Remember the Hawke’s Bay earthquake – memories of a disaster are not to be lost

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James Harper, head of Hastings High School for Boys, reads first-hand accounts of the earthquakes. Photo/Warren Buckland

Two services commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake promoted a simple message – keeping memories alive by educating future generations.

During mass on Friday morning, the mayors of Napier and Hastings said these events were pivotal to honoring the lives lost in the earthquake, but also to remember and celebrate the resilience of the Twin Cities.

The earthquake remains one of the deadliest disasters on record in Aotearoa, killing 256 people and injuring more than 2,500. Services were held in the town square in Hastings and in Waiabo Cathedral in Napier.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise had a special message for the survivors about their importance to society.

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“All of the survivors who are still alive today are a very important part of our society. It is your first-hand stories of survival and resilience that help younger generations know and understand what people experienced during the earthquake.”

The Mayor of Hastings, Sandra Hazlehurst, said the events were vital so that “future generations will know what went before”, and can recognize the qualities of “resilience, empathy and how we work together”.

Survivor Mary Harris was just a young girl when the earthquake struck, and she agreed that it was important for younger generations to know why their city became what it is today.

“It’s history,” she said, “and with towns rebuilding, it’s good to know why and how it went.”

Advertise with NZME Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise talks about the importance of educating younger generations about the 1931 earthquake. Photo/Warren Buckland

There was an abundance of tarmacists at Hastings’ service, some of the students taking to the platform to show their respects.

James Harper, Principal of Hastings High School for Boys, and Hastings Middle School Ambassador Maisie Peters read a selection of historical excerpts and first-hand accounts from the earthquakes.

Members of the Lindisfarne College Pipe Band began the service with a procession through town, and boys from Hastings Boys’ High School took part in a rousing haka as wreaths were laid at the base of the clock tower.

Survivor Peter Price also gave some sage advice to young people attending the service.

“Appreciate your teachers, because it’s great when you look back and remember ‘They told me so.'”

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