Christchurch Earthquake - Auckland Memorial Service

Details have been released of the Auckland memorial service of condolence and hope being held in response to the Christchurch Earthquake tragedy.

The service will be held at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain tomorrow evening (Friday 18 March).

It will follow the National Memorial Service in Christchurch, which the Mayor will attend on behalf of the people of Auckland.

The hour-long Auckland memorial service will take place at 7pm.

The service will include reflections from prominent Aucklanders and members of the emergency services as well as a memorial tribute from the Mayor.

A bell will be rung and there will be a period of silence to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who died as a result of the earthquake.

Floral tributes will be laid on the Cenotaph led by the Mayor.

Len Brown is encouraging Aucklanders to take part in the service. “It is important we take time to reflect on Christchurch's loss, spirit, courage and resilience as we continue to work with the people of Canterbury in their time of need,” he says.

The victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan will also be remembered during the service.

Auckland Transport, NZ Bus and Ritchies are providing free bus services for people attending the Christchurch memorial service in Auckland Domain this Friday.

Both the LINK and a special shuttle bus from downtown to Auckland Domain will be free.

The free shuttle bus from stop D11 outside the Mercure Hotel on the corner of Customs St east and Queen St in the CBD will run every 10 minutes from 5.30pm to 7pm and after the service from the domain between 8pm and 9pm.

Passengers can wave down the bus from existing bus stops on the route along Customs St, Anzac Ave, Symonds St and Park Rd.

Alternatively people can travel free on existing LINK services to and from the Domain between 5.30pm and 7pm and after the service from 8pm until 9pm.

Auckland Transport says the free buses are a small gesture to help Aucklanders take a moment to reflect and show their respects for those affected by the earthquake.

Auckland Museum will remain open until 9pm following the ceremony.

Auckland Transport thanks NZ Bus and Ritchies for their support in providing the free services.

For more information on buses available for the service visit www.maxx.conz.

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