Between September 2010 and December 2011, the Canterbury Plains region, including Christchurch, was hit with a series of earthquakes.
On the 4th of September 2010 at 4.35am, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, centred near Darfield (50km southwest of Christchurch) struck. Fortunately, there was no loss of life however the damage was massive. Many people lost their homes and businesses and the constant aftershocks left people in a state of uncertainty and disorientation.
Then at 12.51pm on 22 February 2011, a 6.3 magnitude quake hit which caused even greater devastation. Although lower in magnitude, this shallower quake was centred only 10 kilometres from the centre of Christchurch, and caused the greatest ground acceleration ever recorded in New Zealand. This earthquake claimed the lives of 185 people (from 20 countries) and injured many more. About 25,000 houses suffered serious damage and more than half of all buildings in the central city had to be demolished.
Two earthquakes that caused further building and land damage from liquefaction and rockfalls occurred on 13 June 2011 and 23 December 2011.
The people of Christchurch endured more than 11,000 aftershocks, all while dealing with lost and damaged homes along with disrupted communities and work places. While the psychological affects are deeply felt, the rebuild of Christchurch is a testament to hope, and that out of adversity something even greater can come forth. Christchurch is an exemplification of resilience, creativity and people pulling together through tough times.
"The Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial is a place to remember, to mourn, to express gratitude and to reflect. It pays respect to those who lost their lives, those who were seriously injured and survivors. The memorial also acknowledges the shared trauma and the support received during the response and recovery that followed." Oi Manawa - Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
https://www.canterburyearthquakememorial.co.nz/index.html
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/christchurch-and-canterbury-earthquakes/