Ambassador Mike Moore on earthquake reaction

Ambassador Mike Moore reports on Earthquake reaction from Americans

New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States Mike Moore has reported that he was immediately approached at the highest levels by members of the Administration expressing concern about the Christchurch earthquake.

"Actually I heard about the quake minutes before I was rung by the US Ambassador to NZ. Concern was changed to admiration for the way in which Christchurch and NZ handled the crisis, with ambassadors from many countries asking about our systems and approach to the crisis. “

“I'm very proud of the manner in which all sections of society rallied and our systems came together. Central Government, local Government, civil society and the common decency of ordinary citizens worked together which was an inspiration and a model for others. “

“Having the Earthquake and War Damages Commission established generations ago was a wise and progressive concept. This prudent principle of compulsory reinsurance has attracted attention and when the dust settles and the response is audited, I shall most certainly be giving Ambassadorial colleagues a briefing of our processes and response as requested. “

“New Zealand and the people in Christchuch have a right to be proud, I rang several friends in Christchurch and was impressed, no inspired, by their stoic and communal response where neighbour helped neighbour and our good governance systems clicked in some effecitively."

ENDS

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