Key John: Ministerial Statements — Earthquake—Christchurch Earthquake Christchurch—Extension of State of National Emergency 
Key John: Ministerial Statements — Earthquake—Christchurch Earthquake Christchurch—Extension of State of National Emergency 
[Volume:670;Page:16951] 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 I intend to make a ministerial statement under Standing Order 347 in relation to the Canterbury earthquake that took place on 22 February 2011. Before I do so I seek leave for the six party leaders or their representatives and five other members to comment following my statement and for those speeches to be up to 5 minutes each. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none. 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY 
: On this day 2 weeks ago the great city 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 lost their lives and we are told that the final death toll could be more than 200. To lose so many people at once including many foreign nationals is hard to fathom. It is a tragedy that one cannot put into words. Everyone who was in Christchurch on that dreadful day witnessed a horrific scene. It was a frightening event that has left many suffering in anxiety and anguish and without the services and infrastructure that we usually take for granted in New Zealand. Many thousands of people have lost their treasured possessions homes businesses places of work and livelihoods. Early indications show that up to 10000 houses will need to be demolished and over 100000 more could be damaged. 
The extent of this damage and huge loss of life has left people all over New Zealand and the world grieving. Christchurch is a city that has been changed forever and the community is in shock. To all Cantabrians who have been affected I express the deepest sympathies of the New Zealand Government. Though we cannot imagine the deep sorrow and grief of all those who have lost loved ones we can send you the promise of our ongoing support. We are thinking of you we are standing alongside you and we are committed to rebuilding your lives and your city. We acknowledge the huge emotional stress that has been placed on families by this earthquake especially after enduring the September earthquake and months of aftershocks. In the challenging times ahead you have the full support of this Government of this Parliament and of all New Zealanders. I particularly acknowledge members of this House from Canterbury; our thoughts are with you and your families. 
I acknowledge the outstanding generosity and support of people all over New Zealand and the world in response to this earthquake. I thank our many international contributors. We have accepted and received help 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 pay tribute to the many hundreds of people who have been involved in the rescue and recovery operation and I 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 complete strangers and of people going out of their way to help fellow Cantabrians. I would like to thank all central and local government staff who have worked incredibly hard to restore public services provide health care open schools run welfare centres provide financial assistance and more. I pass on a special thankyou to all of those who have made donations to the Government’s official Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and to other appeals such as those of the Red Cross and Salvation Army. That money will go towards supporting Canterbury’s people and rebuilding Canterbury’s communities. 
Finally I acknowledge the Mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker for his leadership and I thank all members and parties in this House for their support. 
Yesterday I announced that on Friday 18 March there will be a national memorial service at Hagley Park in Christchurch. The service will give all New Zealanders the chance to reflect on the terrible loss of life that occurred on 22 February and to stand shoulder to shoulder with Cantabrians. Rebuilding Christchurch is a key priority for the Government this year. We will provide the necessary resources to make this happen over the coming weeks months and years. It will be a long and complex task which we will need to work through step by step. One thing is certain: Christchurch we will rebuild you; you will once again be the successful vibrant and beautiful city that you were just over 2 weeks ago. 
Although we must never forget those who have been lost we must focus on the indomitable spirit of Canterbury on the future. On my visits to Christchurch over the past 2 weeks I have witnessed that spirit and I have great confidence in that spirit. With the help of many people all over the country and the world we will rebuild this great city. We owe it to the people we have lost to keep our minds on the brighter future that we are all striving for. 
The thoughts of the New Zealand Government are with the people of Canterbury at this dark time. Let us remember the loved ones we have lost let us be grateful for the lives we continue to lead and let us turn our hearts and minds to the huge challenges ahead of us. Kia kaha.