Sydney Radio Segment: 3rd March, 2010

Martin, I wish I could talk this morning about something other than the Christchurch earthquake.  Unfortunately, it is as ubiquitous in our media as it is tragic in the collective contemplation and historical estimation.  Nine days after the 6.3 magnitude quake hit our third most populous city, with the death toll standing at 160 and expected to rise to over 200 as more bodies are discovered amidst rubble, it’s clear the events of last Tuesday constitute New Zealand’s worst ever natural disaster.

- CBD “locked down” in a military style operation.  Those there without permission liable to arrest and several looters have already been caught.  Aussie police helping in this.

- Churches particularly badly affected.  22 estimated death in Christchurch’s iconic cathedral whose steeple collapsed.  3 died in a Methodist church whilst restore the organ.  Anglican church also.

- Huge percentage of the city and outlying regions still lack water and toilet facilities.

- Wind whipping up the dried “liquidfaction”, causing dust storms.

- Rugby World Cup games in Christchurch being debated.  The AMI stadium - the venue - is itself damagad and the city biggest motel, The Grand Chancellor, will probably have to be demolished (it’s currently on a 2 degree lean).  The English rugby team was to be hosted in Christchurch with as many as 10,000 Barmy Army anticipated.

Rebuilding of Christchurch is expected to take 15 years and a third of the buildings in the CBD will have to be demolished.  Debate has begun on how to pay for it all, with the National Government using the opportunity to float a number of ideas which would involve a backtracking on election promises. Deputy Prime Minister Bill English talking yesterday of reinstating the interest on tertiary student loans and revising tax benefits to families with incomes over $70,000.  The Green Party has already suggested raising taxes across the board on the wealthy rather than a flat tax for all.