By Gracie Allum
Today, we reflect on the Christchurch earthquake and remember those who are no longer with us. We won’t forget the events of five years ago, and the 185 people who lost their lives. But we look at how far we have come as a nation and as a city – vibrant, alive, proud with a renewed sense of optimism.
Here are 10 things we love about Christchurch today.
Today, we reflect on the Christchurch earthquake and remember those who are no longer with us. We won’t forget the events of five years ago, and the 185 people who lost their lives. But we look at how far we have come as a nation and as a city – vibrant, alive, proud with a renewed sense of optimism.
Here are 10 things we love about Christchurch today.
1. A home to inspiring people
From Dan Carter to Brendon McCullum and Margaret Mahy, plenty of New Zealand’s most inspiring people have called Christchurch home.
The world got a taste of this when Jake Bailey, head boy at Christchurch Boys High School, made a touching speech about his battle with cancer, which went viral.
In a rousing video, filmed at the 18-year-old’s school prizegiving, the teen told his fellow peers to “be gallant, be great, be gracious, and be grateful for the opportunities that you have.”
The original clip has been viewed over two million times.
2. A place British royalty love visiting
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, reacts to a bowl from Prince William during a cricket game in Christchurch. / Getty
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Wills and Kate, dressed in red and black when they visited Christchurch last April.
The couple played cricket in Latimer Square, before speaking on the city’s resilient spirit.
William praised Christchurch as "a city that has not only chosen to survive but thrive”. He joked that locals had managed to keep a firm grasp on their ''classic Kiwi humour'' despite the daunting job of rebuilding their city.
3. Locals make use of everything at their disposal
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, tests out the Dance-O-Mat with Prince Charles during a visit in 2012. / Getty
After February 22, 2011, many of Christchurch’s public spaces no longer existed.
But, not prepared to sit at home and mope, the community decided to make use of empty spaces, and GapFiller was born.
Five years on, empty lots throughout the city are a place to gather, spend time with family or get active.
The coin-operated Dance-O-Mat in Gloucester Street, complete with surround sound and glitter ball, is now Bluetooth-enabled; while the Dutch-themed mini-golf course through the inner-city is now nine holes long.
4. Cantabs are there for each other
Punters enjoy the cricket at Hagley Oval. / Getty
Following the earthquake, locals gathered to help one another. The Student Volunteer Army made headlines as thousands of youth banded together to assist communities with liquefaction clean-up, and more.
Today, the people of Christchurch are still a tight-knit community.
Fortunately, they are more likely to gather to watch the BlackCaps at the new world-class cricket oval in Hagley Park, or at the Botanic Gardens for Ingham Lazy Sundays throughout summer.
5. The Wizard of Christchurch still casts his spell
The Wizard has been preaching outside Christchurch cathedral for decades. / Getty
The Wizard, real name The Wizard (yes, legally!), has been a fixture in the Garden City since the 1970’s.
Standing on a ladder in the central city and dressed in his signature pointy black hat, The Wizard would holler his views to passers-by.
The council originally tried to discourage his rants, before officially appointing him the Wizard of Christchurch in 1982. The 83-year-old was awarded a Queen’s Service medal in 2009.
Do his spells work? Well, he hovered over a rugby match in a helicopter while chanting a spell, which helped Canterbury win their game. And he was invited to Tamworth in Australia to do a rain dance to break a drought. It actually worked.
This year, the Wiz has gone back to school. Not Hogwarts, but the University of Canterbury. He’s getting his PhD. His citizenship was hurried through (he arrived here from the UK more than 40 years ago) so he could sign up for the new year and get a student loan.
6. Cantabs have a great sense of humour
Cantabs show off their creative long drops. / ShowUsYourLongDrop.co.nz
Never ones to wallow in self-pity, residents were quick to pick themselves up and make light of a disastrous situation.
Two editions of You Know You’re From Christchurch When - in which clever Cantabs poke fun at liquefaction and potholes - have topped the non-fiction best seller list.
Never ones to wallow in self-pity, residents were quick to pick themselves up and make light of a disastrous situation.
Two editions of You Know You’re From Christchurch When - in which clever Cantabs poke fun at liquefaction and potholes - have topped the non-fiction best seller list.
Instead of complaining about their street’s loo situation, locals got creative.
ShowUsYourLongDrop.co.nz called for Cantabs to share pictures of their home-made long-drops adorned with decorations and practical Kiwi ingenuity.
The famous Christchurch trams were damaged by the earthquake five years ago. / Getty
Like the iconic gondola and river punters, the quaint Christchurch tram is back in action. Winding through the inner-city, the transport system is both practical and charming.
Getting the trams back on track following the earthquake cost $1.45 million, but that didn’t stop a tram car breaking down momentarily while Prime Minister John Key was aboard, which gave locals a good giggle.
8. Gastronomic delights everywhere
Posh Porridge is on the menu at Riccarton House. / Instagram
It’s important for those working on the rebuild to be fuelled by some good Canterbury fare, and Christchurch has taken their gastronomic offerings to the next level in the last five years.
From tasty takeaways at Burgers and Beers on Colombo St, to the mouth-watering brunch at Black Betty’s Café, there is no shortage of fabulous foodie options on offer in the Garden City.
Locals can market-hop across the city on the weekend, taste testing the comforting offerings of Posh Porridge at Christchurch Farmers' Market, or pick up organic fruit and veg at Riccarton Market.
9. Kiwi ingenuity and innovative shopping complexes
Former shipping containers are now boutique stores. / Re:Start Mall
Cashel Street’s upcycled shipping containers are now home to a unique shopping complex with boutique stores, quaint cafes, and tempting food trucks.
The Re:Start Mall is the best spot in Christchurch to grab a quick coffee and watch the world go by on a Sunday morning.
Enjoy a stroll around the brightly-coloured steel units, while snap-happy tourists show off picture-perfect Christchurch on Instagram.
10. Festivals galore
Fashion in the field at New Zealand Cup and Show Week. / Getty
From outdoor concerts to open-air cinemas, there is always something happening in Christchurch.
The World Buskers Festival, the New Zealand Jazz & Blues Festival and New Zealand Cup and Show Week are a few of the must-attend events in the Garden City.
While locals take advantage of the action in their backyard, an ever increasing number of tourists are keeping an eye on Christchurch’s calendar.
Five years on from such horror and devastation, and the Garden City is teeming with life and vibrancy and world-class events.
Five years on from such horror and devastation, and the Garden City is teeming with life and vibrancy and world-class events.
Post a Comment