Last week Grega Vezjak visited the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial construction site in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The construction of the Memorial on the south bank of the Ōtākaro/Avon River started early this year after reflective space on the north bank was opened in February 2016. Work progresses well; piling for the foundations is complete, precast concrete terraces were landed into place, precast wall units are currently being installed and marble installation starts this week. The names of the 185 people who lost their lives in the 22 February 2011 earthquake are being carefully inscribed into the stone of The Memorial Wall.
Grega Vezjak has been working with bereaved family members, the seriously injured, first responder organisations, embassies and consulates, Ōtākaro Limited, Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch City Council and New Zealand-based design partners to finalise the design.
Construction work on the south bank will be completed for official dedication in February 2017. Construction progress can be followed here.