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NEW ZEALAND | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [635] | View Smaller Image

A fence bordering the red zone. Enclosed within what is arguably the heart of the city, the Christchurch Cathedral. The damaged cathedral has come to symbolize the February 2011 earthquake. What was a source of pride for the people of Christchurch is now a source of debate and conflict. The debate to restore the cathedral or build a new cathedral in its place brings to light the issues facing the city and its citizens.

25 months after the 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch on February 22, 2011, the effects are still strikingly visible. After arriving into the city I made my way to the CBD and started to explore the red zone, areas of the city still closed off to the public. The damage was shocking. It is one thing to watch news reports on TV, but walking amongst the reality of it was surreal. It was hard not to feel as if I was walking on a movie set, this was so far beyond anything I had ever experienced. It was all very interesting and sad at the same time. It was hard not to feel a small level of guilt walking around and taking photos.

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A shell of what once was. An office building waits to be demolished to make way for a new Christchurch. What really stood out was the silence. To be in the central business district of a major city yet to have it be so silent added to this overall surreal experience.

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