On this day two weeks ago, the capital metropolis of Christchurch was ripped apart by a devastating earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale.
So far it has been confirmed that 166 loved ones have missed their lives, and we are told that the last death toll could be more than 200.
To suffer so many people at once, including many foreign nationals, is difficult to fathom.
It is a disaster that one cannot put into words.
Everyone who was in Christchurch on that terrible day witnessed an awful scene. It was a dreaded event that has left many suffering in anxiety and anguish, and without the services and infrastructure that we commonly ask for granted in New Zealand.
Many thousands of mass have missed their treasured possessions, homes, businesses, places of work, and livelihoods. Early indications show that up to 10,000 houses will want to be demolished and over 100,000 more could be damaged.
The extent of this wrong and immense loss of living have left people all over New zealand and the world grieving.
Christchurch is a city that`s been changed constantly and a community that`s in shock.
To all Cantabrians who have been affected, I`d care to carry the deepest sympathies of the New zealand Government.
Though we cannot think the deep sorrow and sorrow of all those who get lost loved ones, we can direct you the call of our ongoing support.
We are thought of you. We are standing alongside you. And we are attached to rebuilding your lives and your city.
We know the immense emotional tension that has been set on families by this earthquake, especially after enduring the September earthquake and months of aftershocks.
In the challenging times ahead, you hold the total documentation of this Government, of this Parliament, and of all New Zealanders.
I`d particularly wish to recognize members of this House from Canterbury. Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Mr Speaker, I desire to know the outstanding generosity and backing of people all over New zealand and the earth in reaction to the earthquake.
I`d wish to thank our many international contributors. We have recognized and received assistance from Australia, China, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. And we have had generous offers from many more.
I`d care to pay tribute to the many hundreds of people who have been involved in the delivery and recovery operation, and I`d care to pay tribute to the bravery, heroism, and generosity of individuals.
Everywhere I go in Christchurch, I hear stories of miraculous rescues that took place, of people opening up their homes to perfect strangers, and of masses passing out of their way to help fellow Cantabrians.
I`d wish to thank all fundamental and local government staff who have worked unbelievably difficult to restore public services, provide health care, open schools, run welfare centres, provide financial assistance, and more.
And I`d care to run on a special thank you to all those who have made donations to the Government`s official Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, and to other appeals such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army. This money will go towards supporting Canterbury`s people and rebuilding Canterbury`s communities.
Finally, I`d wish to know the Mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker for his leadership, and say thank you to all members and parties of this Home for your support.
Yesterday I announced that on Friday 18 March there will be a National Memorial Service at Hagley Park in Christchurch. The overhaul will have all New Zealanders the opportunity to ruminate on the terrible loss of spirit that occurred on the 22nd of February, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with Cantabrians.
Rebuilding Christchurch is a key priority for the Government this year. We will allow the requisite resources to do this happen over the upcoming weeks, months and years. It will be a long and complex task, which we will want to go through step by step.
But one thing is certain. Christchurch, we will rebuild you. You will once again be the successful, vibrant, and beautiful city that you were hardly over two weeks ago.
While we will never forget those who have been lost, we must stress that indomitable spirit of Canterbury on the future. On my visits to Christchurch in the preceding two weeks, I`ve witnessed that spirit and I suffer great authority in that spirit.
With the assistance of many people all over the land and the world, we will rebuild this capital city. We owe it to the mass we get lost to preserve our minds on the brighter future that we are all striving for.
Mr Speaker, the thoughts of the New zealand Government are with the multitude of Canterbury at this black time.
Let us think the loved ones we get lost. Let us be thankful for the lives we proceed to lead. And let us bend our hearts and minds to the huge challenge ahead of us
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