The Earthquake Memorial

He Whakamaumaharatanga o te Rū Whenua

A place where people can spend time in reflection and honour those who lost their lives or were injured in the earthquakes will be developed in central Christchurch.

The Earthquake Memorial will be a place of local, national and international significance where individuals can reflect and large groups can gather.

185 people died in Christchurch as a result of the 22 February 2011 earthquake, and many others were seriously injured.

Because this is such a significant project, it should begin early, not be rushed and involve the community and families of those who died.

The earthquakes profoundly affected many people and cultures within New Zealand. Nearly every person in the greater Christchurch region has an earthquake story and we all tell them in different ways.

A community consultation process will be undertaken as part of the development of plans for the Earthquake Memorial to ensure that the voices and ideas of the affected families and the community are captured in the design process for the Memorial.

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Christchurch City Council and Ngāi Tahu will work together to identify the site and begin the community consultation and design process. A design competition will be undertaken to attract the best ideas; international teams may participate but they must include local personnel.

Key facts

  • will be a place where residents and visitors can spend time in reflection and honour those who lost their lives or were injured in the earthquakes;
  • will be constructed in the central city - at a site yet to be identified;
  • will be developed jointly by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the Christchurch City Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
  • the input of affected families and the community will be sought due to the significance of the project.