On the first anniversary of the February earthquake, hundreds of flowers were placed in road cones in a spontaneous act of remembrance for Christchurch earthquake victims.
People placed flowers in road cones across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and overseas in Australia, London, Singapore and Mexico.
"For all of us, it's that symbol. . . it's just a remembrance of what has gone on before but at the same time we should be looking forward."
It is estimated there are now about 150,000 traffic cones in Christchurch.
The project is inspired by Henry Sunderland, a Christchurch design tutor and artist. On the first anniversary of the February 22earthquake, he circulated a cartoon asking Cantabrians to place flowers in traffic cones “To remember all of those who lost their lives, those who lost loved ones and those whose lives will never again be the same.”
https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/1342785
https://cclblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/floral-road-cones-a-quiet-tribute/