Shakes were too much

Emily Davies has settled in Auckland. Photo / Janna Dixon

Emily Davies had planned to stay in New Zealand for only three weeks but she fell in love with Christchurch.

Over the past three years the British woman has enjoyed working in the communications sector there, made great friends and felt at home in the beautiful walking city with its vibrant arts scene and strong English influence.

But the earthquakes were too much for the 29-year-old and in April she moved to Auckland.

She said the big shake was "violent", "so noisy it was like a freight train coming towards you" and she would never forget being plunged into darkness, hiding under her work desk and "feeling panic in the air".

The aftershocks and a constant feeling that another big quake could happen at any time eventually took their toll.

"I didn't feel safe any more there and so it was time to get out," she said.

She has since secured work at Auckland University of Technology.

Davies said half a dozen of her friends had also left Christchurch.

But many were still in the Garden City and she promises to keep visiting them.

"It will be wonderful to visit there again when things are back on track," she said.