Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo

The Hayes family of Mt Pleasant often leave drawings and messages on the side of their house. Today it was a message of remembrance to mark the 3rd anniversary of the February 22nd 2011 earthquake. The family were also responsible for leaving flowers in road cones around the area and the Ferrymead Bridge (thanks for the effort you go to guys!). As I live nearby, I often see different drawings and have featured their wonderful snowmen and Easter Bunny Road Cones on the blog and Facebook.

Today, I arrived back in Christchurch after a two week holiday around various parts of the South Island. I’ve been to some beautiful spots, but it’s great to be back home in one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities that I have the privilege to call home. Many people have asked why people stay in Christchurch after so much devastation, and I must confess that over the years, I’ve wondered the same thing about other regions around the world that suffered from similar disasters. The answer is always the same no matter where you are in the world. We stay here because this is our home.

Not only is Christchurch our home, but it is a city that I and many people believe has an incredibly bright and innovative future. I am looking forward to watching that future unfold over the coming years. It’s already a fascinating place to live, not only does it have stunning natural beauty, but it has highly resilient and community-minded people, entrepreneurs that are prepared to put their money on the line to do something risky and different (despite naysayers saying it won’t work), and many hard working and creative people who fill the gaps left in the city with wonderful art installations, street art and greenery.

We will always remember the day our city changed forever and the high toll it took. Our memories will fade over time, but the new Christchurch will be a lasting legacy and a testament to resilience.