HFH New Zealand Assists 50 Families Affected By Christchurch Earthquake

One Year On From The Disaster, Habitat Thanks Hundreds of Volunteers Who Have Given Support

BANGKOK, 22nd February 2012: Today, one year on from the earthquake that devastated Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand is still hard at work supporting affected families.

HFH New Zealand volunteer Chris Sinclair prepares kitchen walls and ceiling for bracing plasterboard sheeting to be fitted.

“Habitat is working with 50 families whose homes were damaged by the earthquake, predominantly with those most in need of support - the elderly, those with disabilities or serious health issues, and those with young children or without insurance,” said Pete North, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New Zealand.

“We are hugely grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who lent their support to Habitat’s repair work. Chimneys have been removed, ceilings and walls repaired, collapsed brick walls obstructing access have been cleared; we expect this work will continue until April and possibly beyond.”

All of the families HFH New Zealand is supporting live in the ‘green zone’, an area classified by the government as being safe for repair or rebuilding work to take place.

On 23 March, New Zealand’s Governor General, Lieutenant General, The Right Honorable Sir Jerry Mateparae, will join Habitat volunteers involved with repair work and visit the resource center in Christchurch.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck on 22 February 2011, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) south-east of Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, killing 181 people.

This earthquake came six months after a 7.1-magntitude earthquake, centered further from Christchurch, caused buildings to weaken but left no fatalities. The Christchurch earthquake in February was followed by large aftershocks in June and December 2011.

To volunteer, donate or find out more about Habitat for Humanity’s work in Christchurch, click here.