10 Years after the earthquake that changed the Canterbury landscape forever, we see strength, hope and courage!

The earthquake that happened on the 22nd February 2011 at 12:51 was the second major earthquake the Canterbury region experienced within six months. It was however, the more devastating of the two and as a result lives and the Canterbury landscape were changed forever.

Now, ten years later we look back with sorrow, but we also look forward. We look forward at the strength and resilience the people of the region display. We look forward at the hope and courage that are characteristics of many of the families living in the region and we look forward to the city that Christchurch is becoming. 

On the 22nd February 2021 the earthquake memorial service was held to commemorate the events ten years earlier and to recognise the impact this has had on the city and the people. Middleton Grange School was approached by the organisers of the memorial service to provide readers of names of those that tragically lost their lives in the earthquake. The request was to provide readers who could read names in the native tongue of some of the victims. Seven students were selected for this immense honour. 

Our students, who did not experience the earthquake, realised what a special occasion this was and understood their role in this significant day. They represented themselves, their school and their countries of birth with dignity and respect. It was an honour to be a part of this memorial service.