Earthquake update: Lyttelton, resthome concerns and ANZAC Day

This morning I have been in Lyttelton watching the last of the demolition of the Volcano Café and Lava Bar. I am here to ensure that the heritage agreements are being followed, with pieces of the buildings saved for heritage purposes.

It is nice to think that perhaps parts of these iconic buildings will in some way inform the future face of Lyttelton. I think it comes as a great comfort for people to know that reuse and recycling is on the demolition agenda.

The reports that a Nelson rest home housing many displaced elderly Cantabrians is closing its doors, the displacement of these people a second time is concerning, and unsettling for everyone involved.

I am pleased that my initiative to link family to their relatives in rest homes around the country is picking up speed. We have now established lists of where many people are placed which has helped ensure these often isolated elderly people get the visitors and support they need.

Anzac Day on Monday will be particularly emotional this year. I will attend several services but with the cenotaphs at both Heathcote and Sumner badly damaged it will serve as a graphic reminder of the recent devastation.

The council has tried to repair areas as best they can, but for example the tradition of meeting before and after the Sumner service at the Sumner RSA won’t be able to go ahead, with the building badly damaged and the local community centre also closed.

I think the fact that services are going ahead shows an enormous amount of community spirit and respect. There are some causes that really require a show of resilience and gratitude and Anzac Day is one of those.