Bugger off Mother Nature!

ture

Dad got out of this unhurt. Legend!

Life in Christchurch has been like being an extra in a B Grade Hollywood disaster movie. Our work was pretty decisively disrupted just after lunch on Tuesday afternoon and life hasn't been the same since. Whilst I have been blessed to have my family unhurt physically, my father had a very close call. He was in my brothers house in Redcliffs when it was hit by rocks falling from the cliffs. in fact a 6 ton boulder landed on top of a boat which blew up (presume a spark from the battery). Concurrently the house was hit with rocks and somehow Dad managed to get his way out through the damage, past the fire and to safety. A lucky call and I am so glad Dad is still here because we could so easily have lost him.

The heavy loss of life within our city is very sobering. We are a small nation and a small city and I already know two of those who have lost their lives and like so many I dread the days ahead as names are released. I think we have again been so lucky to have such able leadership from our Prime Minister John Key and our Mayor Bob Parker. Also our rescue teams, Fire service, Police, Military and Urban Search Teams have been incredible and their response well co ordinated. The contribution of specialists and the support provided by New Zealand's allies and friends has also been amazing.

I have no doubt Canterbury will come through this and whilst at times it seems the job ahead and the ongoing after shocks will be tough to face I'm sure we will all do it a day at a time with the realisation that we are lucky to be alive after such an event. Mother nature is a big beast!

My thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones.

Kia Kaha.