg South Africa
Jay Stall
March 14, 2011
My hearfelt thoughts are with all who lost loved ones in this horrific tragedy.We are seeing more and more natural disaters but be assured that God is not behind such things. 1 John 4:8 says God is love and Job 34: 10,12 tells us that the Almighty himself does not act wickedly.Please let us not blame God but rather find comfort in God 2Cor 1:3,4.
Rick Atkins
March 14, 2011
It is with great sadness that my wife and I remember Christchurch and all those who lost loved ones. We were visiting from Canada and we were lucky enough to lose only our luggage. Our prays and our hearts go out to all those effected.
Rick and Maryanne Atkins
Roobee Healy
March 14, 2011
Much Aroha to all the Family's who have lost loved ones in the Christchurch Earthquake.
Clinton Thomas
March 13, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marisha McGhie
March 13, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Jenny Stent
March 12, 2011
Dedicated to those brave souls and all that are suffering
OUR DARKEST HOUR
Hush stop listen now
See our Sorrow
See our Pain
Shattered Bodies
Shattered Souls
Shattered Buildings
Broken Homes
What happened on that fated day?
When our lives changed
In such a dramatic way
It was as if God had taken in his hands
Each corner of our beloved land
He shook it like a blanket of dirt
Laid it to rest with anguish and hurt
Rumbles and groans from Gods Creation
Raining rocks and devastation
Nature’s display of its awesome power
As the ground opened up in our darkest hour
Twisting and bending of man made structures
Tears of anguish at the chaos around us
Silent prayers please make it stop
As the ground beneath continues to rock
Through all this
God left us with his greatest gift
He spared our lives
Sadly some will be missed
They were taken with the greatest of love
Gods promise to keep them safe above
They have a place by his sacred throne
We know they are safe
We know they are home
Arohanui
God Bless To all
Written by Jenny Stent
From the Stent family Tauraunga
Roger Henare
March 11, 2011
To my cousin Sharon and your three beautiful children the most saddest and heartfelt Arohanui from your whanau in OZ. The reason why will never be answered, only time will help us move on and a place in our hearts will be for Phillip forever. Haere, haere, haere te Rangatira, haere ki te wa kainga, haere ki te taonga o te po, haere ki te tuturu o to tatou Matua Nui i te Rangi, takoto mai, takoto mai, takoto mai. To all the families and friends of those whom have lost loved ones, those injured and those still not found our prayers are with you all. AROHANUI
Josipa Botica
March 11, 2011
To my dear MARAC colleagues / friends.
Will miss you and you'll never be forgotten xx
Kurt Bach
March 10, 2011
Wir werden immer an den schönen Aufenthalt in Christchurch zurückdenken und hoffen das die Bewohner dieser Stadt genügend Kraft haben um ihre wunderbare Stadt wieder aufzubauen.
Jo-Anne Feirclough
March 9, 2011
In Memory of my wonderful, cousin Catherine McNicol Lunney, taken too soon in the earthquake.
Tarnz
March 9, 2011
Its unreal the generosity that has come from all walks of life, Stay Strong! R.I.P. Beautiful Angels :)
pete
March 8, 2011
my thoughts are with you all,make us all proud of your achievements over the trying times ahead
Angela Curreen
March 8, 2011
It is with great sadness that I read the names of the victims of the tragic earthquake. I am proud to belong to a Nation that has pulled together at this sad time. My condolences to the many people who have lost family, friends or work collegues. Be strong, you have the whole country behind you and so many many people thinking of you and praying for you all x
Rebecca Curry
March 8, 2011
Words cannot describe the feeling of overwhelming sadness for the people who have lost their lives and to the families of those loved ones. May god bless each and every one of yous.
Yvonne Thompson
March 8, 2011
LOVE TO CHRISTCHURCH
Hi there! I am so sorry for your devastating loss and the loss of so many lifes. KNOW that they are in HEAVEN.
I revel in your patriotic spirit and it makes me proud to be a Kiwi, New Zealander.
Live in HOPE and walk in PRAYER that GOD and US wonderful people will RISE YOU UP AGAIN
Love to YOU ALL and GOD BLESS
Sharon Chrysler
March 8, 2011
Having visited your lovely city several times in the years, I found it was the people there that made it so wonderfull. My heart, my prayers go out to all, for your loss. God Bless u'all.
March 7, 2011
I was so so sad to see what happened to Christchurch but also felt a sense of pride in being a New Zealander. It was wonderful to see the City and the Nation pull together in such a time of saddness, loss and need and also to see all our friends from around the world offer their help . It reaffirms my beleif that the majotiy of people are good and care about their fellow human beings. I am sending all my positive thoughts to Christchurch and its people. I can't wait to visit the wonderful new city you will rebuild and i will always have the people that lost their lives and the people that loved them in my thoughts forever.
sandra
March 7, 2011
This candle is for you Ady Xxx
Grace Kershaw
March 7, 2011
May God give you the strength to rebuild. You are all in His hands and our thoughts.
Tiffany
March 7, 2011
My prayers go out to the victims families. Rest assured that God intends to resurrect those in his memory and we can look forward to a time when pain and suffering will not be remembered.
Graeme and Janice boyd
March 6, 2011
God Bless the people of Christchurch, our hearts and thoughts go out to you.
we lived in Wellington and Auckland in 2007/2008 and in 1997.
Keep strong.
Graeme, Janice Graeme and Jade Boyd
Scotland
xxxx
Coleen Dunn
March 6, 2011
Smithy, Miss you very much.
Symon, Coleen, Jessie, Chelsea and Jack Dunn.
Perth Western Australia
Jonathan Hillman
March 6, 2011
My second home always in my heart
Jonathan Hillman
March 6, 2011
Christchurch you will look back to these dark days and say "yes" we made it through. The same spirit that drove you to create the City in the first place will prevail.
Nivaldo Torres
March 6, 2011
God bless all people from New Zealand. I worked there in 1994 and I felt like I was at home.
March 5, 2011
I pray for you all at this tragic time in your hearts may God keep you all safe in His Arms with love from Lynne in Brisbane Australia
Marilyn
March 5, 2011
My birth place .........love and sympathy to all that have lost their loved ones, their homes and their dreams......)
Carole Chapman
March 5, 2011
God bless you all x
March 4, 2011
Watching the news coverage, it’s hard to imagine what you dear people of New Zealand are enduring right now. There are no words that can adequately express my sorrow for you, but I wanted to add my voice to the expressions of sympathy and comfort that are pouring in from all over.
A disaster like this is so devastating because it robs people of so many things, livelihood, infrastructure, and even sentimental things and not to mention the precious lives of loved ones and their sense of security. It’s seems unimaginable at this time that you will ever feel anything but pain and sorrow, but please know that many prayers are being offered in your behalf from all over the world, prayers that you will be comforted and strengthened, made equal to the enormity of the challenges before you.
Somehow you will navigate through this tragedy and the grief that it leaves behind.
There is a longing of the heart to know how such terrible things could happen to innocent people. It is such a fair question to ask and I hope that in time you will discover the satisfying answer to that question found in God’s word. It reveals, that there will be a time when suffering and death will be eradicated forever by God. The earth will be made into a haven of peace, where there will be no fear of natural disasters. In a complete sense, God’s promise will be fulfilled: “My people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting-places.”—Isaiah 32:18.
Until that day, I pray that you will be given the strength to make it from one difficult moment to the next until the intense pain subsides. I will be mindful of you all in my prayers. Please be assured of my heartfelt sympathies to you all!
Warmest Regards
Teresa Macdonald
March 4, 2011
sorry dude my heart is with my fellow country folk agouhanui Tressa North Caralina
Angela
March 4, 2011
To all the friends family & whanau who have been affected by this terrible tragedy may you find the inner strength to get you through this ordeal. May you find comfort and solace in the many happy memories that you have of your loved ones and know that a whole nation grieves with you. Kia kaha be strong.
Sheeba Lamba
March 4, 2011
we will miss u
Kate Blizard
March 4, 2011
Thoughts and love with all those in Christchurch who have been affected by the Earthquake.
sue Thurlow
March 4, 2011
the sadness has spread out to rest of the world too and we all send our condolences to such a well loved and respected country,
Sue Thurlow
Kenilworth
England
Janell
March 3, 2011
Our hometown for ever, our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. xxxx
SAMMY GILMOUR
March 3, 2011
Be Strong!Thoughts to all who have lost,they will rebuild,and we will remember.x
March 3, 2011
xx
Linda
March 3, 2011
My loved ones are safe; my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost and suffer.
Katrina & Nelson Wahanui
March 3, 2011
Love and light to all those affected by this catastrophy. Accept our prayers and those of our entire nation and may our love and the deeds of the angels around you, lift you and give you strength.
xxxx
donna sihamau
March 2, 2011
A lot of us will never feel the pain that our fellow New Zealander's are feeling but please know that we are thinking of you and our hearts are with you!!Stand tall and proud cause out of this sorrow & pain we will become a stronger nation!!God bless you all and never loose the HOPE you have and the knowledge that you are not alone!
Ofa lahi atu!
Luana Taipari
March 2, 2011
Thoughts and prayers with all of you at this time. Arohanui guysxxx
Kris Danilo
March 2, 2011
The ground shook, the buildings came down; The angels gathered, over our town. They came down from heaven, and took you away; To a place where the buildings no longer do sway. Where the ground stands firm and theres no deafening roar; Even though our hearts are left broken and sore. No longer do you have to live in the fear, of that deafening roar drawing ever so near. This city will stand tall and proud once again, a reminder to all, of you, our dearest friends. R.I.P.
March 2, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with all the Victims Friends and Families.
May they all Rest in Peace and may Christchurch be rebuilt in a more Earthquake sure way.
Lee-Anne Turton
March 2, 2011
we are so sorry for your loss, we are all thinking of you be strong and be kind to each other.
Love from the Turton Family
Bob Lee
March 2, 2011
Stay strong through these testing times. The pain may never go away but united you will overcome.
John and Beth Porteous
March 2, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of this terrible quake. My own sister Helen, her husband Peter and their family are in Summner but are all OK thank God. We feel for the Berg family especially Allan, Julie and Steve whom we know because their daughter and sister Heidi was caught in the CTV Building. We can't immagine your pain but ask God to give you the strength to get through.
Tui Ball
March 2, 2011
The 22nd of Feb will always be remembered, I ran out of work in time, but saw the devastation around me, I knew a good friend of mine would be in trouble, and yes, he is one of the victims, his name is Shane Tomlin, and his family and friends will farewell him in Kaikoura on Friday, to all that have lost a loved one, my heart goes out to them, I left ChCh not long after the quake, I have kept a vigalant with family and friends, and what I saw and felt, I really don't have words to explain it, stand tall my fellow Cantab's we will rise again..
Tui
Marg Garratt
March 2, 2011
There are no words to describe the sadness and heartbreak I am feeling for my fellow Cantabrians. To see my home town destruction, the incredible sad loss of life and all the beautiful churches that have suffered so much damage is so tragic. Our church in Langley, BC, Canada prayed for you on Sunday and you are all in my thoughts and prayers each and every day. Take care of one another!
Angela
March 2, 2011
Roses are red, the chalice is blue, the Cathedral has fallen many buildings have too. You can rattle our bones, you can rip streets apart, but you will never defeat our red and black hearts. For we are Cantabrians and together we know, we stand tall together, through anything we regrow. Add to your wall to remember those who have fall...en and to remind us all to stand tall. 22/02/2011
Karla Kenniston
March 2, 2011
Am hoping all members of Paul Matthew Ennis' family are well & safe.
March 2, 2011
I am sitting in a classroom viewing the devastation in Australia & New Zealand. I worked at a Dr. Johnsons Summer Camp more than 20 yrs. ago in Maine where I met some wonderful people from both places. Please know that we all are thinking and praying for you here in the U.S. God Bless All of You in this time of tribulation.
Sincerely, Karla(Lincoln, Maine)
Meagan Bates
March 2, 2011
our thoughts and prayers are with our New Zealand kin, Arohanui Meagan and family Brisbane Australia
Beth Playfair
March 2, 2011
God bless all in C/church and surrounding areas. My daughter ,son-in-law and two g/children where caught up in both quakes But we where the lucky ones all safe.My prayers and thoughts are with all who lost loved ones and friends. You are a strong nation and will come throught this stronger. Now that people around the world are with you. God bless and keep you all safe.
March 1, 2011
A beautiful people, a beautiful country; your suffering is beyond belief. Your Aussie Brothers and Sisters send their love and support at this time. May you be comforted as each day goes by.
In God we trust. He is our hope and knows your grief.
Genie Price
March 1, 2011
A beautiful people, a beautiful country; your suffering is beyond belief. Your Aussie Brothers and Sisters send their love and support at this time. May you be comforted as each day goes by.
In God we trust. He is our hope and knows your grief.
Rob Hanley
March 1, 2011
We are with you all in Christchurch love from M and R Sale Victoria.We trust that a new day will dawn for you in time and hope will shine!
It is hard to see now but, it will come.
Michael Fox
March 1, 2011
Mine and my family!s prays and thoughts are with you all . please stay strong and help one another ; U WILL GET THRU THIS YOUR CANTABRIANS AFTER ALL ,,
Shirley Roe
March 1, 2011
No words can hope to express all the loving thoughts I hold for you all in New Zealand. May God bring some light where there is darkness and hope where there is despair.
Maria
March 1, 2011
Sympathy and love extended to all those who have lost loved ones due to the Christchurch earthquake of 22 Feb. Kia kaha, kia kaha, kia kaha.
Kathy Stewart
March 1, 2011
In this time of great sorrow for everyone who has lost a loved one, I would personally like to offer my deepest and sincere condolences to each and every one of you. I have no idea of the impact this is going to have on your lives in the future but please know that all of NZ are praying and hoping that you will be able to cope with everything but if not please seek the help that is on offer throughout the region. For those who have still had no contact from any officials, my thoughts go out to you and I hope that you can all stay safe and most of all take care of each other.
Robyn Reed
March 1, 2011
We will never forget you all. You all are in our hearts.
patricia milton
March 1, 2011
Our family here in Kansas would like to send prayes for the lost of family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. Many Many Prays to all. Milton family in Topeka Kansas. God Bless all of you!!
Nicky Van der Bergh
March 1, 2011
Oh the loss, lives, property, livelihood memories, treasures. Once again, Lest We Forget, may February 22 become a day of mourning and sharing for New Zealanders. Thinking of all of you there
Rick Louw
March 1, 2011
My heart goes out to my compatriots who have suffered any loss during this earthquake. You are in our thoughts and will be for months to come!
Darren Weake
March 1, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragedy.
DANNY WILLIAMS
March 1, 2011
WE WILL KEEP ALL THOSE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ANY LOSS FROM THE EARTHQUAKE AND ITS
AWFUL HAVOC!! WE LOVED THE COUNTRY AND ALL THE FOLKS WE MET WHILE VISITING THERE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!
Corrina Walker
March 1, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families in Christchurch who have lost their relatives in this earthquake.
Kia Kaha
Eden Standing
March 1, 2011
So sorry for all of the families who have lost their loved ones. Will keep Christchurch in my prayers for a long time to come. We will come through this as a country and a nation. We are all here for you Christchurch
Love Eden Standing
xxo
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