The Carnegie Public Library in Hastings was nothing but a heap of bricks following the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake.
The Carnegie Public Library in Hastings was nothing but a heap of bricks following the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake.
On February 3, 1931, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Hawke’s Bay, causing a mass loss of life and leaving thousands injured.
Now 95 years later, communities around the region will gather to commemorate those who died and those who rebuilt the towns, cities and districts.
The earthquake struck at 10.47am,leading to the loss of 256 lives - 161 in Napier, 93 in Hastings and two in Wairoa.
It remains the largest loss of life and most damaging earthquake in New Zealand’s recorded history.
Hastings District Council have invited the public to Clive Square from 10.30am tomorrow rather than the usual commemoration location in front of the city’s clock tower.
The relocation is due to preparations for KiwiRail’s infrastructure work happening nearby in the city centre mall, to improve the safety of the rail crossing.
Local leaders, school representatives, and community members will gather to pay tribute, and people can lay wreaths on the seating under the trees in Civic Square – seating made from the rubble from the earthquake
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said remembering the earthquake is not only about looking back, it’s also about carrying forward the lessons learned.
“It reminds us of the importance of preparedness, of strong connections, of listening to science and experience, and of planning for the challenges we know will come again.
“Most importantly, it reminds us that resilience is not just about infrastructure or systems, it lives in people - how we care for one another, how we show up in times of need, and how we face adversity together.”
Napier after the 1931 earthquake. Photo / Courtesy of Earle Denford
Napier City Council marked the moment that forever shaped the city and its people with a service at the Waiapu Cathedral yesterday.
The council said the ceremony provided a chance to remember those who lost their lives, reflect on the strength of the Napier community and acknowledge the impact of that day on generations of residents.
