Two long time friends turned up today with an unexpected donation. They had seen a recent article in The Weekend Press which mentioned Addington Action as one of several community groups which had helped people after the quakes.
Colin and Carla donated $100 to Addington Action to "buy a box of nails".
Thanks!
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Day 304 - shovelling silt meeting points
Can you help out on Christmas Eve in the east, or do you know anyone who needs help (esp. elderly and vulnerable) ?
A bunch of us are meeting at Medway St bridge (west side) in Richmond at 9am today: bring barrows and shovels and cars to travel east to help out – can you help? Do you need help? The Student Army is depleted because of holidays so we need as much alternative help we can get.
Thanks – hope to see you at the bridge.
Evan Smith
DDI 03 323 6617
CELL 029 739 9796
View Larger Map
A bunch of us are meeting at Medway St bridge (west side) in Richmond at 9am today: bring barrows and shovels and cars to travel east to help out – can you help? Do you need help? The Student Army is depleted because of holidays so we need as much alternative help we can get.
Thanks – hope to see you at the bridge.
Evan Smith
DDI 03 323 6617
CELL 029 739 9796
View Larger Map
Friday, 23 December 2011
Day 303 - another large quake strikes Christchurch
A large 5.8 earthquake hit Christchurch at 1.58pm today and lasted for about 20 seconds. It was followed by a series of rolling aftershocks a few minutes apart.
It was centered 13Km off the coast from New Brighton at a depth of 8Km
A second large earthquake has hit Christchurch at 3.18pm today, with residents saying it felt larger than the magnitude-5.8 aftershock that shook the city at 1.58pm.
The damage seems to be in the east of the city. Addington is OK.
Phone lines are down. Liquification has returned and power has been cut for Eastern suburbs
The quake was also felt in Dunedin, Oamaru.
This post will be updated as more details come to hand.
Quake roll
View Larger Map
Media Release
Public Information Update
Three major aftershocks have hit Christchurch this afternoon - 5.8, 5.3 and then 5.8.
Civil Defence says that the situation in the city is not as bad as it was in September or February in terms of damage or liquefaction - but probably similar to what was experienced in June.
There are no plans to declare a state of emergency and the people of Christchurch are urged to take care of their families and neighbours as they have done in the past.
Civil Defence staff have flown over the city by helicopter which has revealed:
* Rockfalls in the Port Hills particularly Redcliffs, Scarborough and Whitewash Head, Peacocks Gallop and Richmond Hill; but no major landslips and no obvious impact on properties and lifelines on the Port Hills. There are more rocks on Evans Pass Road.
People are advised to stay away from the Port Hills unless they live there or need to be there. Teams of geotechnical engineers are out now assessing the hill areas from Sumner to Diamond Harbour. If residents are concerned about any rock fall, cliff collapse or landslide issues around their homes they should contact the Council call centre, which can alert geotechnical engineers.
The Council is currently inspecting roads and other infrastructure. Critical bridges have been checked including bridges at Moorhouse Avenue, Bridge Street and Gayhurst Road, and there has been no further damage to these. Traffic lights are out in the east of the city
The Lyttelton tunnel is open.
There has been a sewer overflow into the Avon River reported and people should avoid contact with the river and the estuary for 48 hours. The city's treatment plants are working. There is no apparent damage to water infrastructure and the Chief Medical Officer of Health is not advising people to boil water at this stage.
There has been some stop bank damage along the Avon River but no breaches. The next high tide around 4am Saturday may bring issues.
People are advised not to travel unless it is essential. Buses will operate a restricted service for the rest of the day to ensure people can get home tonight.
Windsor School hall is being activated as a welfare centre and will be open by 8pm. This is just for sheltering overnight and there will be no catering. People planning to use the centre need to bring their own supplies (food and bedding etc).
There is plenty of fuel and no need for people to panic buy fuel. Petrol stations are well stocked and there is plenty of bulk fuel at Lyttelton.
Orion is reporting that 13,000 homes are without power, mainly in the Brighton area. Most are expected to have power back on by dark tonight but people are asked to prepare for intermittent power supply for the next few days.
If you are worried about the safety of your home evacuate the building and contact a building professional as soon as you are able.
Owners of commercial buildings are urged to check their buildings before allowing people to occupy them.
There will be four teams of Civil Defence and Red Cross staff door knocking in the east tonight to determine needs of residents and offer reassurance.
The CBD red zone has been shut down and no-one is allowed in.
The Council call centre is up and running for people with urgent water and sewage calls. Ph 941 8999 or 0800 800 169, but please be patient.
For the latest information listen to radio news programmes, refer to the website www.canterburyearthquake.org.
There will be a further update at 10.30pm today.
For further information phone:
CDEM Media phone: 027 241 0244
Media email: cdpublicinfo@ccc.govt.nz
Website: www.canterburyearthquake.org.
It was centered 13Km off the coast from New Brighton at a depth of 8Km
A second large earthquake has hit Christchurch at 3.18pm today, with residents saying it felt larger than the magnitude-5.8 aftershock that shook the city at 1.58pm.
The damage seems to be in the east of the city. Addington is OK.
Phone lines are down. Liquification has returned and power has been cut for Eastern suburbs
The quake was also felt in Dunedin, Oamaru.
This post will be updated as more details come to hand.
Quake roll
- 1.58pm, magnitude 5.8, 20km northeast of Lyttelton, 8km deep
- 2.06pm, magnitude 5.3, 20km east of Christchurch, 10km deep
- 3.18pm, magnitude 6.0, 10km north of Lyttelton, 6km deep (under South New Brighton)
- 4.50pm, magnitude 5.0, 20km northeast of Lyttelton, 10km deep
View Larger Map
+++
6.20pm 23 December 2011Media Release
Public Information Update
Three major aftershocks have hit Christchurch this afternoon - 5.8, 5.3 and then 5.8.
Civil Defence says that the situation in the city is not as bad as it was in September or February in terms of damage or liquefaction - but probably similar to what was experienced in June.
There are no plans to declare a state of emergency and the people of Christchurch are urged to take care of their families and neighbours as they have done in the past.
Civil Defence staff have flown over the city by helicopter which has revealed:
* Rockfalls in the Port Hills particularly Redcliffs, Scarborough and Whitewash Head, Peacocks Gallop and Richmond Hill; but no major landslips and no obvious impact on properties and lifelines on the Port Hills. There are more rocks on Evans Pass Road.
- Further damage to the Christchurch Cathedral's western wall andto other buildings in the city
- There is liquefaction in the east of the city - particularly Dallington, Wainoni. Avonside and Parklands. Bexley is the worst area and there are reports of cars stuck in liquefaction. There do not appear to be any new areas of liquefaction. There has also been flooding on some roads, particularly around Pages Road.
People are advised to stay away from the Port Hills unless they live there or need to be there. Teams of geotechnical engineers are out now assessing the hill areas from Sumner to Diamond Harbour. If residents are concerned about any rock fall, cliff collapse or landslide issues around their homes they should contact the Council call centre, which can alert geotechnical engineers.
The Council is currently inspecting roads and other infrastructure. Critical bridges have been checked including bridges at Moorhouse Avenue, Bridge Street and Gayhurst Road, and there has been no further damage to these. Traffic lights are out in the east of the city
The Lyttelton tunnel is open.
There has been a sewer overflow into the Avon River reported and people should avoid contact with the river and the estuary for 48 hours. The city's treatment plants are working. There is no apparent damage to water infrastructure and the Chief Medical Officer of Health is not advising people to boil water at this stage.
There has been some stop bank damage along the Avon River but no breaches. The next high tide around 4am Saturday may bring issues.
People are advised not to travel unless it is essential. Buses will operate a restricted service for the rest of the day to ensure people can get home tonight.
Windsor School hall is being activated as a welfare centre and will be open by 8pm. This is just for sheltering overnight and there will be no catering. People planning to use the centre need to bring their own supplies (food and bedding etc).
There is plenty of fuel and no need for people to panic buy fuel. Petrol stations are well stocked and there is plenty of bulk fuel at Lyttelton.
Orion is reporting that 13,000 homes are without power, mainly in the Brighton area. Most are expected to have power back on by dark tonight but people are asked to prepare for intermittent power supply for the next few days.
If you are worried about the safety of your home evacuate the building and contact a building professional as soon as you are able.
Owners of commercial buildings are urged to check their buildings before allowing people to occupy them.
There will be four teams of Civil Defence and Red Cross staff door knocking in the east tonight to determine needs of residents and offer reassurance.
The CBD red zone has been shut down and no-one is allowed in.
The Council call centre is up and running for people with urgent water and sewage calls. Ph 941 8999 or 0800 800 169, but please be patient.
For the latest information listen to radio news programmes, refer to the website www.canterburyearthquake.org.
There will be a further update at 10.30pm today.
For further information phone:
CDEM Media phone: 027 241 0244
Media email: cdpublicinfo@ccc.govt.nz
Website: www.canterburyearthquake.org.
+++
Mrs Pam Chick died today of a stroke. There will be a full tribute added later to this blog.
Day 303 - Food banks 'run off their feet' as demand surges
Reprinted from The Press
23/12/2011
By Charlie Gates
Earthquakes, an economic downturn and rising living costs have led to record demand for Christchurch food banks this Christmas.
The Christchurch City Mission has had a 50 per cent rise in demand in the Christmas buildup, the 0800 Hungry food bank has seen a 25 per cent increase and the Salvation Army has seen pre-Christmas demand double.
Methodist Mission executive director Mary Richardson said there was "overwhelming need" in Christchurch. She said many people in the city had lost casual jobs. "People are less resilient after this year, and this gives them a feeling that people care," she said.
Christchurch City Missioner Michael Gorman said the mission was giving out about 90 food parcels a day.
"We have never had such demand. It is 50 per cent up on previous years," he said. "People are facing general difficulties with the rising cost of living, but benefits have not changed at all."
Kerry Bensemann, who runs the 0800 Hungry food bank, said the food bank was handing out 120 food parcels a day. "My crew are run off their feet at the moment. It is about 25 per cent up on last year. There is tremendous demand. "Everyone has had a hell of a hard year, and this is about giving everyone a brighter Christmas."
The Salvation Army has teamed with Countdown supermarkets to help feed Christchurch people.
Food that Countdown cannot sell, but remains safe to consume, will be redirected to the Salvation Army as part of a nationwide initiative. The Salvation Army has seen a rise in demand for food parcels.
In the three months before the September 2010 quake, 1100 parcels were distributed to 760 individuals and families in Christchurch, compared with 2325 parcels distributed to 1775 individuals and families in the same period this year.
23/12/2011
By Charlie Gates
Earthquakes, an economic downturn and rising living costs have led to record demand for Christchurch food banks this Christmas.
The Christchurch City Mission has had a 50 per cent rise in demand in the Christmas buildup, the 0800 Hungry food bank has seen a 25 per cent increase and the Salvation Army has seen pre-Christmas demand double.
Methodist Mission executive director Mary Richardson said there was "overwhelming need" in Christchurch. She said many people in the city had lost casual jobs. "People are less resilient after this year, and this gives them a feeling that people care," she said.
Christchurch City Missioner Michael Gorman said the mission was giving out about 90 food parcels a day.
"We have never had such demand. It is 50 per cent up on previous years," he said. "People are facing general difficulties with the rising cost of living, but benefits have not changed at all."
Kerry Bensemann, who runs the 0800 Hungry food bank, said the food bank was handing out 120 food parcels a day. "My crew are run off their feet at the moment. It is about 25 per cent up on last year. There is tremendous demand. "Everyone has had a hell of a hard year, and this is about giving everyone a brighter Christmas."
The Salvation Army has teamed with Countdown supermarkets to help feed Christchurch people.
Food that Countdown cannot sell, but remains safe to consume, will be redirected to the Salvation Army as part of a nationwide initiative. The Salvation Army has seen a rise in demand for food parcels.
In the three months before the September 2010 quake, 1100 parcels were distributed to 760 individuals and families in Christchurch, compared with 2325 parcels distributed to 1775 individuals and families in the same period this year.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Day 302 - Moments of Joy
A group of young people associated with the recent UNESCO youth conference in Christchurch have set up a group called "Moments of Joy". They have donated kids toys and some food to be distributed by Addington Action for Xmas.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Day 301 - last food parcels for 2011
Today was the last day for food parcel deliveries for 2011. Food parcel deliveries by Addington Action volunteers will resume on Tuesday 17 January 2012.
The office closes on Friday 23 December 2011 and reopens Wednesday 4 January 2012.
So far this year, 784 jobs were done by unpaid volunteers for 464 households on 115 streets in 300 days. This includes rubble removal, repairing uninsured homes, delivering food parcels, establishing veggie gardens, finding lost pets, etc.
Addington Action will hold an emergency meeting and restart early only if there is a 4th devastating Christchurch earthquake, or the banks in the eurozone collapse.
Otherwise have a great Xmas break and thanks for everyone's help.
The office closes on Friday 23 December 2011 and reopens Wednesday 4 January 2012.
So far this year, 784 jobs were done by unpaid volunteers for 464 households on 115 streets in 300 days. This includes rubble removal, repairing uninsured homes, delivering food parcels, establishing veggie gardens, finding lost pets, etc.
Addington Action will hold an emergency meeting and restart early only if there is a 4th devastating Christchurch earthquake, or the banks in the eurozone collapse.
Otherwise have a great Xmas break and thanks for everyone's help.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Day 300 - Addington Action Incorporated
As of today, Addington Action is now an incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
The next step is to get tax free status from IRD.
Thanks Community Law Canterbury for the legal help.
The next step is to get tax free status from IRD.
Thanks Community Law Canterbury for the legal help.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Day 299 - last day in 2011 for repair crew
The crew put the first coat of Gib stop today on a room. This is the last work day for the work crew till 2012.
Work begins 9am Wednesday 4 January 2012.
Work begins 9am Wednesday 4 January 2012.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Day 297 - 1 till 8
Joeli, Michael and Mike worked on a room at Julie's today.
The timber used for the ceiling dwangs was a bit wet so will be left uncovered to dry for a few weeks before lining with batts and Gib board.
Started at 1 and finished at 8.
- ceiling dwangs
- wall batts
- electrical cable for new wall power plugs
- putting up Gib board on the walls
The timber used for the ceiling dwangs was a bit wet so will be left uncovered to dry for a few weeks before lining with batts and Gib board.
Started at 1 and finished at 8.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Day 296 - a report to the local Community Board
I got to give a report about the earthquake recovery work by Addington Action to the Spreydon Heathcote Community Board this morning.
As of today, 770 jobs have been done for 460 households on 115 streets in 296 days. Addington Action is functioning as the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff because of the failure of government to provide timely aid to earthquake stricken working people in the area.
This solidarity work has been organised by a volunteer residents committee using street posters and has growing widespread popular support.
The board provided $2350 to support this work from July to December 2011.
Another grant application will be made to cover similar costs for the next 12 months.
The elected board meets at the Beckenham Service Centre, located in the Christchurch South Community Library on Colombo St.
- The initial 18 day response after the February quake
- Repairing uninsured homes
- Distribution of food parcels
- Establishment of home veggie gardens
- Clearing rubble and rubbish from sections
- and the planned support for the City wide veggie co-op
As of today, 770 jobs have been done for 460 households on 115 streets in 296 days. Addington Action is functioning as the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff because of the failure of government to provide timely aid to earthquake stricken working people in the area.
This solidarity work has been organised by a volunteer residents committee using street posters and has growing widespread popular support.
The board provided $2350 to support this work from July to December 2011.
- $450 was spent of fuel, oil and mileage
- $1300 on posters, resource kits and volunteer badges
- $600 on bank, rubbish tip and legal fees
Another grant application will be made to cover similar costs for the next 12 months.
The elected board meets at the Beckenham Service Centre, located in the Christchurch South Community Library on Colombo St.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Day 295 - waterblasting old poo
Today's delight was water blasting liquification silt and old poo from around an uninsured house so it can be repaired. Pretty smelly stuff!
The afternoon was spent first time visiting 4 uninsured homes to discuss repairs to start in January.
The afternoon was spent first time visiting 4 uninsured homes to discuss repairs to start in January.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Day 294 - bits and pieces
Today because of the rain, we did a whole pile of getting sorted type jobs.
- replacing the blades on the lawn mower (damaged clearing up a recent section)
- looking at heavy duty rotary-hoe's that could put in lots of veggie gardens
- bought some heavy duty rakes, shovels and a yard broom
- dropped off donated packets of veggie seeds from Tracy to the community gardens in Strickland St
- taking down the details of another uninsured home to repair in Scott St
- and attending the Manuka Cottage Christmas party
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Day 291 - we need a walking tractor
Having a bit of a rethink about the task of digging up loads of old compacted lawns to turn them into veggie gardens. The ground is very hard and not suitable for a rotary-hoe. However, heavy duty rotary-hoe's are available with a lot more grunt and they are powered - i.e. the wheels have a forward and reverse gear box.
Apparently one of these beasties can do 1ha in a day and a small or older person can use them easily.
We are going to need a walking tractor!
Apparently one of these beasties can do 1ha in a day and a small or older person can use them easily.
We are going to need a walking tractor!
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Day 290 - Four Stops Today
1. Michelle's (Walton St) -- a quick spray of a few persistant weeds, some branch trimming on two trees, water blasting the concrete drive and separating the recyclable metal waste.
2. Julie's (Hutcheson St) -- Two paint colours chosen. (Joeli will paint the exterior a light lemon colour with medium grey trim).
3. Raewyn's (Poulson St) -- A quick-fix here of a leaking toilet cistern using some white silicon sealer.
4. Janet's (Hutcheson St) -- selective spraying around the yard so the garden can now be maintained by Janet.
2. Julie's (Hutcheson St) -- Two paint colours chosen. (Joeli will paint the exterior a light lemon colour with medium grey trim).
3. Raewyn's (Poulson St) -- A quick-fix here of a leaking toilet cistern using some white silicon sealer.
4. Janet's (Hutcheson St) -- selective spraying around the yard so the garden can now be maintained by Janet.
Friday, 9 December 2011
Day 289 - 23 volunteers clear section for Sydenham veggie garden
This afternoon, 20 youth from a UNESCO conference and 3 Addington Action volunteers cleared up the land of a Sydenham home of rubble and accumulated rubbish so that a large community veggie garden can be established.
The team of 20 youth arrived on a bus with gumboots, wheelbarrows, and overalls from the UNESCO Youth Forum "Looking Beyond Disaster" being held 9-12 December at Canterbury University.
The forum has brought together 50, 15-25 year olds from disaster-hit areas in the Asia Pacific Region together with 50, 15-25 year old Christchurch folks for a symposium on how to best involve youth on the rebuild of communities after disasters.
Establishing a very large number of veggie gardens is becoming an urgent task because of the rising levels of poverty in this area. Nothing like the humble spud and cabbages!
Monday, 5 December 2011
Day 285 - Many Christchurch poor live in appalling conditions
Reprinted from Letters to the Editor - The Press Saturday December 3 2011
The quality of private rental accommodation and state housing in Christchurch is appalling. Mouldy, damp, cold, insufficiently heated, draughty and poorly ventilated housing is the norm for the poorest 10 per cent of families.
Since the earthquakes, overcrowding has become even worse. I know of one household that consists of four adults and six children living in a two-bedroom flat, and their are numerous other cases like it.
When it comes to housing, our young people and young parents are at the bottom of the heap: a young solo parent looking for a two-bedroom place that is suitable for her family is likely to spend several months searching until giving up, and usually will settle reluctantly for something that puts the health and wellbeing of her and her children at risk, because that is her only option.
Paul McMahon
Youth housing worker
Linwood
The quality of private rental accommodation and state housing in Christchurch is appalling. Mouldy, damp, cold, insufficiently heated, draughty and poorly ventilated housing is the norm for the poorest 10 per cent of families.
Since the earthquakes, overcrowding has become even worse. I know of one household that consists of four adults and six children living in a two-bedroom flat, and their are numerous other cases like it.
When it comes to housing, our young people and young parents are at the bottom of the heap: a young solo parent looking for a two-bedroom place that is suitable for her family is likely to spend several months searching until giving up, and usually will settle reluctantly for something that puts the health and wellbeing of her and her children at risk, because that is her only option.
Paul McMahon
Youth housing worker
Linwood
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Day 284 - Addington Radio 107.5 FM
Radio Addington is the home of Comedy Drive weekdays 4pm-6pm
Also Christchurch's only 3 hour Kids Zone 6am-9am weekends
Radio Addington is now broadcasting a test signal on 107.5 FM with the official launch next year.
Radio Addington is your Community Hub of information regarding Events and Activities in the Addington area.
Community Notices are FREE for your non-profit group or activity.
Enquiries to the Programme Director radio.addington@gmail.com
Radio Addington is a project of Addington Community House Inc. (Manuka Cottage, 45 Dickens St) with the support of Addington Neighborhood Association, Addington Action and The Addington Times.
Also Christchurch's only 3 hour Kids Zone 6am-9am weekends
Radio Addington is now broadcasting a test signal on 107.5 FM with the official launch next year.
Radio Addington is your Community Hub of information regarding Events and Activities in the Addington area.
Community Notices are FREE for your non-profit group or activity.
Enquiries to the Programme Director radio.addington@gmail.com
Radio Addington is a project of Addington Community House Inc. (Manuka Cottage, 45 Dickens St) with the support of Addington Neighborhood Association, Addington Action and The Addington Times.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Day 283 - TV3 reports on a successful repair
Today Michael, Joeli and Mike worked on a Sydenham house and got filmed!
Here is the TV3 News clip from 6pm earlier tonight
Here is the TV3 News clip from 6pm earlier tonight
Friday, 2 December 2011
Day 282 - Addington School Twilight Gala
The Twilight Gala at Addington School tonight was a great success!
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Day 281 - Trailer Trips and Vehicle Viewings
Our first job today was to return to Elaine's house on the Cashmere hill to collect the remaining scaffolding pipes. These were 6m long, so we attached the tall 'H-bars' to the trailer to give us clearance over the car.
Our second trip was to take materials to Julie's house, ready for the internal wall rebuild. This room had been water damaged but after a few weeks running a dehumidifier, and some nice plaster sealing by Joeli, it has dried considerably. We will start the build on Saturday.
There were two admin stops during the day to visit a community garden and community law firm for info and advice.
Finally we stopped in at Brent's and Turner's car yards to check out potential work vehicles. We think a double-cab ute would be the most practical solution; there were several available which we took note of.
Our second trip was to take materials to Julie's house, ready for the internal wall rebuild. This room had been water damaged but after a few weeks running a dehumidifier, and some nice plaster sealing by Joeli, it has dried considerably. We will start the build on Saturday.
There were two admin stops during the day to visit a community garden and community law firm for info and advice.
Finally we stopped in at Brent's and Turner's car yards to check out potential work vehicles. We think a double-cab ute would be the most practical solution; there were several available which we took note of.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)