2011 Christchurch Earthquake
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:51 pm by David Farrar1824: The death toll is now thought to be around 65. Words are inadequate.
1810: Tv3′s coverage with Hilary Barry has been carried live on four Australian channels – SBS, SKY, 7 and 9. Hilary has done an incredibly professional job in trying circumstances.
1808: Civil Defence have confirmed 17 deaths to date. A terrible terrible tragedy. The toll may yet rise further.
1415: The Police have sadly confirmed reports of multiple fatalities including from buildings falling on two buses. This is very bad. It seems this quake was so near the surface it has done more damage than the last one.
Poor Canterbury. It sounds like a lot of damage but no firm news on those injured or worse.
I’m in Australia for work but will update when I can.
Thoughts are with everyone down south.
UPDATE: House question time cancelled for statements on earthquake. Emergency cabinet meeting starts at 3 pm.
Related posts:
- 2011 Christchurch Earthquake Day VIII
- Christchurch Earthquake 2011 Day II
- 2011 Christchurch Earthquake Day V
- 2011 Christchurch Earthquake Day VII
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
TV 3 Footage is pretty rough. The Catherdral is a mess.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
bad times
Vote:full moon followed by whale strandings then earthquake
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Non-stop coverage on TV1 and TV3.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
We’ll probably end up with running coverage of the running coverage.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
This is not looking good:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/video.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10707996&gallery_id=116913
You gotta fell for these people.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
This is far, far worse!
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
At least one death confirmed already – this is grim
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Some breaking news here: http://www.breakingnews.com/filter/new-zealand-quake
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Newstalk ZB advising:
Vote:- There are multiple fatalities. Many people trapped inside buildings and voices being heard calling out for help.
- Residents are being warned to expect more aftershocks (at least one already struck).
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:22 pm
I’m posting some shots from the TV for those interested.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Radio Live and Stuff are reporting that many people are dead after today’s quake.
Sadly this is about to get much much worse…
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
there have not been any official statements regarding fatalities, but looking at the damage it looks ominous.
The hope is the fatality count is as low as can be.
Check the video at the end of this….
http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/11388-quake-devastates-christchurch.html
How can that guy be sweeping the street? Stupid!
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Pretty dramatic on TV3 right now. Fuck, bad this….
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:52 pm
My poor old home town.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Just felt another aftershock here in WN. Can’t be going well in CHCH
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Just felt another significant aftershock in Dunedin, it must feel like hell in Christchurch.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
There is some astonishing footage on TV, one lady just said there could be 200 people in an office building that collapsed, there are clearly people that are trapped going by the footage.
Vote:This is just awful.
I have relatives that have said the shaking was far worse.
Just felt a very strong after shock as I typed this in Greymouth.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Wow. Prepare for waves of all the things we love the most:
# media hyper-hyperbole
# people thanking god for saving them (nevermind all those he didn’t, nevermind sending the earthquake in the first place ,etc)
# the executive convincing parliament to hand it even more power, if that is possible
# Bob Parker.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Too soon Ben.
Dick.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Fuck ben, give it a rest….we all want to know what’s going on. It does look as bad as they’re saying….
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Ben, this is far too serious to be thinking like that at the moment. Bloody serious.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Take a day off Ben.
In fact why not just fuck the hell right off for a while thanks.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
No Ben, pay them no heed.
Humour is what’s needed although I disagree with the Parker bit, he did well first time around and has started well this time.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Fuck you Ben you dickhead
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Cheers MT. To the rest of you: take a day yourselves.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Whatever tinman….
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Apparently the 111 system is out of action in Southland too.
Sometimes centralisation of services is not such a smart idea.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
The aftershock at 2.55 was 5.5, that will have caused even more damage, and be bad for what sounds like many still trapped in buildings.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Dazzaman (573) Says:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Whatever tinman….
I’m right in the bloody middle of this, getting pissed off because the bloody ground won’t stop bloody shaking.
A laugh, even a weak one, is better medicine than anything else right now.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Good on you MT.
I’m not in the middle of it but I have family there and I am shaking with the anxiety of waiting to hear if everyone is ok.
I guess abusing politicians and sky people is my medicine…
Hang in there.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Good on yer….
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Here’s a chucle . Key saved bythe earthquake. Ha Question time cancelled because of shaky grounds..
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Well Mr tinman, why don’t you get off the bloody internet and go and give a hand you selfish prick.
Vote:And Ben, you are still a dick.
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Not sure if this was the shakweup envisaged: Extensive welfare shake-up needed
It seems to have taken over all the attention anyway. The picture here shows the severity.
Vote:http://www.stuff.co.nz/4688231/Deaths-destruction-in-Christchurch-quake
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Let’s not be too concerned about the Cathedral please. It’s human life we must be concerned about. A building can be rebuilt; a shattered life or lives cannot.
Thoughts and prayers.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
time and place people. There are a lot of people hurt out there. If it was your wife / mother / daughter trapped under rubble with aftershocks bringing more down on her – I bet humor would be the last thing you need.
Thoughts are with them – if you are in a position to help – do so.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Meanwhile, the low life vermin at the EPMU funded Standard have sunk to a new low.
Note that this post has not been censored at all by the moderators.
kultur 13.1.1.2
22 February 2011 at 3:05 pm
Now is possibly exactly the time CV … these cold fish pragmatists sitting in power have no qualms about it … Earthquakes, Finance Companies and Mining Fatalities. Its not politicking … its just facing in advance – the fact that Key and his cadre of spin doctors will make the most they can out of this. Key should send experts down under his instructions (and he can make capital media wise out of that?) – and then accept their reporting – instead he wants to press the flesh and be snapped and have members of the public and MSM saying “his response was absolutely spot on…” He trades on the sense of fair play of the Left in disaster situations – cynical showman that he is. He’s treating us and canterbury in his calculator like mind right now as an “option” or a “future” …. something to make capital out of … bet he’s phoning crosby textor right now to assess the gains.
Christchurch needs all our support – and our prayers – what it doesnt need is the Key publicity machine making certain that it ‘garners’ a maximum of polling results. Guess thats the end of Phil being interviewed on State TV in the morning – it’ll be all that “nice man Key” …
Still – i guess if the public are that dumb they get the politicians they deserve.
Tragic pics on the TV coming out of the city – absolutely heartbreaking.”
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Google has started a People Finder, if you have information or are looking for someone:
http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Lyttelton is a worry, seems to have been the centre of the big one and central to the aftershocks, and there are a lot of old buildings there.
6.3 (5 km) 12:51 pm 10 km south-east of Christchurch
Vote:5.7 (6 km) 1:04 pm 10 km south of Christchurch
4.5 (5 km) 1:21 pm 10 km east of Diamond Harbour
4.4 (5 km) 1:46 pm 10 km east of Lyttelton
3.4 (5 km) 2:37 pm 30 km south-east of Christchurch
4.0 (8 km) 2:39 pm 10 km north-east of Lyttelton
5.5 (5 km) 2:50 pm Within 5 km of Lyttelton
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
***bet he’s phoning crosby textor right now ***
It’s pretty sad that they’re still hung up on those consultants. They’re like a broken record over at the Standard sometimes.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
In fairness, I’ve just visited that comment thread and the Standard commentator’s seem to acknowledge that kultur is out of line.
@ Pete George,
Yeah, I just visited Lyttelton for the first time a few months ago. A beautiful little community and it’s really sad this has struck so close by. Hopefully people there are ok.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 4:16 pm
If there’s going to be one of these earthquakes every few months, is Christchurch really habitable? Who would want to work in the CBD now?
cheers
David Prosser
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 4:18 pm
I’ve heard from family in CHCH (thankfully all physically ok) that their house on Mt Pleasant is written off. They’ve packed up the family and are heading north. But they also are saying there’s likely to be fatalities in residences in that area since the hillside has had major slipping.
Vote:I think when all the reporting is done this will be NZ’s biggest tragedy.
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Crikey, looks like warzone after a strike….when will that place settle?
Seems like a medical conference was on at the time, so a fair few doctors, etc. on the scene.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
The following article may be of interest to scientists, physicists, engineers, earthquake experts, city councilors and perhaps to the general public as well (ie, it is readable to anyone, but skip the mathematical description in there).
Unified scaling law for earthquakes
Scaling Laws is an established concept in physics and it seemed to be universal, where it’s not only applies to physical phenomenon as earthquakes, polymer formations, molecule transportation, black hole formation, physiology (even some researchers have claimed that brain consciousness is due to scaling laws & system components self-organization), etc,…, but also to economics and other social phenomenon.
I’m no expert in earthquakes, but I know scaling laws pretty well (in terms of model development using the scaling laws). No one knows exactly when an earthquake can strike, however using scaling laws to roughly estimate the probability of when an earthquake can strike is very useful. It is a useful modeling technique for earthquake risk management. I just wondered if the expert engineers and scientists from around the country have done some rough estimations of the likelihood of follow-up earthquakes to the one from last year? If they have, did they share those information with the Christchurch public.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Falafulu Fisi, the experts have been saying since the September earthquake that the probability of a 6+ aftershock was quite high, reducing as time went on but that has proven to be correct. Anyone that wanted to know will have been aware.
I just felt the 5.0 at 4.04 pm, slight rock and creak of the building, and felt the others above 5 quite noticably, but I’m 320km away.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
here is a twitter-feed from there…
http://whoar.co.nz/2011/twitter-feed-from-eartquake/
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:02 pm
ahhhh, the Standard aye big bruv .. I refuse to go there anymore .. what a bunch of low lifes. How can anyone write crap like that at a time like this?
Vote:Love him or not, Key is our PM and it is his duty to get to Chch as soon as it is possible considering all the mayhem.
I’m sure Goff, Lord Burns, Cosgove and their new Civil Defence spokesman, Kris Faafoi will be in CHCH lending a hand.
if NZ was broke before, where are we now?
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Goff was interviewed recently on NatRad, he’s out and about, I think at the PGG building which looks terrible. He sounded like he was concerned and trying to do what he could, which is what I’d expect. Just about anyone closely involved in this will forget scripts and just do their best.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm
David Prosser, probably not statistically significantly different than living within artillery range of the nutbar Kim, or driving over the large steel plates while they blast subway tunnels under the streets of Seoul.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Shunda barunda (1,512) Says:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Well Mr tinman, why don’t you get off the bloody internet and go and give a hand you selfish prick.
I’ve been doing exactly that you pig ignorant piece of crap but, like many, the best thing I can do is get the hell out of the way and let those competent do their job.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:32 pm
3 has a helicopter flying over city….
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
I’ve been doing exactly that you pig ignorant piece of crap but, like many, the best thing I can do is get the hell out of the way and let those competent do their job.
Good to hear you are no longer looking for the humorous side of this tragic event, and I agree, probably better that you do stay out of the way, you may start laughing at an inappropriate moment.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Newstalk ZB said different faultline than that of September quake.
I expect a special tax/levy to pay for this. No option I don’t think.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Channel 7 in Aus, carrying 3News over here. Doesn’t look good, hope the fatalities are few.
I expect a special tax/levy to pay for this. No option I don’t think.
Worry about that tomorrow.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Newstalk ZB said different faultline than that of September quake.
I think a large aftershock of the previous event was described by geologists as being on a “neighbouring structure”, this event appears to be on the same structure they described.
Vote:One would assume it is a fault on the extinct ancient volcanic structure that makes up Banks peninsular, the movement on the plains may have caused a regional redistribution of stress and triggered this event.
Geologists will be able to tell reasonably quickly what is going on, but obviously this is becoming an ongoing regional seismic event.
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Anyone seen the “Earthquake Rocovery Minister”?
Still no plan, now this.
Time to abandon Christchurch, rebuild inland at Rangiora.
[DPF: 20 demerits for politicising a tragedy so early on]
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Absolutely Bevan. I will gladly assist when/if it occurs.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:07 pm
MNIJ, he is overseas.
Well done.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 pm
And Nactionals complained that Jim Anderton wanted to wear 2 hats.
Trouble with Brownlee is none of his hats fit him. WTF is he douing out of the country when there’s work to be done here?
And if I see Kate Fucking Wilkinson roll up to one more quake meeting in a Crown Bmeer, I swear, I’ll do a Luke de Spa!
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Atleast 17 dead.. RIP
It’s times like this when politics should go out the window so we can all come together as the big family that we are.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
stuff is reporting there is 17 confirmed deaths
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4688231/Deaths-destruction-in-Christchurch-quake
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Unbelievable.
Seeing the Cathedral like that really hits home.
Condolences.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:19 pm
key is saying a death toll of at least 65….so far..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:20 pm
John Key has said 65 are dead with more to come, bloody hell.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:27 pm
This is just terrible, absolutely awful news.
Vote:I just hope they can get survivors out of the rubble as quick as possible.
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:30 pm
is it just me..or is mike hosking making anyone elses’ teeth grind…?
is louche all he does..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:34 pm
God, poor Christchurch…
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:39 pm
philu and MNIJ off
Vote:why dont you two shitheads just fuck off at a time like this.
Just fuck off.
So Mike Hoskins make your teeth grind philu.
Just fuck off you twerp.
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Shunda barunda (1,515) Says:
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
I’ve been doing exactly that you pig ignorant piece of crap but, like many, the best thing I can do is get the hell out of the way and let those competent do their job.
Good to hear you are no longer looking for the humorous side of this tragic event, and I agree, probably better that you do stay out of the way, you may start laughing at an inappropriate moment.
Wanker!
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:48 pm
tv3 were all over one…
ones’ coverage has been static…much of the afternoon rawdon christie talking to someone in wellington..on the phone..
..whereas 3 were running uncut/edited/live footage for much of the time…(much of it gripping..)
plus the coup de grace….the live helicopter feed…..
(one have just cut back to wellington…to quote someone who was at a meeting…one have spent half of their coverage crossing to wellington…)
..and then at six..one wheels out mike hosking…to interview more people in wellington…
3 have given one a lesson in how to do this sort of coverage…
..and the formula is quite simple…
..just set the cameras’ rolling….
..ones’ coverage has been over-produced into irrelevancy…
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Most of what we are seeing is the CBD. Apparently there is plenty of damage in the suburbs.
I have a house there that had a family in it that had already lost their own home. I have heard from them that the house is unlivable and they have gone to an evacuation centre.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Wow pretty amazing story on one at the moment about a guy who got out of one of the collapsed buildings…
Edit: apart from the dumbfuck woman who is interviewing him, jeez
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Aunt was being treated for lymphatic cancer and had to be evacuated .. don’t know about the rest of my family down there hope they are okay.
Hope they get the fuck outdoors and pitch a tent.
=(
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 6:54 pm
philu
Vote:FUCK OFF you sick shit head
Nobody gives a rats arse what a bludging twerp thinks is worth criticising at a time of national
disaster like this.
Just FUCK OFF.
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
bereal, once is enough to make your point, don’t turn this thread into another serial diss. Your little crusades piddle into insignificance when faced with a disaster like this. Deaths almost certain to be in three figures. A lot more homeless, some again. And many terrified by each new rumble and shake, whether earthquake or not.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Now is not the time bereal, lets not derail this into yet another philu bashing thread.
Thanks
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:03 pm
PG and mt
Vote:OK
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:04 pm
ones’ coverage has been static…much of the afternoon rawdon christie talking to someone in wellington..on the phone..
Can’t find the source, but sure I read somewhere that their infrastructure in Christchurch was hit hard.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:04 pm
parker is claiming the 65 number could double..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:08 pm
but one haven’t even been able to get a chopper up..
…in six hours..!
one could have flown from aussie in that time..
nah..!..lamentable/moribund lack of any initiative..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Bereal – I presume you live far enough away not to have felt much today. I’ve seen fear in peoples eyes, I’ve seen people scrambling for news of people they know, 300km from the epicentre. For those up close this series of earthquakes will be shattering, even for survivors. Many will just want to get the hell out of Christchurch, maybe permanently. Nerves have already been frayed, stretched, and twisted over and over for six months already, and now they have experienced something much worse.
We need to think of what can be done to help.
And I don’t think grizzling about media coverage is very clever either. Resources are severely stretched. Cameras and reporters play a part but they should be low priority. There are probably many people still trapped.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:09 pm
3 have givena lesson in how to cover things alright.
I know it’s just a small thing, but TV3′s live stream is viewable by those of us offshore worried for our relatives and friends. Thanks, TV3, for those us who can do no more than wait and hope there’s some comfort in being a “part” of things in such a way.
TVNZ, OTOH, are keeping up their “no viewers outside NZ” policy. Thanks for nothing, assholes.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
I was in Chch for the 4 Sep quake and felt a number of aftershocks over Xmas/New Year when back again – my family (all well) say this was shorter and far sharper. Older buildings weakened by the thousands of aftershocks just crumbled with this shallow quake so close to the city. This is a tragedy that will likely will come close to the Napier quake – Chch is too small and I am holding my breath bracing for the likely knowledge that someone we know has died. My thoughts and prayers are with the frightened and frazzled people of my beloved home town on this day of such profound sadness.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:17 pm
This is the live streaming link for 7 News. Actually got it via HotAir blog site in the US!
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Thanks tom hunter. Didn’t realise 7 would go live on an out-of-country disaster. I see they’re taking pictures from 3.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Rex. They were actually taking the live “3″ feed, with no input from their local Aussie staff, for a couple of hours, up until about 7pm NZ time. Now they’ve switched to their own with repeat film.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Pete George
Vote:I live in Auckland, i was born in Christchurch, i lived in Christchurch untill i was 19.
My Aunt and uncle live in Darfield They still do, they were thrown out of their bed in the first earthquake.
My other Aunt and uncle live in Christchurch. Their property was ruined by liquification in the
first earthquake.
Mum and Dad and i lived in Cashmere, we used to be part of the congregation at Ch Ch cathedral. Now gone.
What is your point ?
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Thanks Tom.
I see on the ‘newsbar’ while the 7 News presenter was talking to a Lyttleton resident that 73 fire crew and emergency workers from NSW are coming across to help out. That’s a fantastic response and so quick too. It shows that, politics aside, Julia Gillard’s words in her address the other day were anything but hollow.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:51 pm
DPF’s latest comment is dead right; no words can describe this tragedy. We’ve now accounted for everyone close to us, including staff down there. One’s house has had the job started on 4/9 completed today. Another reports that one of their children’s homes on the hill suburbs is beyond repair. My daughter was traumatised by earlier quakes; at least she is safe. This may indeed be NZ’s “darkest day”. My thoughts and prayers are with the good folk of Christchurch tonight.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 7:57 pm
…. and my apologies to Instapundit – he’s the one that had the link!!!
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:00 pm
I was working at CTV only 4 months ago. Hoping my colleagues that are still unaccounted for manage to make it through. Thoughts are with the families
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:06 pm
I2 words have to describe this tragedy, there is no other media available.
I still await news of my brother and my niece plus a very good friend and neighbour (a broken cellphone means I don’t have contact details).
The worst thing however is the unaffected halfwits who have decided that being human must be suspended in this time.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Hang in there MT; hope for a good outcome for your family
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:17 pm
i can’t believe the courage of those rescuers…
knowing the buildings they are hanging off the side of..
..could be finished off at any time by an aftershock..
there is courage…and there is courage..
…these are very brave men…
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Yes Phool, it’s called community spirit, everybody chipping in.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
BB in this thread Phool has been almost lucid.
Definitely more so than some others.
Now …. back to reality.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Yep, that’s what’s happening about now…..
I’m locked onto it though…
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:39 pm
I have to say, I think TV1 completely trumped TV3 in their coverage. TV3′s anchors (Hillary and the woman before her) were utterly outclassed by Rawdon Christie, who was able to provide a constant stream of articulate and considered commentary and news, compared to TV3 anchors who stutterred, ummed and ahhed through footage.
The TV3 footage was more what I would describe as disaster porn. TV3 reporters on the ground were much less professional/less trained/maybe not actually reporters. TV1 provided decent interviews with a wide variety of people. Both channels did re-run a lot and by this stage seem to be on some kind of a loop.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:45 pm
by this stage seem to be on some kind of a loop
Let’s hope not because if this goes on all night many people will still watch it and rescuers all over the CBD are telling new stories by the minute.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Well said Phil. There are some remarkable stories emerging, and a whole lot of heroes.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 pm
I realise we shouldn’t talk politics, but I’m thinking John Key might give consideration to suspending the general election because of this. I realise it’s nine months away, but this is massive, with a capital M. I cannot believe what I’m watching.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:02 pm
[...] how David Farrar summed up his record of today’s tragic events in and around Christchurch earlier this [...]
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:09 pm
@Gooner. Interesting comment. I think that in 9 months, although there will still be a lot of repairs needed, people will be housed etc, injuries tended to, and it would still be viable to hold an election. Breaking the constitution would only be justified if people were actually physically prevented from being able to vote. I reckon that by November things will have quietened down a lot, albeit that many people will still be (unfortunately) recovering.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:13 pm
It’s horrific. Please donate and help.
Earthquake video hub and emergency support donation lines:
Vote:http://earthquakes.videohq.tv
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:15 pm
BB in this thread Phool has been almost lucid.
Definitely more so than some others.
You were the one defending Bens bullshit comments, and then lamely trying to dismiss it as humour, no sense in getting all pissy because it gets called for what it is.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Gooner, I’m thinking more of what they’ll do for the RWC
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:18 pm
RightNow, yes that too.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
The rugby world cup? I think our entire economy could be of more serious concern.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Re RWC – I thought I heard reports of Stadium damage. Don’t know how bad, may only be minor. And I don’t know how keen teams will be to be based in Christchurch, although the aftershocks should be subsiding by then (if this isn’t precipitating more stress).
It will have a major impact on the economy.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:22 pm
there is courage…and there is courage..
…these are very brave men…
Absolutely Phil, we are witnessing people at their best and bravest for sure, truly inspiring stuff.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:23 pm
More importantly this will add to the serious decline in our growth of GDP. probably plunging it into negative territory where its has looked like heading anyway.
Its time for Bollard to lower the OCR and inject more life into the business community. Something that should have been done by now.
Christchurch will be on hold now for another 6 months before anything can be started.
http://www.sra.co.nz/pdf/OCRCuts.pdf
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Unrelated to christchurch earthquake but interesting from a point of view that earthquakes may be governed by the same process that other unrelated phenomenon such as life science seemed (roughly) to obey.
Yeah, but what about the crayfish? (scaling-laws).
It may be a coincident, but a mind-boggling coincident.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Sign up as a blood and organ donor. And not just when things like this happen.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Gotta agree with those who are now questioning the RWC, the 52 million that we tax payers are being forced to fork out for the NZRU’s piss up would be far better spent on the people of Canterbury.
The govt and the NZRU should call the tournament off right now.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
so why don’t you fuck off to the general thread..fisi…
this is not the time/place for your irrelevant ego-driven bullshit…
if anyone ever deserved off-topic demerits….
..it’s you..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Viking – Japan and USA have 0% real interest rates, and it has done nothing for their economies. Bollard is insignificant.
This is a countrychanger. It will require all the help of each and every one of us, not just a central banker.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I have booked a few days in Christchurch beginning of April (Armageddon Expo).
Vote:Spent weeks trying to sort it out (never been outside the North Island before). Now everything is up in the air and unknown where things will land. Probably have to wait till next week to find out.
My heart goes out to all the people in Christchurch.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Well if you read the newsletter and then the one before you would perhaps see why he says that.
He has a habit of getting it right as opposed to almost all other economists who don’t and he has written about that at length in the last year or so.
Vote:Recommend you read his stuff.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:47 pm
F**king TV3 – they just said now (live) that UNCONFIRMED reports suggest 200-400 dead.
Why doesn’t TV3 shut up about unconfirmed death tolls until it is officially confirmed. They didn’t even provide a source for that figure.
Sure the death toll may reach or exceed that, but now is not the time to speculate.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
I’ve read it Viking. I agree he should cut the OCR, but I’m arguing it won’t have the impact people expect it to.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:50 pm
What an attractive lot you are with your playground insults and puerile opinions.
Vote:Ever thought to shut up in a time of national tragedy?
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Says one who fails to shut up himself and who comes on a blog to insult and offer a puerile opinion.
Good night.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 9:53 pm
TV3 is probably right. Parker said earlier he expected the 65 to double. I don’t think TV3 would be taking a wild stab – they will have a reasonable source.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Unfortunately that number sounds quite likely.
When Key confirmed the number at 65 he also said “we may well be witnessing New Zealand’s darkest day”. The toll for the Hawkes Bay earthquake was 256.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:06 pm
niggly, I wouldn’t bag TV3. I’ve been watching the coverage from the start and TV3′s has been much better than One’s.
CNN’s has also been more onto it than One. Interesting that when they used NZ footage, it was TV3′s.
Absolutely pathetic initial response from the state broadcaster. What was their first action after announcing the quake? To continue with Emmerdale Farm. Bloody shocking. Even when they decided to feature the quake, they just showed stills while 3 were on the ground with reporters and cameras.
The hero journalist of the day has been 3′s Hilary Barry, who has hit the right note all day. It probably helped that she has obviously spent time in Christchurch and was able to give names to wrecked buildings that she recognised. I think she’s still on air.
If there was ever a case to sell TVNZ, today was it.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:17 pm
it’s not very often i agree with you ansell…
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:23 pm
John, I agree that TV3′s coverage has been excellent (I’ve even seen their footage replayed on CNN and Sky News) and generally better than TVNZ i.e. they’ve had Tv3 reporters around the city, from the air and shot footage moments just after the quake struck. Well done.
But I just don’t think it is necessary to offer unconfirmed/unsourced death tolls when the official figure is still 65. Alot of people are upset (not only in Chch but around NZ) not knowing how their families and loved ones have faired, so the last thing they need is shock horror stats to add to their restless night’s sleep.
Granted, tomorrow will be a new day and the authorities will no doubt revise the figure higher. Sad times.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:23 pm
This is a national disaster. To anyone with family or Friends in Christchurch, I hope they are all OK.
As for those who have used this thread for political purposes or indulge in namecalling: Shame on you.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Came down to Chch yesterday morning for 3 days work. So managed to time my trip quite poorly really …
Heck of a shake. Went from nothing to full-on shaking in about half a second. Lasted about 20 seconds I’d say. Truly violent quake. I’ve lived in Wellington for 15 years and not felt anything like this quake in that time. And the aftershock shortly after 1pm didn’t feel all that much smaller.
Saw a 2-story shop 100m down the road from where I was collapse on to a car, with someone inside it. Fireys and police there within a minute or two, but can’t be a good outlook.
Power’s just back on in inner suburbs (hence this post as I check out the news websites). Getting strong aftershocks about every 15 minutes.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:28 pm
I even heard Phil Goff say on Radio NZ’s 10pm news that the Police have told him the figure will be much, much higher.
Maybe the Police are the source, but again is it just me but what’s the point of saying this? Let the officials do that.
Just have TV3 news on in the background, again Hillary is repeating the unconfirmed 200-400 figure according to “reliable sources”.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:40 pm
pete george 7.08
Vote:why not fuck off pete, and take your mate philu with you ?
See 7.31…………eh.?
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Bereal.
Phil has a point. TV3 had far superior coverage today. I can’t stand Phil at the best of times, but today, in this instance, I concede he is right.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
If my information is is accurate mynamesisjack is complete bullshit, he is a failed communist/socialist candidate for the NZ Labour party against Derek Quigley some 40 odd years ago in North Canterbury with violence / legal problems and was a total fuckwit then and nothing has changed ever since.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 11:01 pm
As good as TV3′s coverage has been, at times it has crossed the line into simple voyeurism. At no point did I really want to see an (identifiable) woman with a bloodied face on the floor screaming and the rest. I remember at one point when someone was being helped out of a destroyed building, she turned to the cameraman and shouted “Go away!” a number of times.
TV3 certainly took on the criticisms thrown at it after September, maybe a little too much.
Vote:February 22nd, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Wife was bloody lucky to get out unhurt, heading down Madras St for lunch when it hit – took to the ground and then got up to be surrounded by rubble and bodies. These aftershocks are unnerving – at least five OVER 5.0 today so far. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 12:16 am
Mike Hosking coverage has been bothering me all evening. Like philu he really got up my nose (I’m in Chch fwiw).
Vote:It is a real insult that TVNZ use him, his body language says he really doesn’t give a shit about the subject, his questions or any answer that might be forthcoming.
His questions come from a typical liberal ‘the government solves everything’ state of mind. Thinks he is ‘speaking truth to power’ in every interview.
A couple of hours after the quake and he is demanding to know how many nights people might have to stay in a tent. Demanding to know all the details of the aftershocks to come.
I was half expecting him to demand what Heart Foundation approved options the Red Cross would be offering those in the shelters.
Do us a favour and keep him off air.
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:38 am
I will match $2 to every $1 to the level of 10,000 anyone who donates to nzpaypal@frater.com. More here on my website: http://listverse.com/2011/02/22/devastation-in-new-zealand/
So far I have had numerous donations from Americans. Let’s show them how generous we kiwis can be.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 12:43 am
Oh – and please especially think of those who the TV coverage has no idea about – people stuck waiting for help desperately thinking it will arrive when it won’t – who will tragically die tonight.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 2:09 am
Nicely said, John A. That was exactly my impression. Barry has something unique. She’s trustworthy. But the production of the newscasts went hands down pro TV3 as well. Have no idea why TVNZ took so long to finally actually GO to the disaster.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 2:55 am
Thoughts to everyone down south and their families.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 6:09 am
Just in case Philu missed it from yesterdays GD:
ciaron (478) Says:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:58 am
# philu (10,509) Says:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:08 pm
“..# ciaron (477) Says:
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
I don’t have to tell you anything. Except that you are wrong…”
so..ciaron..you obviously have no answer to that logical progression…?
..so are you reverting to the bigots’ standard defence…when their faulty logic is challenged..
..and stuffing yr fists in yr ears…and shouting ‘im not listening..!..i’m not listening..!”..
but if you do have a conscience…ciaron….and you listen to it..
…you will know that i am correct..
…that the punitive/stigmatising of sole-mothers you so strongly support….
…is a direct cause of them aborting their babies…
…how can it not be…?
..your silence speaks volumes…
..you know i am speaking the truth..
..and i hope you rest uneasy..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
FUCK YOU CUNT I WAS IN AN EARTHQUAKE.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 7:34 am
A colleague of my wife works in Police NHQ in Wellington. The info he has been getting suggests that what we have seen does not reflect how bad it is down there. It’s far worse than what we have been shown to date.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 7:41 am
Seems it takes more than an earthquake to crush the cockroaches. Very poor form squabbling at a time like this.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:02 am
ansell..the actual promoter of racial division/racist-hatred…
(‘iwi-kiwi’..?..anyone..?..)
…calls others ‘cockroaches’ ..
oh irony..!..thou art a harsh mistress…!
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:05 am
Phil – John Ansell makes a good point. Now is not the time for pettiness and nastiness. If you can’t offer anything that is not calculated to upset people, keep your hands in your pockets.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:14 am
Christchurch looks like a scene out of War of the Worlds. This earthquake blows all the other chc quakes outa the water. The damage is staggering I cant believe what Im seeing. Bodies in buses. Bodies in caryards in the city. Un- fucken- believable.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:15 am
..and will someone tell Corin Dann to STFU !!
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:17 am
I agree with those who think that TV3 has far outclassed TVNZ with their coverage, and I don’t think they have sensationalised the event unduly. There will always be instances where suffering and stressed people react to having a TV camera pointed at them and this is totally understandable.
Gooner made a good point that this night be a ‘country changer’. I think this could well turn out to be a national disaster and have a hugely negative effect on our country’s journey out of an already challenging economic situation. I hope this is not the case….. but I can’t see a country in our already parlous state just shrugging off having its second biggest city virtually destroyed like this.
I realise it might sound like a cliche…. but I think we need to really focus on how we can work together as a whole country now to pull ourselves out of this shit.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:18 am
inv..i didn’t post the comment on this thread…
(and the comment is from another thread..gd….from yesterday…)
..so..wtf are you on at me about..?
and that racist douchebag-ansell calls me a cockroach…
..and i have no right of reply..?
how about you have a word with them first…eh..?
then i’ll listen to you..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:21 am
it wd seem the camera-crews are being kept well away from any ‘action’/rescue-efforts…
..and both tv one and 3 have been reduced to wall to wall parker….and replays of yesterdays’ footage…
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:22 am
This tragic event will bring out the best and the worst in people and we have seen the full range here. Stories of people having their limbs removed so they can be rescued, leave me numb. ChCh is my second home and I was on the verge of tears yesterday as I watched events unfold. But most people are rising the occasion as the rescue work continues. NZers should feel touched by the help we are receiving around the pacific rim countries, with search and rescue people and other assistance being offered far and wide.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:25 am
Give it a rest Phil Ure..youre makin yourself look a bigger fool than you already are ( if thats possible ).
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:26 am
to the helicopters…!..newsboys ‘n girls..!
oh..!..restricted air-space…
this is as good as it will get..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 am
The last thing that rescue and other emergency crews will want is camera crews and associates getting in the way as they do their job, especially when it comes to recovering bodies.
Vote:It’s likley that the airspace will be closed down as well so that rescue choppers can get in.
Good thing in my view. there is too much earthquake porn at the moment.
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:42 am
oh..that’s good….more bob parker…
he never lets an opportunity pass him by…
..phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:46 am
Phool
Just leave it out will you.
People are dead you piece of shit, people are trapped and all you seem to be taking great joy from winding up as many as you can.
Just fuck off.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:52 am
even those people who are standing around parker…
..have stopped listening…
..have wandered off…
phil(whoar.co.nz)
[DPF: 30 demerits. Leave the politics and personal abuse out of it, ot restrict commenting to your own blog]
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 8:54 am
the print media websites are now providing better/more nuanced coverage…
the herald racing editor has done a powerful piece on his foray into the city last night..
..it’s on their website..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 9:07 am
philu (10,520) Says:
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:42 am
oh..that’s good….more bob parker…
he never lets an opportunity pass him by…
..phil(whoar.co.nz)
Go kill yourself you cunt. If you think Bob takes any pleasure out of what’s happened and enjoys being in front of the cameras for something like this then take a big look at yourself in the mirror and the evil posts you are making here.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 am
Upon further reflection I take back what I wrote above. Don’t kill yourself. But just stop turning this tragedy into a political thing Phil.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 am
What is it about the electronic media and their obsession with counts and death. Bloody ghouls. All afternoon and well into the night they were pushing and pushing people to commit to a body count/death toll/number trapped. When Parker and Key mentioned different numbers they compared endlessly how the numbers were different. Key’s comment became the “official death toll” of 65 until this morning when the “confirmed dead count” was 38 bodies in a temporary Police morgue.
There then followed incessant comparisons between the number 38 and 65 each time smarmily referring to John Key as if he had personally lined up the dead and numbered them from the left. It would take an idiot to not accept that people were trying to create an infrastructure to cope with thousands of displaced people, an unknown number of medical cases, a shattered city, the rescue resource requirements, water, sanitation, food, shelter, security, etc etc etc and all they want to talk about is how many are dead.
Parker, Key, Carter and even Goff tried to focus attention on the real need which is rescue of the living but no the MSM return time and time to lead each segment with the death count. It is truly sickening.
And I won’t start on the stupid idiot reprter who recounted that a “huge number of limbs have been amputated in order to release trapped people” Someone in ZB should actually listen to what their repeaters are saying and take a bit of care to encourage somer accuracy rather than sensationalising things.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 am
“..[DPF: 30 demerits. Leave the politics and personal abuse out of it,.."
'personal abuse'..noting it has been wall to wall parker since 5.30 this morn..?
..and that those around him have wandered off..?..
'cos they are obviously bored with him saying the same thing over and over again...at length..?
whereas on just this thread:..directed at me:
"..shitheads just fuck off at a time like this.
Just fuck off..."
"..FUCK OFF you sick shit head.."
".bludging twerp..""..fuck off pete, and take your mate philu with you ?.."
"..FUCK YOU CUNT.."
"..crush the cockroaches.."
"..fuck off..."
"..Go kill yourself you cunt..."
care to point at anything i have said..in the way of 'personal abuse'..
that comes anywhere near any one of those...? (non-demerited) rightwingers...?
but that's ok..eh..?..
any of these shits can call me anything they like..eh farrar..?
..has one of them ever received demerits for the tirades of personal abuse..attacking me/my son..
..making repeated allefgations of 'p'-cooking/narcotics-manufacture..
..and you just sit there smirking..eh..?
..never demurring in the slightest..
could you tell me why you didn't demerit those people who called me a 'p'/narcotics-manufacturer..
..when i emailed you telling you of that 'personal abuse'/those libels...?
..when you said if i emailed..you wd censure them..
..what game was that..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
[DPF: Don't lie. I have given out demerits on almost every occassion to people calling you a p cook etc, when you actually follow the process and e-mail a complaint in. You even thanked me by e-mail.
I've been working in Aussie. I have not read all of the general debate thread of yesterday but returned to find many many complaints about your posts from readers, and have applied demerits accordingly. You've now reached 100 so are banned for two months (no need for anyone else to comment on this). You are welcome back in late April if you can follow the rules]
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 am
Unbelievable, even at a time like this you manage to make it all about you.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 11:08 am
PhilU didn’t make it all about himself, you guys did.
Phil’s style is not for everyone, and I rarely read his posts because his style, although not his substance, generally, tends to offend my sensibilities towards the English language, but in this case he is clearly being victimised.
His point about Parker is similar to what we were saying here at home, that someone well-practised in the art of never stopping talking when faced with a camera was noticeable, but that is fine for the purposes he was using that talent for, which was to communicate good advice to his people.
But Phil, being Phil, had to post a comment on it! And he didn’t recognise that Parker is primarily addressing his own, and TV was doing a public service by replaying his advice often.
However, he was restrained even under fire from posters like the indefatigably ugly, offensive posts of Bereal, Courage Wolf and others. He was spot on with his criticism of John Ansell, one of the foremost promoters of racism in the country, in my opinion.
And others shared his view on Hoskings – we just turned him off.
Then Phil lost it a bit with DPF. Again.
But looking at the substance of his last post, he has strong grounds for feeling aggrieved.
Although DPF says to email him so he can deal with it, and I’m sure he does, why do those like Phil and myself who endure unrelenting personal abuse and filth from the likes of Bereal, Hurf Durf, Big Bruv, and so many others, need to spend all our time emailing DPF?
And it doesn’t stop them, anyway. They just come back fitter, stronger, faster…
DPF, it’s your blog, but I am amazed you don’t get more stick about what you allow on this site at times.
By the way, I never have emailed DPF about the abuse, although I may comment on it in the thread. Then I generally (but sometimes I, too, sin against the Golden Rule) just turn the other cheek (CYM training must still be deeply engrained in my psychic depths) and move on.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
Jesus fucking Christ Luc – people are having their limbs sawn off in order to be freed from rubble. Many of my friends from Christchurch are still unaccounted for. This is not the time or place to be attacking Ansell or Parker for their political views, nor is anyone in the mood to be setting up a relief fund for Phil’s offended personal feelings.
Vote:February 23rd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Bob Parker is offering leadership to a very stressed out city. He is staying on top of events and is keeping people informed of developments and is offering advice. Sure he is using his very considerable media skills. I shudder to think what Jim Anderton would be doing in this situation.
Vote: