The Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, also called Oi Manawa, is a public place of remembrance beside the Ōtākaro/Avon River in central Christchurch. Its long name wall honours the 185 people who died in the 2011 earthquake, while the memorial also recognises survivors and those who helped with rescue and recovery. Take time to read the names, then pause by the river or continue along its banks. The calm setting makes this a meaningful stop for reflection during a walk through the city.
A place of remembrance beside the river
Oi Manawa, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, stands along the Ōtākaro/Avon River in central Christchurch. It remembers those who lost their lives in the 2011 earthquake and provides a place for people to reflect on the earthquakes and their effects. The location was selected following feedback from bereaved family members.
The memorial was designed by Slavonian architect Grega Vezjak after a call for ideas for a place where people could spend time in reflection. Its purposes include honouring the 185 people who died, recognising those who helped with rescue and recovery, and giving people space to share experiences and remember.
The name wall and riverbanks
A long memorial wall runs along the south bank of the Avon River, with the names of those who died engraved on it. Take your time as you walk along the wall and read the names. Across the river, the north bank has trees and a seating area, providing another place to pause.
The memorial extends along both sides of the river, downstream of the Montreal Street Bridge. You can reach it from Cashel Mall or the Bridge of Remembrance, and continue along the river as part of a longer walk.
The annual gathering
The memorial provides a place for an annual gathering on 22 February, as well as other commemorative events. The yearly remembrance includes the reading of names and flowers being placed in the Avon River. The gathering offers a way to join the community in remembering those who died.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial?
It is beside the Ōtākaro/Avon River in central Christchurch, downstream of the Montreal Street Bridge. You can reach it from Cashel Mall or the Bridge of Remembrance.
What does the memorial commemorate?
It honours the 185 people who died in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and recognises survivors and those who helped with rescue and recovery.
When is the annual memorial gathering?
The gathering takes place on 22 February. It includes the reading of names and flowers being placed in the Avon River.
How long should I spend at the memorial?
No visit duration is specified. Allow time to read the names on the wall and pause beside the river.
