There can be little doubt that the people, from officials to general public, involved in the Christchurch clean up, rescue and recovery have demonstrated amazing commitment.
As New Zealand experienced its darkest days, the rays of brightness shine through the black clouds with the action of PEOPLE. People from all over the world who have come to Christchurch, New Zealand, to assist and help support the rescue and recovery is so appreciated and valued.
We are entering a period, with the weekend coming up, when hope will begin to dim for the recovery of the 226 people who are still reported missing. We have seen wonderful acts of leadership, from the Prime Minister, Christchurch Mayor, civil defence, medical services, police, fire service, St John's, military, social welfare, volunteers, 10,000-strong student army, all working together. Truly “Uniqueness in Harmony”.
I feel so proud. My chest swells with pride at how our officials and the general public have organised the activities and events, providing shelter and water, and everyone working around the clock to restore services, power and phones. It's a magnanimous undertaking.
Air New Zealand has been putting on $50 flights to and from Christchurch to anywhere in New Zealand, plus diverting as many planes as possible. There have been large financial donations from New Zealand companies, and from our friends from other countries. The top 40 New Zealand business organisations are meeting to see how they can help, and committing resources to help the current and future situations that will arise, not only for Christchurch but also for New Zealand.
So many wonderful stories amongst the sadness.
New Zealand was already financially challenged, prior to the earthquake disaster, it now has incredible challenges ahead with repair, restructure and rebuild. How can officials think of anything beyond repair, until the aftershocks significantly subside? The emotional scars will be left on not only Christchurch citizens, but on the large amount of people who have been involved in the rescue and recovery. And despite all this, sometime, somewhere, from the ashes will be born a new Christchurch!
How and why will this happen? It will happen, due to the resolve of people. Great people like you who, step by step, will do what it takes to rebuild Christchurch, the garden city of New Zealand, to be an even greater New Zealand city.
Human beings are amazing creatures. We can do anything we want, if we want to do it badly enough. If we work together as ONE, united together in harmony, with a common dream and aspiration, we can and we will do it, because above all else, WE ARE KIWIS.