Hawke's Bay to commemorate significant earthquake 90 years on
Residents young and old will have an opportunity to honour the lives that were lost and to celebrate the resilience of those who rebuilt at a number of events organised to commemorate the region's sombre anniversary.
It has been 90-years since Hawke's Bay was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude quake on the morning of February 3, 1931.
The region was devastated. At least 256 people died and many more were injured. The quake also changed the appearance of Hawke's Bay after it toppled buildings, destroyed roads and started fires throughout Hastings and Napier.
Next Wednesday, Napier City Council will hold a remembrance service at the HMS Veronica Sunbay Memorial near the Sounshell on Marine Parade. While Hastings District Council will also hold a commemorative event at the Hastings City Centre near the Clock Tower starting at 10.30am.
At 10.47am the Hastings clock tower bells will ring to mark the exact moment the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck all those years ago.
Guest speaker Hamilton Logan will then share his memories of that day at his family home at Pukekino in the Kereru district.
“I will be talking about how it was seen through the eyes of a six-year-old; where I was, what the house was like and what it looked like afterwards, how we coped living in the country with no water.”
He will also talk a little about the experiences of his father and grandfather, and said he looked forward to seeing young people at the occasion.
“I hope to see some school children who will be able to relate to it.”
The ceremony will also include an opening performance by members of the City of Hastings Pipe Band, a karakia by kaumātua Jerry Hapuku, an address by mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, readings by local high school students, a haka performed by Te Aute College students, and a display of vintage cars.
Hazlehurst said the event was very special every year, but being the 90th anniversary made it an even more significant occasion.
“The Hawke’s Bay earthquake changed our community and our district significantly and we will always remember the hard work and resilience of so many people who helped rebuild our Hastings city that we are so proud of today.
“By coming together to share stories and remember that time, we can hand on the history of the earthquake to our younger generation," Hazlehurst said.
Napier's ceremony, which is a free event and open to the general public, will see a mayoral address from Mayor Kirsten Wise among a collection of speakers including, Commodore Mathew Williams, The Maritime Component Commander, Royal New Zealand Navy; David Bamford, a family member of Lachlan Campbell, the commissioner of the rebuild; and Branch President of the New Zealand Red Cross, Tracey Ferguson.
Wise said it was an opportunity to mark the 90th anniversary of a "devastating day for Napier".
“The ceremony is an opportunity to honour the lives that were lost and to celebrate the resilience of those who rebuilt the city we know and love today.”
Proceedings will include a wreath-laying ceremony and ringing of the Veronica Bell. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Napier War Memorial Centre.
The annual afternoon tea for survivors of the quake will be held on Sunday, February 7.
Wise said the event was a special occasion for people who survived the life-changing 7.8-magnitude quake.
“The survivors’ afternoon tea pays tribute to all those who experienced the earthquake or helped in its aftermath. This year is the 90th anniversary of the quake. As time goes by, the memories of that day become even more precious and important to remember, for the sake of future generations knowing the history of our city,” Wise said.
The event, now in its 21st year, will be held at Napier Boys' High School from 2pm to 4pm, and will feature Project Prima Volta, a NBHS student guest speaker, and the Veronica Bell.
The survivors afternoon tea is jointly organised by Napier City Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, Art Deco Trust, New Zealand Red Cross and Napier Boys' High School.
They appreciate the generous support from local businesses and organisations that sponsor food and equipment.
Earthquake survivors who have previously attended should have received their invitations before Christmas.
Anyone who has changed address, or who has not previously attended and would like to be invited, can contact Anna Eady on 027 260 4159.
