Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

The Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial is a riverside site in Christchurch featuring steel panels inscribed with names of those who died in the 2011 earthquake. The memorial spans both banks of the Avon River, creating a continuous space for remembrance and reflection.

The memorial opened on February 22, 2017, marking six years since the earthquake that caused widespread destruction across the Canterbury region in 2011. It was created following an international design competition that drew entries from around the world.

The site carries the Māori name Oi Manawa, which expresses the connection between people and their cultural identity through physical space. You can see how local heritage and community values are woven into the design itself as you move through it.

The site is openly accessible to visitors and groups at any time for personal reflection or commemoration. The early morning or evening hours tend to offer a quieter atmosphere if you prefer a more contemplative experience.

The memorial was selected from an international competition that received over 300 entries from 37 countries worldwide. This global collaboration demonstrates how a place of remembrance can emerge from contributions by designers and artists across the planet.