Christchurch Memorial Service for Pike River miners

A memorial service to honour the lives of the 29 miners who died
in the Pike River mining tragedy will be held at 1pm Monday 6 December
2010 at the Christchurch Cathedral.

This service follows the national memorial service in Greymouth
on Thursday 2 December 2010.

Mayor Bob Parker says the hour-long memorial service is a time
for the people of Christchurch to show the West Coast community that
they are not alone as they mourn their loved ones.

"Following the earthquake we were touched by the generosity and
support shown to our community by those on the West Coast, now we must
do what we can to help them in their time of need.

"I am also mindful that around 20,000 people who live in
Christchurch originate from the West Coast, and still consider
themselves Coasters at heart. This will be an opportunity for those who
aren't able to be in Greymouth to come together to commemorate this
tragedy."

Dean Peter Beck says the tragedy has touched us all, and for
those in Canterbury it adds to the difficult time we have been through
with the recent earthquake.

"West Coasters are our nearest neighbours and the service will
be a chance to reach out to them, and share our love and concern with
all those who are grieving."

The doors will open at 12.30pm, and 1000 seats will be available
within the Cathedral. Visitors are asked not to bring cameras into the
Cathedral, or use portable devices to shoot photographs or video.

The service will be broadcast into the Cathedral Square for any
those not able to get into the Cathedral.

There will be an opportunity for people to make donations to the
Pike River Miners' Relief Fund.

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