20 February, 2014
River of Flowers
On the third anniversary of the 22 February earthquake Cantabrians will once again have the opportunity to share their
experiences and hopes for the future as part of the River of Flowers commemoration.
Michelle Whitaker, from Healthy Christchurch, says the River of Flowers provides a great opportunity for people to
connect with each other and share their experiences and hopes for the future.
“A unique feature of the River of Flowers is that it is driven by each local community, and this year community groups
will be hosting 15 sites,” Ms Whitaker says.
In addition, people attending the Civic Memorial Service at the Botanical Gardens will also have the opportunity to
participate at the River of Flowers site on the Avon River at the conclusion of the service
On Saturday 22nd February 2014 Cantabrians will be able to throw flowers at various sites along the Avon, Heathcote and
Liffey rivers, and at the estuary. Sites will be open from 8am to 8pm, and hosted by community groups between
12.30-1.30pm. Two minutes silence will be held at 12:51pm.
Evan Smith from the Avon-Otakaro Network (AvON) says the River of Flowers has struck a chord with Cantabrians.
“Over the last two years thousands have taken part to reflect, connect, and look to the future.With the third
anniversary falling on a Saturday we anticipate even higher levels of participation as more people come together to
celebrate our strength,” Mr Smith says.
People are asked to bring their own flowers and notes to tie onto the Trees of Hope.
Confirmed locations
SiteLocation DetailsHostBeckenham ParkRiverbank.Beckenham Neighbourhood AssociationBotanic Gardens (1 to 1.30pm)Footbridge between the Hospital and the Peace Bell2014 Festival of Flowers, Mental Health Foundation and Christchurch City CouncilMemorial Mini ParkCorner of New Brighton and Lake Terrace RoadsBurwood Christian CentreKerrs ReachBetween the boat shedsAvon Otakaro NetworkEstuaryYacht Club Car Park, Moncks BayChristchurch Yacht ClubHeathcote RiverRiverbank opposite The Princess Margaret HospitalCanterbury District Health BoardIlamOn the riverbank in front of the University of Canterbury Students' Association BuildingCanterbury University
LincolnLincoln Township on the banks of the River LiffeyLincoln and Districts Community Care Association Inc.Medway Street Foot BridgeSW bank on River RoadAvon Otakaro Network
New BrightonOwles Terrace ReserveRiver of Life and Renew BrightonO-Tautahi - The BricksBarbadoes Street bridgeAvon Loop Planning AssociationRiccarton BushRiver Bank between Kahu Road and Riccarton HouseRebuild Christchurch and Canterbury UniversitySouth New BrightonBoat Ramp at the South Brighton DomainSouth Brighton Residents AssociationWainoni Methodist Church878 Avonside Drive (Methodist Church opposite Porritt Park)Wainoni/Avonside Community Services TrustWainoni/ AranuiRiverbank across Anzac Drive opposite Eureka StreetCanterbury District Health BoardWoolston Radley ParkRadley Park near the south end of the Catherine Street footbridgeWoolston Community Centre
For more information go to www.healthychristchurch.org.nz
ENDS