A Christchurch man is seeking people to help break the world record for the largest group hug on the anniversary of the first big quake in September last year.
More than 10,000 people are needed to break the record currently set by Alba Iulia in Romania, in 2009.
Organiser Andrew
Male said on his Facebook page for the event the hug attempt might sound "somehow daft, or vaguely childish", but Guiness World Records invariably turned into something different.
"This will be a symbol of something very special - home, pride, national identity, call it what you will - it will be moving and wonderful event, something Christchurch needs!!"
The Facebook page, Christchurch Group Hug - Largest group hug attempt, this morning had nearly 4900 people signed up as attending and nearly 1500 people marked as maybe attending.
The record attempt application had been made to Guiness World Records last month, Mr Male said.
A 7.1 quake shook Christchurch on September 4. It has been followed by months of aftershocks.
The most the destructive was a 6.3 quake on February 22 which killed 181 people.
- NZPA
