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Canterbury Earthquake Commemoration Day Act 2011

Canterbury Earthquake Commemoration Day Act
New Zealand Parliament
Royal assent14 March 2011
Commenced15 March 2011
Legislative history
Introduced byHon Kate Wilkinson
Passed10 March 2011
Status: Expired

The Canterbury Earthquake Commemoration Day Act 2011 is an Act of Parliament passed into law in New Zealand in 2011. It created a one-off public holiday in parts of Canterbury to commemorate the effects of the Canterbury earthquakes, starting with the first shock on 4 September 2010, but in particular the aftershock on 22 February 2011 that killed 185 people.[1][2]

Bill history

The bill was introduced by Hon Kate Wilkinson as Minister of Labour on behalf of the government, and it had all three readings on 10 March 2011; just over two weeks since the earthquake that caused the government to draft the bill.[1][3] Members who gave speeches in the first reading were Kate Wilkinson (National), Annette King (Labour), Judith Collins (National), Trevor Mallard (Labour), Keith Locke (Greens), Te Ururoa Flavell (Māori), Jo Goodhew (National), Darien Fenton (Labour), Tau Henare (National), Charles Chauvel (Labour), and David Bennett (National). Members who gave speeches in the second reading were Wilkinson, Mallard, Allan Peachey (National), Maryan Street (Labour), Locke, Michael Woodhouse (National), Fenton, Nikki Kaye (National), Chauvel, and Colin King (National). Members who gave speeches in the third reading were Wilkinson, Mallard, Hekia Parata (National), Locke, and Flavell.[3] Parliament passed the bill unanimously.[4]

Impact

The public holiday, set for 18 March 2011, was "to be observed in those parts of Canterbury that observe Christchurch Show Day as Canterbury Anniversary Day for the purposes of the Holidays Act 2003". The rationale for such a complicated definition is that South Canterbury observes its provincial holiday on a different day (Dominion Day) and as it was not significantly affected by the earthquake, the public holiday was not to apply there. There was discussion whether Kaikōura should join in with the celebrations or not. The town had originally belonged to Marlborough Province and for this historic reason, it observes the Marlborough Anniversary Day. Following boundary adjustments in 1992, Kaikōura is located within the area covered by the Canterbury Regional Council, and many residents feel a stronger connection to Christchurch than to Blenheim, the main city in Marlborough. The Kaikōura District Council discussed the situation and confirmed that, in accordance with the legislation, the public holiday would not apply in their town.[4]

Commemoration day

18 March 2011, a Friday, was set for the commemoration. Schools and offices were closed, and the formal event was held in North Hagley Park. Overseas dignitaries at the event included Prince William (who represented the Queen),[5] Julia Gillard (Prime Minister of Australia), Tony Abbott (Leader of the Opposition in Australia), and Quentin Bryce (Governor-General of Australia).[6]

Expiry

The act expired at the end of 18 March 2011, the date of the commemoration.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Canterbury Earthquake Commemoration Day Bill". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  2. ^ "M 6.3, Christchurch, 22 February 2011". GeoNet. Earthquake Commission and GNS Science. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Canterbury Earthquake Commemoration Day Bill — Procedure, First Reading, Second Reading, Procedure, Third Reading". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Kaikoura not taking day off". The Marlborough Express. 16 March 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Prince William to visit Australia". ABC News. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  6. ^ Hudson, Phillip (14 March 2011). "Gillard, Abbott to attend Christchurch earthquake memorial". Herald Sun. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
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