Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shaky Isles
New Zealand has had it tough over the last few years. It may be a long way away from
just about everywhere, but it is not immune to the vagaries of the global economy. In
September 2010, just as the country was edging out of its worst recession in 30 years, a
magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Christchurch, the nation's second-largest city. The
damage was extensive but miraculously no lives were lost, partly because the earthquake
occurred in the early hours of the morning when people were in their beds.
Then, in the early afternoon of 22 February 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck
Christchurch. This time, 185 people lost their lives. Numerous buildings, already
weakened by the September 2010 quake and its aftershocks, were damaged beyond re-
pair and had to be demolished completely.
The city's rebuild has been slow; the city centre didn't re-open fully until mid-2013.
Cantabrians, however, have displayed admirable resilience and innovation, helping
Christchurch to re-emerge as one of NZ's most exciting cities. Fringe suburbs have been
reinvigorated, such as Woolston ('Coolston') and Addington, while a cardboard (yes
cardboard!) cathedral has been brought into the fold. The city was named by Lonely
Planet as one of the world's top 10 cities in
Best in Travel 2013
.
Christchurch isn't the only place to be awarded such a plaudit, with the South Island's
West Coast named one of the world's must-visit regions in
Best in Travel 2014
. This is a
timely boost for a region still reeling in the aftermath of one of NZ's worst disasters - the
loss of 29 men in the Pike River coalmine explosions in November 2010. This widely
felt tragedy further pushed the bounds of the country's emotional and economic resilien-
ce.
The nation's nerves were jangled yet again in July and August 2013 as a swarm of
moderate earthquakes struck the top of the South Island. Widely felt in the capital, they
served as a seismic reminder that New Zealanders do indeed live on the shaky isles.
Reasons to be Cheerful
Christchurch's recovery and rebuild is still a major preoccupation, producing good news
and bad stories in equal measure. On one hand it is testing relationships between the cit-
izens and government agencies, as tough decisions are made about fix-ups and pay-outs.
On the other, Christchurch's recovery reinforces Kiwis' perceptions of themselves as
'battlers' with strong communities and civic pride.
New Zealanders have little difficulty in finding something to feel proud about. While
the All Blacks remain a foundation - not only for their sporting achievements but as fig-
ureheads for 'brand NZ' - the depth of Kiwi talent ranges far beyond the rugby pitch.
Following the All Blacks' success at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, this featherweight
