A message from MARAC

Respectfully remembering all those affected by the Canterbury earthquake.

The major earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February is an event of enormous proportion and great sadness.

For those, including our own staff, customers and other members of the PGC group who have lost family members and loved ones, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences.

We have seen some miraculous rescues of our friends and workmates, many of whom will face new challenges in the days and months ahead.  We will stand beside them and seek to help them as much as we can.

Our immediate focus and priority is to support our staff and their families as everyone struggles to come to grips with recent events.  We are also in the process of contacting our customers in the Canterbury region to see how we can help and assist them through this horrific event.

Through all of this, we have been buoyed by the immeasurable spirit and fortitude of our people.  Those who stayed at the PGC site in Cambridge Terrace to report back until the early hours of the morning; those who remained tirelessly committed to offering sympathy, an ear and any bit of news we could provide to the families and friends; and most notably those who fought to survive.

To the emergency services and rescue teams who have worked incredibly hard, we say, simply but sincerely, thank you.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank all those New Zealanders who have offered their support, thoughts and prayers over the past weeks.   Like the people and city of Christchurch, we will move forward from this tragedy and continue to grow.