I grew up in Christchurch and lived there until I was in my late 20s. I moved to London like many Kiwis do, but I was back when the Darfield earthquake hit. I m

I grew up in Christchurch and lived there until I was in my late 20s. I moved to London like many Kiwis do, but I was back when the Darfield earthquake hit. I moved to SF just before the February quake and came back to the city to visit a few weeks later, due to a death in the family (unrelated to the quake) and because I couldn't stand watching it all on TV and not being there. I've since returned to Christchurch most years to visit family and friends. I completely agree with your feelings out the change to the city. Before I left for London Christchurch was coming into its own, arts and music were blooming (I was involved with RDU), downtown was finally being revitalized - there were cool places in the old brick buildings on Poplar Lane, alternatives to the miserable Strip bars where adults could go out and have fun. I really felt the city had bright prospects as an alternative to Auckland that wasn't sleepy and centered around agriculture. New Zealand's second city. Then the earthquake came and ruined everything. Visiting the wreckage of the central city depressed me every time. Also, whenever I visit the interesting things that remain (there's no replacing the Dux in the old Arts Centre) are scattered now all over the city and require a lot of driving or an expensive taxi to get to. I just can't see myself moving back, at least not for 10-20 years, when we see how this rebuild plays out. It's Auckland or another country, now.