Wednesday 18 February 2015Media release3 minutes to read
Cantabrians will once again have the opportunity to share their experiences and hopes for the future as part of the River of Flowers commemoration on the fourth anniversary of the February 22 earthquake.
On Sunday, February 22 Cantabrians are invited to throw flowers into the water at 14 sites along the Avon and Heathcote rivers, and at the estuary. Sites will be open from 8am to 8pm, and hosted by community groups between 12.30-1.30pm. Two minutes silence will be held at 12:51pm.
Healthy Christchurch chairperson David Meates says the River of Flowers provides a great opportunity for people to connect with each other on what is a very poignant day.
“Four years on we know that people are in very different places. Some have settled and have moved on while others are still living with uncertainty and struggling with the enormity of the changes we've gone through,” David says.
“The River of Flowers is something that helps bring our city together. It's a day that people from all walks of life and all stages of our recovery can come together to remember the quakes, reflect on their impact, and share our hopes for the future.”
Evan Smith from the Avon-Otakaro Network (AvON) says the River of Flowers has struck a chord with Cantabrians.
“The River of Flowers has established itself as a key way Cantabrians come together to reflect on the earthquakes and celebrate our strength,” Evan says.
“It's a community-led initiative which builds on the strength of our local communities. Releasing flowers into our waterways also sends a strong message that we are all in this together; we're all part of something much bigger.”
The following sites have been confirmed:
| Site | Host |
| Avonside – Corner of Avonside Drive and Retreat Road, near the Gayhurst Road bridge. | CanCERN |
| Beckenham Park riverbank | Beckenham Neighbourhood Association |
| Botanic Gardens – footbridge between the Hospital and the Peace Bell (Christchurch City Council Commemoration Service starts at noon, followed by the River of Flowers from 1 to 1.30pm) |
Council of Social Services, Mental Health Foundation and Christchurch City Council |
| Burwood/Avondale – Avondale Road Bridge and SW riverbank on Avonside Drive | Burwood and Avondale Communities |
| Estuary – Yacht Club Car Park, Moncks Bay | Christchurch Yacht Club |
| Heathcote River – Riverbank opposite The Princess Margaret Hospital | Healthy Christchurch |
| Ilam – Riverbank in front of the UCSA Building | Canterbury University |
| Medway Street Foot Bridge (SW bank on River Road) | Avon Otakaro Network |
| New Brighton – Owles Terrace Reserve | River of Life & SURF Community Trust |
| O-Tautahi :The Bricks – Barbadoes Street bridge & diagonal adjoining riverbanks | Avon Loop Planning Association |
| Place of Tranquillity – Corner of Manchester Street and Cambridge Terrace | Public Health Assoc NZ (Canterbury/ West Coast Branch) |
| Riccarton Bush – River Bank between Kahu Road and Riccarton House | Avon-Otakaro Network |
For more information on sites, including maps, visit www.healthychristchurch.org.nz
People are asked to bring their own flowers.
ENDS
Page last updated: 19 October 2022
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