HOPE Foundation Newsletter March 2011

Posted by on 3 March 2011

The recent events in Christchurch have brought into sharp focus the inherent instability of these “shaky isles” as the Aussies love to call them. (But just remind them of Newcastle 1989).

Until there is a major disaster, we take the services we receive – water, sewage, electricity, gas, etc. very much for granted. But the truth is that we live in a potentially unstable environment. And when destructive forces are released, it is the older people and those with disabilities who fare worst. We have seen rest home residents transferred all over the South Island, often far away from families.

Yet in some ways they are the fortunate ones, for those struggling to remain at home have been coping with toilets at the end of the street, water arriving in tankers having to be collected by hand, flooded driveways and streets, no electricity or gas. We are heavily dependent on technology to maintain a reasonable quality of life. Number 8 wire is not as effective in an urbanised society as it used to be down on the farm. But technology requires a stable environment in which to function. Who would have thought that rocks tumbling off cliff faces would demolish houses and liquefaction block suburban streets? That sort of thing only happens overseas doesn’t it? Well, clearly no. The truth is that not enough research had been done on the environment before people were allowed to build homes in what have proved to be dangerous areas.

On the positive side, it is clear that the tragedy has brought out the best in human relationships. Neighbours are looking out for one another again. Students and farmers are cleaning up streets and properties. And people from all over the country are donating money, food and clothing to the people of Christchurch. It’s great to see that certain old-fashioned community values such as “love your neighbour” are being resurrected. Like it or not I believe we are going to have to increasingly live this way, especially during tough financial times. In Christchurch people are already faced with hard decisions about issues such as what to do when your house is badly damaged and loses value. But even where homes are intact, increasing numbers will need help with deciding what to do if, for example, they can no longer manage at home. As a contribution to preparedness, the Foundation intends to begin a series of public seminars on practical issues facing an ageing population, such as living arrangements for retired and semi-retired people. Thank you for your continued support: it is making a difference.

David E. Richmond

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