Sunday 01.01.19. Via Mesopotamia Station road, after parking my car near Coal Hill Station gate & a DOC roadside sign: Coal Hill Summit 3 km 3 h, I wandered past an Oregon Pine shelter belt, through 3 undulating paddocks, & 4 gates. One terraced paddock was desertified beige by herbicides, the other 2 paddocks grassed. Another grassy paddock behind the shelter belt had a herd of inquisitive red deer. With my backpack containing my usual tramping gear, I weighed over 80 kg.
A DOC sign at the fourth gate said:
Department of Conservation
Te Papa Arawhai
Public access through
private land
Keep to marked easement
Please close gates
Do not disturb stock
No dogs. No shooting.
Further on, attached to the red deer fence a sign said:
STEW POINT STATION
NO TRESPASSING
POLICE. NO HUNTING. POLICE.
TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS OPERATING.
MEMBER OF SOUTH CANTERBURY LANDOWNER'S SURVEILLANCE GROUP
I climbed Coal Hill, exposed snow-tussock ridge, Coal Creek & another steep ridge NW side & steep ridges the other, several steep shoulders, incl celmisia daisies & spear grass all the way up Tara Haoa Range to DOC Conservation Area, 600 m - 1600 m+, 6 km return. I followed a DOC goat track easement by the red deer fence, (1 shy tahr seen) 4 h up several shoulders, 5 h down. Some matagouri, coral broom, & dracophyllum scrub en route...
The hike began calm & windless with high cloud. Grand views of Canterbury Plains, hazy Banks Peninsula, Pacific, braided Rangitata River & Alpine Ranges: Waikari Hills, Moorhouse Range, Harper Range, Ben Macleod Range, Two Thumbs Range... Winterslow Range, Mt Somers Range, Old Man Range...
On the way up Coal Hill, a norwester started rippling snow tussock, soon becoming gale force. Near the top, a strong gust raked off my blue polaroids, flying them over the ridge, never to be seen again. The norwester whacked me down twice on stony ground. I ended up twice briefly dazed, after loose stones arrested my falls. I had a grazed knee, black eye, scabby nose, egged, grazed forehead. The norwester gale tried to topple me for at least 6 hours during the wind storm. I didn't make the summit, 1617 m, as it would've been fatal to continue following the red deer fence through exposed snow-tussock from the DOC Conservation Area sign to the top. Tomorrow's another day...
I returned to my car down Coal Hill, mostly crabbing alongside the red deer fance, arresting my descent, stopping me being blown off the mountain. I grabbed fence wires, full of fluttering tussock strands & grabbed fence poles thrumming in the gale. When my hands were sore, I slid on my bum on snow-tussocks, safest descent, using my booted legs to guide, like on a snow sled, watching out for castrating spear grass & prostrate matagouri. My aluminium walking sticks were useless in the gale, as the wind blew them sideways when I tried to walk. Trying to walk was too dangerous in the gale, bum-sliding & fence-grabbing was the safest way down the exposed ridge.
On the way down, when seated in snow-tussock for rests, I watched the gale making instant clouds by blowing clouds straight off the Rangitata River, the clouds hitting the NW end of Waikari Hills then veering eastwards down Rangitata Gorge. The gale blew topsoil off a tilled field near my car, the plume of dust disappearing over Waikari Hills towards Canterbury Plains. Way to go Farmer Brown, your poisoned, eroded land will soon be a desert inheritance.
On passing the shelter belt again, many wind-blown twigs were on the paddocks. On my 72 km return drive to Pleasant Point, via Peel Forest & Geraldine, many twigs, branches, leaves, cones & overturned, plastic, rubbish bins were on the roads.
Google Rangitata Gorge Images to show Alpine terrain & braided Rangitata River in the Coal Hill vicinity.
Coda:
Heavy norwesters would continue to blow the next week & on Friday night, 06.12.19, a heavy rain / thunder storm in the Rangitata catchment caused the Rangitata to flood, 3 Rangitata bridges at Arundel & SH1 closed on Saturday, 07.12.19, for Civil Defence to deal with flooding.
On Friday, we'd driven to a literacy teacher meeting at Christchurch: Arundel bridge was OK Fri morning, the Rangitata flowing strongly. Late that afternoon return drive, a heavy norwester battered Canterbury Plains, rain already shrouding the Alps, so we drove back to Pleasant Point on SH1 via the lower 2 Rangitata bridges, still quite safe. Only the following day, Saturday, after heavy night rains did Civil Defence wake up & close the 3 Rangitata bridges, a State of Emergency declared in Timaru.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Little Mt Peel Climb, Peel Forest Park
Tues 12.11.19. From Blandswood carpark, I climbed DOC tracks through Peel Forest, via Emily Falls & South Ridge, then dracophyllum / flax scrub to Little Mt Peel summit hut & trig beacon, 1311m. DOC Intentions book in hut. Returned via Deer Spur down dracophyllum scrub then Peel Forest back to Blandswood carpark.
South Ridge Track, from Blandswood carpark: 3.5 km, 1000 vertical metres climb. My time 5h (incl 1h to Emily Falls, 4h up South Ridge).
S & W views: Alpine foothills, Four Peaks Range, Blue Mt, High Claytons, snowy Sherwood Range, incl snowy Fox Peak, 2330m. NW glimpse, snowy Mt Peel peak, 1743m.
E views: Braided Rangitata River; braided Orari River; Canterbury Plains; farms; towns; Pacific.
Deer Spur Track: 4.5 km, my down time, 3.5h, through dracophyllum / flax scrub & Peel Forest back to Blandswood carpark.
N & E views: Rangitata Valley, Alpine foothills to snowy Alpine ranges, incl Coal Hill (part of Mt Peel / Tara Haoa Range); Mt Barossa; snowy Mt Hutt; Taylor Range; Old Man Range; snowy Mt Somers; Moohouse Range, incl Mt Pukanui; Peter Range; Surrey Hills. Canterbury Plains: meandering Rangitata River NE side of Deer Spur; braided Rangitata River SE side of Deer Spur; braided Orari River; farms; towns, like Timaru; Pacific.
Track Conditions: Low cloud, both tracks, muddy, slippery after rains.
South Ridge Track: Steep, rough, muddy, slippery. Well sign-boarded, marked with DOC marker poles & arrows. Rock scramble near summit hut & trig beacon.
Deer Spur Track: Steep, muddy, slippery. Deep ruts in places. Some DOC duckboards through dracophyllum / flax scrub. Well sign-boarded, marked with DOC marker poles & arrows.
NB: Hill walking fitness, Topo50-BY19 map, strong shoes, walking sticks, all weather gear, water, food needed. Beware exposure & unbelievably fast, DOC sign-boarded times: 3h 30min up South Ridge! 2h down Deer Spur!
Mon 27.3.23. I climbed Little Mt Peel again, only Deer Spur track that time.
My Stats:
4h up from Blandswood carpark (DOC sign, 3h. Unbelievable!)
4h down from summit hut, Little Mt Peel / Huatekerekere.
Approx 1000 vertical metres climb from Blandswood carpark. Met 6 other trampers en route. Someone kindly left beers in the summit hut.
Track conditions: Sunny day. Muddy. Wooden duckboards near summit, good condition. Wooden steps through Peel Forest, bad condition, many just mud boxes, many broken & dangerous. DOC needed to do repairs!
Little Mt Peel summit: No cell phone coverage.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
South Ridge Track, from Blandswood carpark: 3.5 km, 1000 vertical metres climb. My time 5h (incl 1h to Emily Falls, 4h up South Ridge).
S & W views: Alpine foothills, Four Peaks Range, Blue Mt, High Claytons, snowy Sherwood Range, incl snowy Fox Peak, 2330m. NW glimpse, snowy Mt Peel peak, 1743m.
E views: Braided Rangitata River; braided Orari River; Canterbury Plains; farms; towns; Pacific.
Deer Spur Track: 4.5 km, my down time, 3.5h, through dracophyllum / flax scrub & Peel Forest back to Blandswood carpark.
N & E views: Rangitata Valley, Alpine foothills to snowy Alpine ranges, incl Coal Hill (part of Mt Peel / Tara Haoa Range); Mt Barossa; snowy Mt Hutt; Taylor Range; Old Man Range; snowy Mt Somers; Moohouse Range, incl Mt Pukanui; Peter Range; Surrey Hills. Canterbury Plains: meandering Rangitata River NE side of Deer Spur; braided Rangitata River SE side of Deer Spur; braided Orari River; farms; towns, like Timaru; Pacific.
Track Conditions: Low cloud, both tracks, muddy, slippery after rains.
South Ridge Track: Steep, rough, muddy, slippery. Well sign-boarded, marked with DOC marker poles & arrows. Rock scramble near summit hut & trig beacon.
Deer Spur Track: Steep, muddy, slippery. Deep ruts in places. Some DOC duckboards through dracophyllum / flax scrub. Well sign-boarded, marked with DOC marker poles & arrows.
NB: Hill walking fitness, Topo50-BY19 map, strong shoes, walking sticks, all weather gear, water, food needed. Beware exposure & unbelievably fast, DOC sign-boarded times: 3h 30min up South Ridge! 2h down Deer Spur!
Mon 27.3.23. I climbed Little Mt Peel again, only Deer Spur track that time.
My Stats:
4h up from Blandswood carpark (DOC sign, 3h. Unbelievable!)
4h down from summit hut, Little Mt Peel / Huatekerekere.
Approx 1000 vertical metres climb from Blandswood carpark. Met 6 other trampers en route. Someone kindly left beers in the summit hut.
Track conditions: Sunny day. Muddy. Wooden duckboards near summit, good condition. Wooden steps through Peel Forest, bad condition, many just mud boxes, many broken & dangerous. DOC needed to do repairs!
Little Mt Peel summit: No cell phone coverage.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Day Trip, Mackenzie Country, N Otago
Sun 27.10.19. Did an approx 370 km road trip round Mackenzie Country & a bit of N Otago yesterday Sat, celebrating Leah's completion of her second year UC Literacy Studies.
Asterisks * show some of the towns on her school literacy beat, "Best office in the world," we called it, taking in Alpine lakes & scenery: *Pleasant Point... *Albury... *Fairlie...
Lunched at *Lake Tekapo between Two Thumbs Range & Halls Range / Gammack Range. Checked out Lake Tekapo School rebuild where Leah had worked for 3 years. Drove over Alpine hydro-electric canals, past Lake Pukaki lookout & Alpine Ranges, incl *Mount Cook to *Twizel. Bought honey at Twizel Honey Farm.
Stopped at Lake Ruataniwha Salmon Farm for feeding salmon & salmon buys. Passed Benmore Range, via Omarama, down Waitaki Valley past hydro-electric lakes Benmore, Aviemore, Waitaki, & Alps to Ocean bike track to Kurow for tea.
Returned to Pleasant Point via Waimate Gorge, *Waimate & *Timaru. Snow still specked Alps. Hot, dry, nor'wester blew all day. Highways: Labour Weekend busy.
Blots on Mackenzie Country landscape: Too many giant irrigators for intensified cattle farming, aka overgrazing - Mary Burn stations & Ahuriri River stations, turning Mackenzie Country brown to sick green.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
Asterisks * show some of the towns on her school literacy beat, "Best office in the world," we called it, taking in Alpine lakes & scenery: *Pleasant Point... *Albury... *Fairlie...
Lunched at *Lake Tekapo between Two Thumbs Range & Halls Range / Gammack Range. Checked out Lake Tekapo School rebuild where Leah had worked for 3 years. Drove over Alpine hydro-electric canals, past Lake Pukaki lookout & Alpine Ranges, incl *Mount Cook to *Twizel. Bought honey at Twizel Honey Farm.
Stopped at Lake Ruataniwha Salmon Farm for feeding salmon & salmon buys. Passed Benmore Range, via Omarama, down Waitaki Valley past hydro-electric lakes Benmore, Aviemore, Waitaki, & Alps to Ocean bike track to Kurow for tea.
Returned to Pleasant Point via Waimate Gorge, *Waimate & *Timaru. Snow still specked Alps. Hot, dry, nor'wester blew all day. Highways: Labour Weekend busy.
Blots on Mackenzie Country landscape: Too many giant irrigators for intensified cattle farming, aka overgrazing - Mary Burn stations & Ahuriri River stations, turning Mackenzie Country brown to sick green.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Waitohi - Pleasant Point Walk
04.09.19. While driving to teaching at Winchester via Temuka, Leah dropped me off, cnr Waitohi Rd / Pleasant Point Rd. I walked back to Pleasant Point past spring-green paddocks. Distant Alps looked magnificent, still with winter snows, great for skiers at Mt Fox & Mt Dobson ski fields. Lots of snow on Two Thumbs, Sherwood, Ben Macleod, Four Peaks, Mt Somers Ranges. Little snow on Albury & Rollesby Ranges. Grampian Range had lots of snow, but there was less snow on Dalgety Range & Hunters Hills, Mt Nessing & Mt Nimrod. I never tired, viewing those ranges on my Pleasant Point walks.
No hills on Waitohi Flats, so I could easily observe the shitty, brown pollution from cow excreta runoff in roadside ditches & culverts. Signs of local farmers over-stocking their cattle herds. NIWA would have a great time testing those ditches & culverts for bugs like E coli. Surprisingly, the stream below Ophi River terraces near River Rd crossing was free from cow shit, brown pollution. Braided Ophi River was low, but a fresh breeze cooled me when I crossed the bridge to Pleasant Point.
More unpleasantness on road verges was rubbish, like empty aluminium cans chucked from passing cars, most common Ranfurly Draught. I even found a green, plastic, bottle bong, a bit of hose pipe sticking out of its side. So much for locals' booze & drug free driving. The road was busy with truck & car traffic enroute to / from Temuka & Geraldine.
* 7 kms Waitohi - Pleasant Point, my time, 1.5 hours.
Alternative Waitohi - Pleasant Point walks:
* 8 kms Seven Sisters Rd turnoff - Pleasant Point.
* 8.5 kms Richard Pearce Memorial - Ophi Terraces Rd - Pleasant Point.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
See NIWA.
No hills on Waitohi Flats, so I could easily observe the shitty, brown pollution from cow excreta runoff in roadside ditches & culverts. Signs of local farmers over-stocking their cattle herds. NIWA would have a great time testing those ditches & culverts for bugs like E coli. Surprisingly, the stream below Ophi River terraces near River Rd crossing was free from cow shit, brown pollution. Braided Ophi River was low, but a fresh breeze cooled me when I crossed the bridge to Pleasant Point.
More unpleasantness on road verges was rubbish, like empty aluminium cans chucked from passing cars, most common Ranfurly Draught. I even found a green, plastic, bottle bong, a bit of hose pipe sticking out of its side. So much for locals' booze & drug free driving. The road was busy with truck & car traffic enroute to / from Temuka & Geraldine.
* 7 kms Waitohi - Pleasant Point, my time, 1.5 hours.
Alternative Waitohi - Pleasant Point walks:
* 8 kms Seven Sisters Rd turnoff - Pleasant Point.
* 8.5 kms Richard Pearce Memorial - Ophi Terraces Rd - Pleasant Point.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
See NIWA.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Brashear Telescope, Lake Tekapo. Dark Sky Indeed
Sat 06.07.19. First day of the winter school holidays, I drove to Lake Tekapo to see the Brashear Telescope at the newly opened Dark Sky observatory, Lake Tekapo, S shore. In 2014, we'd lived at Lake Tekapo & lately we'd seen two trucks at different times hauling halves of the white, plastic, observatory, dome roof past our Pleasant Point rental to Lake Tekapo, incl a trek up Burkes Pass.
Leah & I had breakfast at the new Youth Hostel's burger cafe, then lunch at the new Dark Sky cafe, food better than crap served at other Lake Tekapo cafes & Spa. After 50 years storage, then lately refurbishment at Fairlie, The Brashear Telescope was impressively installed in a concrete & glass walled observatory by the Dark Sky cafe, so customers could see the telescope while eating. Through roof to floor, cafe, front windows, there were magnificent views of Lake Tekapo & snowy Two Thumbs Range.
Brashear Telescope info seen on the Dark Sky observatory, concrete wall:
The South Island of New Zealand
has the world's largest Dark
Sky Reserve and the view of the
stars is absolutely spectacular.
The Brashear Telescope is
a masterpiece of Victorian
engineering. I hope that the
Brashear Telescope will inspire
a new generation to learn about
astronomy and reconnect with
the stars.
Our patron, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth,
Zara Tindall.
The Brashear Telescope is one of the world's most
famous Victorian telescopes. The 18 inch refractor
was created in 1894 by renowned Pennsylvanian
optician John Brashear. The pier, tube and
equatorial mount were fabricated by Warner
& Swasey Co of Cleveland, Ohio. From 1896 to
1954 the Brashear was based at the University of
Pennsylvania.
The Brashear Telescope was hugely important in
the history of astronomy. During Percival Lowell's
studies of Mars, he famously used the telescope to
see sunlight reflected off the Martian polar
icecaps. The Brashear Telescope was also used by
Walter Leight in his early examination of Saturn,
where Leight first observed sub-divisions in
Saturn's rings.
In 1963 the University of Pennsylvania began a
partnership with the University of Canterbury
to establish a Southern Hemisphere astronomy
programme in Takapo / Tekapo at Mt John. The
Brashear Telescope was to be the centrepiece
of the new Mt John observatory but there was
insufficient funding to build the large building
needed and the Brashear Telescope was consigned to
storage for the next 50 years.
In 2016 the University of Canterbury made a gift
of the telescope to Tomorrow's Skies Charitable
Trust for restoration. In 2019 the painstaking
restoration was complete. We would like to acknowledge
Dallas Poll for his dedication to this task and his
incredible eye for detail.
Thank you to the Brian Mason Trust for their
support in restoring the Brashear Telescope.
UC PENN BRIAN MASON University of Canterbury University of Pennsylvania Scientific and Technical Trust
Besides the high dome for the Brashear Telescope, the Dark Sky observatory bldg had a flat roof, high at the back, tilted towards the lake, with high, tilt-slab, concrete, back walls, blocking lake & mountain views for restaurants behind. An architectural cockup.
After lunch I parked at Tekapo Spa carpark & we climbed Mt John path to Mt John observatories on top. At the cafe we had tea while viewing Mackenzie Country, lakes & Alpine views. Many Asian tourists gawked & took selfies too.
Since our arrival in Lake Tekapo nearly 6 years ago, there was lots of development: Pedestrian bridge opened over Lake Tekapo outlet; revamped tourist carpark / buspark & fencing by tourist overcrowded Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo shore; more campsites at Lake Tekapo campsite, new public toilets there, by the boat club; new Dark Sky observatory & cafe; toll entry for the road up Mt John to University of Canterbury observatories; overcrowding at Tekapo Spa carpark, due to walkers up Mt John & Spa customers; new Youth Hostel & cafe; new 4 Square supermarket & public toilets; congestion at public carpark, due to few carparks, supermarket entry & busparks (no bus shelter built, cockup); The Cairns housing development; new kindergarten; massive new housing development beyond Aorangi Cres, causing Lake Tekapo School to expand with new buildings 3rd term, 2019 (school bldgs. made in Christchurch, trucked to Lake Tekapo); Godley Hotel, revamped facade; another new hotel mooted; never mind Freedom Campers crapping all over the show...
Lake Tekapo, 700m above sea level, surrounded by Alps, was a cold place. Lake Tekapo village prided itself on clear sky & no light pollution. The above developments, especially new housing, would cause massive air pollution (due to home fires' smoke) & destruction of clear sky above Lake Tekapo. Dark Sky indeed.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
See Brashear Telescope, Lake Tekapo.
See Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo.
Leah & I had breakfast at the new Youth Hostel's burger cafe, then lunch at the new Dark Sky cafe, food better than crap served at other Lake Tekapo cafes & Spa. After 50 years storage, then lately refurbishment at Fairlie, The Brashear Telescope was impressively installed in a concrete & glass walled observatory by the Dark Sky cafe, so customers could see the telescope while eating. Through roof to floor, cafe, front windows, there were magnificent views of Lake Tekapo & snowy Two Thumbs Range.
Brashear Telescope info seen on the Dark Sky observatory, concrete wall:
The South Island of New Zealand
has the world's largest Dark
Sky Reserve and the view of the
stars is absolutely spectacular.
The Brashear Telescope is
a masterpiece of Victorian
engineering. I hope that the
Brashear Telescope will inspire
a new generation to learn about
astronomy and reconnect with
the stars.
Our patron, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth,
Zara Tindall.
The Brashear Telescope is one of the world's most
famous Victorian telescopes. The 18 inch refractor
was created in 1894 by renowned Pennsylvanian
optician John Brashear. The pier, tube and
equatorial mount were fabricated by Warner
& Swasey Co of Cleveland, Ohio. From 1896 to
1954 the Brashear was based at the University of
Pennsylvania.
The Brashear Telescope was hugely important in
the history of astronomy. During Percival Lowell's
studies of Mars, he famously used the telescope to
see sunlight reflected off the Martian polar
icecaps. The Brashear Telescope was also used by
Walter Leight in his early examination of Saturn,
where Leight first observed sub-divisions in
Saturn's rings.
In 1963 the University of Pennsylvania began a
partnership with the University of Canterbury
to establish a Southern Hemisphere astronomy
programme in Takapo / Tekapo at Mt John. The
Brashear Telescope was to be the centrepiece
of the new Mt John observatory but there was
insufficient funding to build the large building
needed and the Brashear Telescope was consigned to
storage for the next 50 years.
In 2016 the University of Canterbury made a gift
of the telescope to Tomorrow's Skies Charitable
Trust for restoration. In 2019 the painstaking
restoration was complete. We would like to acknowledge
Dallas Poll for his dedication to this task and his
incredible eye for detail.
Thank you to the Brian Mason Trust for their
support in restoring the Brashear Telescope.
UC PENN BRIAN MASON University of Canterbury University of Pennsylvania Scientific and Technical Trust
Besides the high dome for the Brashear Telescope, the Dark Sky observatory bldg had a flat roof, high at the back, tilted towards the lake, with high, tilt-slab, concrete, back walls, blocking lake & mountain views for restaurants behind. An architectural cockup.
After lunch I parked at Tekapo Spa carpark & we climbed Mt John path to Mt John observatories on top. At the cafe we had tea while viewing Mackenzie Country, lakes & Alpine views. Many Asian tourists gawked & took selfies too.
Since our arrival in Lake Tekapo nearly 6 years ago, there was lots of development: Pedestrian bridge opened over Lake Tekapo outlet; revamped tourist carpark / buspark & fencing by tourist overcrowded Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo shore; more campsites at Lake Tekapo campsite, new public toilets there, by the boat club; new Dark Sky observatory & cafe; toll entry for the road up Mt John to University of Canterbury observatories; overcrowding at Tekapo Spa carpark, due to walkers up Mt John & Spa customers; new Youth Hostel & cafe; new 4 Square supermarket & public toilets; congestion at public carpark, due to few carparks, supermarket entry & busparks (no bus shelter built, cockup); The Cairns housing development; new kindergarten; massive new housing development beyond Aorangi Cres, causing Lake Tekapo School to expand with new buildings 3rd term, 2019 (school bldgs. made in Christchurch, trucked to Lake Tekapo); Godley Hotel, revamped facade; another new hotel mooted; never mind Freedom Campers crapping all over the show...
Lake Tekapo, 700m above sea level, surrounded by Alps, was a cold place. Lake Tekapo village prided itself on clear sky & no light pollution. The above developments, especially new housing, would cause massive air pollution (due to home fires' smoke) & destruction of clear sky above Lake Tekapo. Dark Sky indeed.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
See Brashear Telescope, Lake Tekapo.
See Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Christchurch Mosque Massacre
Fri 15.03.19.
RIP 49 martyrs murdered at Deans Ave Mosque & Linwood Ave Mosque, Christchurch.
Condolences to families & friends.
Linwood Ave Mosque, 7 killed, near Leah's old school. Kids had left the school earlier before schools' shutdown. Jake flatted a few blocks from Linwood Ave Mosque.
Deans Ave Mosque, 41 killed. Luke's girlfriend's kids arrived home after 5 pm due to school lockdown. 1 terrorist arrested by cops, Brougham St, near Luke's flat. 3 male terrorists, 1 female terrorist in custody, incl Aussie, Brenton Harrison Tarrant, to be charged for murder.
1 martyr died at Christchurch Hospital, gunshot wounds. 48 in hospital treated for gunshot wounds.
7 pm: TV1 speech by PM Jacinda Ardern, enabling "terrorist attack" jargon to be used...
Sat 16.03.19.
TV1: Bosses photo ops - Speeches by Christchurch mayor, Lianne Dalziel, 2 Christchurch Hospital bosses, Ambulance Service boss, Fire Service boss, Civil Defence boss, NZDF Liaison Officer, Victim Support lady & top cops Bush & Price, the cops praising their heroic minions ramming a car & arresting a terrorist within 36 minutes after Friday's POLICE EMERGENCY call out. After massacres at 2 Christchurch mosques, Tarrant was on his way out of Christchurch to murder more Muslims at Ashburton Mosque.
At Lichfield St / Tuam St, Court House, Brenton Tarrant was charged for ONE MURDER. Best way to keep him in gaol, more charges pending, till his April court appearance.
Christchurch Airport's departing passengers would be screened for 48 hours. Linwood Ave Mosque, 7 people killed. One of those killed was Luke's former Sullivan Ave neighbour. Jake's girlfriend's coworker had missed Friday prayers at one of the Mosques, due to work commitments. A fortunate escape.
Bush alleged one person attacked both mosques. All within 1 hour, approx 1.40 pm - 2.45 pm. The 2 Mosques, allegedly 5-7 minutes drive apart, it was fantastic timing for a terrorist to drive approx 5 kms, unhindered, from Deans Ave Mosque to Linwood Ave Mosque, through many traffic lights, through busy Friday afternoon traffic, without anyone seeing him toting a helmet video camera, 5 weapons, 3 handguns, 2 assault rifles, ammunition & 2 IEDs attached to his car, to murder 49 Muslims & injure 48 Muslims at both Mosques, according to TV1 News.
I've driven past those 2 Mosques many times & snapped pics of the Deans Ave Mosque during quake years. Although there were many possible routes to drive approx 5 kms, around Hagley Park from Deans Ave Mosque to Linwood Ave Mosque, the actual route the shooter took was via Harper Ave, Bealey Ave, Fitzgerald Ave, Avonside Dr to Linwood Ave. (16 traffic lights en route).
PM Jacinda Ardern & Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, visited a Christchurch refugee & immigrant establishment, Ardern wearing a black hijab. She said gun ownership laws would be changed. Who needed a killer assault rifle in peaceful NZ? During the day, locals placed flower tributes on the road island, opp Deans Ave / Riccarton Rd cnr & placed flower tributes against a Botanic Gdns wall, Rolleston Ave, near Canterbury Museum.
At first, media were up to their tired narrative tricks again, gushed years before during Christchurch quakes, like Emergency Services heroes, resilient Christchurch people, event... (Later on media did more relevant reporting).
After receiving a Christchurch text from Luke about the shootings, my Facebook comments to RSA, Aussie, Scottish friends & family:
Fri 15.03.19. Shootout at both Christchurch Mosques this Fri afternoon. Reported 9 killings so far, many injured at the big Mosque near Hagley Park. Emergency Services & Christchurch Hospital going flat out. Christchurch in lockdown. Jake & Luke OK. Check out The Press or TV1 for breaking news...
@Diane: Thought I'd get the news out from the horse's mouth, so people like gran... don't panic from rumours...
Latest: 49 dead, incl 41 at Deans Ave Mosque, 7 at Linwood Ave Mosque, 1 dead of gunshot wounds at Christchurch Hospital. 48 treated for gunshot wounds at Christchurch Hospital. 3 male terrorists, 1 female in custody. 1 [to be] charged with murder. Aussie Brenton Tarrant in custody...
Jake's flat a few blocks from Linwood Ave at Woolston. Luke recently moved from Woolston to Spreydon. Leah's old school was not far from Linwood Ave Mosque. Fortunately the kids left school before lockdown. Luke's g.friend's kids only got home from school after 5 pm...
One terrorist arrested by cops at Strickland St [sic Brougham St] around the corner from Luke's flat...
Deja Vous Wit Wolf en AWB!...
NZ must wake up, not isolated anymore...
Mindless evil...
Sat 16.03.19: [Brenton Harrison Tarrant] was charged for 1 murder, best way to keep him in gaol, more charges pending...
Just heard that one of those killed was Luke's former Sullivan Ave neighbour. Media & cops quiet about who shot up Linwood Ave Mosque. Christchurch Airport departures being monitored...
@Rod message: [Referring to a Brenton Tarrant video] - Couldn't hear him, [I'm deaf] but he looks a nut case. NZ TV news obscures his face till his court case next month.
Sun 17.03.19. Death toll 50. RIP.
Sat 06.04.19. Paid respects at Deans Ave, Al Noor Mosque & Botanic Gdns wall, where 1000s of floral tributes from all over the world could be seen. Some tributes seen at the Botanic Gdns wall:
50 Wooden kiwis stuck on the back of an info board by Botanic Gdns gate near Canterbury Museum.
Kia Kaha CHRISTCHURCH
You are part of our community
and part of our nation. Do not be
deceived by one man's extreme views.
No isolated community should ever suffer such
a horrific attack just for having their own
beliefs. The people of Christchurch
are 100% standing with you and
supporting you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Holly and Zara.
THEY
ARE
US
UNITED
WE
STAND
#ARDERN UP
#THEY ARE US
ONE
PEOPLE
ONE HEART
KIA KAHA
No matter what colour,
no matter what culture,
we are all the same.
Stick together Christchurch
now and forever.
FROM MY HEART TO YOURS
EVA: Age 12.
LOVE IS
STRONGER
THAN HATE
He tried to divide us
but he only United us.
We stand beside you
Our Muslim friends.
We are so Sorry.
Kia Kaha.
WE LOVE PEACE!
WE OPPOSE ANY TERRORISM!
Christchurch Chinese.
NZ is about equality and freedom.
Freedom to be who you want to be,
Do what you want to do,
Live how you want to live,
Believe what you want to believe.
New Zealanders are a mixed
bunch of all-sorts!
But together
we are
ONE.
AROHA.
ALL LOVE FROM BRAZIL.
WE ARE
ONE
FOREVER.
Ultimately, this act of hatred
has only succeeded
in making the Islamic
community STRONGER
and unifying the people of
this nation, Muslims and
non Muslims.
LOVED YOU YESTERDAY
LOVE YOU STILL
ALWAYS HAVE
AND ALWAYS WILL
FAMILIES CAN BE
TOGETHER FOREVER [Written on a pair of slippers]
Let peace and love reign
over all people of this world. Sending
love to all at this sad and
difficult time.
To all the Muslim Community:
May the good memories of
your loved ones be of
comfort to you and
carry you through
this sad time.
Kia kaha
XX
OUR
HOME IS
YOUR
HOME ALWAYS
ONE RACE
THE HUMAN RACE!
AROHANUI
All the way from
Titahi Bay!
Porirua, Wgtn.
Words are unable to express the
shock and grief we feel for what
has happened in our midst.
May our collective thoughts
and love and prayers help to
comfort you. May we all work
together to ensure that this
never happens again and that we can
reach out in our love and understanding.
Thinking of you
our brothers and sisters.
You are not alone. We are one
People of Aotearoa.
As-Salaam-Alaikum
R.I.P.
Hamza
Different Cultures
+
Different Religions
+
Different Communities
=
One Family
We are Christchurch
We are NZ
Kia Kaha
May all those who died be
in peace.
May all those injured be
comforted and surrounded by
our love.
May all those left behind be
strengthened with the knowledge
of love and support from all in
Christchurch
My Heart Goes Out 15.03.09
To Our Muslim Community
Love thy neighbour
as thyself
Kia Kaha
Christchurch
It is a Jewish tradition to place a
small stone or pebble at the grave
of a person who has died.
This is a symbolic act to indicate
that someone came to visit and
the deceased will not be forgotten.
Stones last for eternity like the
memory of loved ones.
Immediate family members of
victims should feel free to take a
stone if they wish.
WE ARE
ONE [On a USA flag]
NEW ZEALAND
IS THEIR HOME
THEY ARE US
KIA KAHA
OTAUTAHI [Christchurch]
KIA KAHA
SPREAD
AROHA
As-Salaam-Alaikum.
May peace be upon you.
We stand in unity with the Muslim
tangata whenua (people of the
land) against these hateful acts of terror.
We are one.
La gra. / With love.
Your friends, colleagues and neighbours from
the Christchurch Irish Society.
If we have no peace it is because we have
forgotten that we belong to one another.
Mother Teresa.
In our thoughts, with our deepest love.
The people of Forsyth Barr Christchurch.
WE STAND
WITH YOU
AS ONE WORLD
[Laminated photo].
Remember this shooting
victim. He's not one of
the few chosen for the
news stories, but there
were 50 people murdered
and they all need their
stories and lives remembered.
Mo Mojammel Hoq
Much love and missed XXX
[Redacted name of shooter] is Diversity
Behind the bars. Our
Unfortunately his Strength
ideology is not
# Take a stand against it.
ONE INJUSTICE COMMITTED AGAINST
ANYONE IS A THREAT TO EVERYONE
All good things in
the world have
already been said.
It's time to just
act on them.
Love.
# No to hate and terror.
If NZ is like a vessel
of milk filled to the brim, then
consider immigrants as a pinch of
sugar. We'll not bring the vessel
to overflowing, but make the milk
sweeter. We are together. Love.
This is not "us".
We are all Kiwis.
We value and celebrate
diversity and difference.
X
To all of those people who
lost their lives and to all
of the families who lost
their loved ones, we want to say we
are sorry. We are sorry for what
has happened. R.I.P.
7MW Medbury School.
No-one is born hating another
person, because of the colour of
his skin, or his background, or his
religion. People learn to hate, they can
be taught to love, for love comes
more naturally to the human heart
than its opposite. Nelson Mandela.
Love, Amy, Fernand, Sienna & Isabella.
I promise to
make a
difference.
With heartfelt
sympathy for
your loss.
I came as one
but stand as ten thousand
Maya Angelou.
WE STAND
WITH
OUR MUSLIM
NEIGHBOURS
Jewish Community
Seattle WA
Tanq, Hamza, Sayyad.
3 wonderful young men
taken so young, 3 beautiful
souls taken to paradise.
Gone but NEVER forgotten
Thoughts and prayers for all of the families
affected by this tragic event.
SALAAM
KIA
KAHA
RABBI GOLDSTEIN
ON BEHALF OF THE NZ
JEWISH COMMUNITY
ONLY
LOVE
EVERYONE
that chooses to call
New Zealand home
has the right to:
Peace
Love +
Kindness
ISLAMOPHOBIA
WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED. WE ARE
ALL JUST HUMANS
Appreciate that you made the effort to find out the timing of our noon prayer.
Appreciate that you learnt more about our religion to know that Fridays are the days the men go to the Mosque for their congregational prayers.
But I guess there were some things you, rather unfortunately, didn't get to learn.
Perhaps you didn't know that you did probably made [sic] them Martyrs.
And how you have single handedly raised the statuses of our brothers and sisters in the eyes [of] their beloved Creator with your actions.
And how, through your actions they will be raised as the most righteous and pious of Muslims.
Perhaps you didn't know that the doing that you did at the time and place you chose, it actually
meant that the last words that escaped their lips were probably words of remembrance and
praise of Allah. Which is noble and many Muslims could only dream of.
And perhaps you didn't know, but what you did would almost guarantee them paradise.
Appreciate that you showed the world how Muslims welcome, with open arms, even people like yourself into our Mosques, which is our second home.
Appreciate you for showing that our Mosques have no locks or gates, and are unguarded because everyone and anyone is welcome to be with us.
Appreciate you for allowing the world to see the powerful image of a man you injured, lying on
[his] back on the stretcher with his index finger raised, as a declaration of his faith and complete trust in Allah.
Appreciate how you brought the Churches and communities together to stand with Muslims.
Appreciate that you made countless new Zealanders come out of their houses to visit the
Mosques nearest to them with flowers and beautiful messages of peace and love.
You have broken many hearts and you have made the world weep. You have left a huge
void.
But what you have also done has brought us closer together. And it has strengthened our faith
and resolve.
In the coming weeks more non Muslims will turn up at the gates of Mosques with fresh flowers
and beautiful handwritten notes. They may not have known where the Mosques in their area
was. But now they do. All because of you.
You may have achieved your aim of intended destruction, but I guess you failed to incite hatred, fear and despair in all of us.
And while I understand that it may have been your objective, I hate to say that after all that
elaborate planning and the perverse and wretched efforts on your part, you still failed to drive a
divide among the Muslims and non Muslims in the world.
For that, I cant say that I'm sorry.
Jinghan Naan, Singapore.
IT'S TIME WE
CAME TOGETHER
THIS WILL NOT
DIVIDE US
ONE 15.03.19
HUMANKIND
CHCH
EMBRACE
DIVERSITY
One day can
change
everything
R.I.P
KALID [smiley face]
THEY WE STAND
ARE US TOGETHER
Our thoughts
are with you
Dave & Chris
Lincoln
HATE
CANNOT
DRIVE OUT
HATE
BLOOD HAS BEEN SHED
AND YOU WISHED US HATRED
BUT LOOK AT THE LOVE
AND THE TRIBUTES OF FLOWERS
OUR LOVE WITH YOU CHRISTCHURCH
[Watercolour painting: Victoria Mansions
& Victorian Clock Tower, cnr Victoria St / Montreal St]
AROHA
NUI
Our hands reach out
to you with our love
and support
From Active Explorers' Daycare, Nelson
We are many
Nations not one.
Love not
hate.
Love
DIVERSITY IS BEAUTY
WE
LOVE
YOU
My deepest sympathy.
I am thinking of
you all. Stay strong.
Lots of love,
Susan: From Perth
Love Peace
Compassion Christchurch
He ora te whakapiri
Strength in unity
Kia kaha Otautahi
15.03.19
[Crying kiwi pic]
THIS IS NOT
NEW ZEALAND
As Salaam alaykum
THIS OUR HOME
AND YOU SHOULD HAVE
BEEN SAFE HERE
YOU ARE
WELCOME HERE
WE ARE SO SORRY
WE ARE
ONE
To all our Muslim brothers and sisters. Please know that you are not alone in your grief.
One person's madness does not represent anything of any value.
And at this time I have to add my voice to those who stand for peace.
Although we may not have met, you are in reality my brothers and sisters.
We all live together under the same sky and sun shines equally on everyone.
Although we may have different cultures and beliefs
We can celebrate our differences and let them enrich us all.
Just as many different coloured flowers make a garden, and the different colours of the rainbow make the world a more beautiful place.
Let us hope that this time can be a catalyst for new hope, where
everyone will know they are welcome respected and safe here in the home we
share together.
Love and best wishes,
Jan. Sonya
SORRY THIS
HAPPENED
TO YOU
YOU HAVEN'T
SCARED ANY 1
Give no tolerance. Give no cheers. Give no
laughs. Give no likes. Give no acceptance.
Give no attention. Give no smiles. Give no
welcome. Give no nods. Give no high fives.
Give no kudos. Give no respect. Give no
air time. Give no agreement. Give no place.
Give no support. Give no encouragement.
Give no power. Give no amplification. Give
no money. Give no audience. Give no fuel.
Give no indulgence. Give no endorsement.
Give no home.
GIVE
NOTHING
TO RACISM
THERE IS NO FEAR
IN LOVE BUT
PERFECT LOVE
DRIVES OUT FEAR
1 John 4:18
KIA KAHA
WE
ARE
ONE NEW ZEALAND
IS
YOUR HOME
ALL YOU
NEED IS
LOVE
To our whanau in Christchurch,
we are with you at this time, Our thoughts
our prayers, our love. You are our family and our
whanau, our people. You are always welcome
here and you will always be part of our
identity here in New Zealand. We stand with you.
We mourn with you. We share in your pain
at this time. Kia Kaha Christchurch
Ota atu mei a mautolou kia moutolou kotoa.
Love from us to you.
Connection Co Church, Manurewa.
Together we are one.
Lots of love from the learners at
Riccarton Primary school.
[Pic of crying male head]
We love
you so much
Many beautiful flowers have
been picked from our
Garden City, but they will
continue to bloom in our
City's Garden forever.
May peace
be upon
you
WE STAND
WITH
OUR MUSLIM
NEIGHBOURS
You are us [Pic of woman's head wearing a hijab, a Kiwi fern symbol across it]
16.04.19. Christchurch City Council info board by the Botanic Gdns tribute wall said:
What's happening
to the floral tributes?
With the support of the Muslim community we
have begun the process of carefully removing
some of the many floral tributes left here
following the mosque attacks.
The tributes will be sensitively sorted through
at the Arts Centre, with cards kept, flowers
composted and wrappings reused as far [as] we
are able to.
You are still welcome to place fresh
flowers along the wall.
For more visit: ccc.govt.nz/newsline
06.04.19. Some tributes seen at Al Noor Mosque, 2 cops, toting semi-automatic rifles, guarding the front entrance:
LET ALL PEOPLE
HONOUR
THEIR OWN
GOD
IN PEACE
AND WITHOUT
FEAR
Like having a
nuclear bomb dropped
on our land.
New Zealand will never
be the same again
WE ARE ONE [Pic of woman wearing a hijab]
Dear Sayyed,
Our dear beautiful
friend, we will
always remember
your calm way
and gorgeous smile.
Rest in peace.
REST IN
PEACE
This was your home. You
should've been safe here
(Cashmere)
WE
ARE ONE
KIA KAHA
[Maori script]
May peace be widespread.
May the sea be like greenstone.
a pathway for us all on this day!
Let us show respect for others.
Bind us all together.
Ki Kaha
Rest easy
SAYYAD
To all the families who
have had their lives changed
forever. I am very sorry for what
happened to your family. I am
thinking of you.
Lots of love from Ella McNicholl
(10 years old)
To our Christchurch whanau:
Again we send aroha and uplifting
wishes to the people of the
garden city.
We can never feel your pain but we
stand beside you.
Kia Kaha
Room 12
Onewhero Area School
Waikato.
Kia Kaha Christchurch.
Dear Christchurch please stay strong.
From Tikahia.
We are a nation of people with many different religions,
skin colours and ethnicities, but we are all New Zealanders living,
working and playing together in beautiful Aotearoa.
We won't let this evil deed divide us, but rather bring us closer together
and stand up against racism, bigotry and terrorism. "We are one."
We are Christians and our hearts go out to the
Muslim community, the victims, their families
and friends. We share the loss of your loved
ones and are grieving with you.
Love peace and unity to everyone.
God be with you.
Larry & Joy Oakly (Nelson).
We never knew
you but you
will always be in
our hearts.
You are with us
in our hearts.
This is your home,
you should have been
safe.
PEACE
[Pic of oldest man shot, an Afghani]
UNITY
WE ARE ALL
FAMILY
Nofa Ofa
ia [Pic of a woman wearing a hijab] atu
te
oe
This is not who
we are. We love
and embrace you
in our community.
This is your home
and we are sorry
you were not safe.
The Puru whanau
stand with you
now and always.
Tino Nui aroha.
To all my Muslim
brothers and sisters
[Heart pic]
We are so sorry for
your loss.
We will remember
them.
X
[Pic of 2 hugging women in Muslim dresses]
This is your home
and you should have
been safe here.
To all the victims
who died on Friday.
May our God forgive
this person who
took your lives away
R.I.P.
We condemn this act of hatred.
We stand with you.
LOVE
WE STAND
TOGETHER
In unity
there is
strength.
THEY
ARE
MUSLIM
Lets rotate this EVIL
into starting to LIVE
again...
[Yellow T shirt]
Love & prayers from
all at
Vendetta Polo Team
London
To all Kiwi cousins
Innalilahi Wainailahi Rojiiun: From God we come, to God we return...
We are appalled this happened to your community and our heart aches for your loss.
We stand with you and send our condolences and love your way.
Love
Read 3'z Re-Vu
Network of Readers: Sydney, Australia.
[Pic of goalkeeper]
R.I.P. Atta Elayyan
WE STAND AS
ONE
I [heart pic] New Zealand
I am pilipino
I Muslim
I am strong
I am proud to
Stay New Zealand
... ASHRAIN
Permanent sign on Al Noor Mosque wall:
MASJID AN NUR
Canterbury Islamic
Centre
Thurs 11.04.19. TV1 reported NZ Parliament changing gun ownership laws, banning semi-automatic rifles, ammunition & attachments, like magazines holding more than 9 bullets. And a Buy Back Scheme for gun owners to return 1000s of semi-automatic rifles to NZ Police. Since the Mosque shootings there was whining from gun salesmen, sports / hobby shooters & farmers. Farmers complained about rabbit vermin. Farmers didn't need semi-automatic rifles to kill rabbits. Shotguns & poisons like Brodifacoum would do.
Tues 16.04.19. I wandered past Linwood Ave Mosque - 2 cops with holstered automatic pistols & toting semi-automatic rifles guarded the driveway entrance. Boards on an entrance fence said:
LINWOOD ISLAMIC CENTRE
223A LINWOOD AVENUE
LINWOOD CHRISTCHURCH 8011
PHONE 021 166 5965
LINWOOD ISLAMIC CHARITABLE TRUST
INCORPORATED - 2652272
SERVICES: 5 TIMES DAILY PRAYERS, JUMAAT, QURANIC CLASSES AND MANY MORE
"Certainly the obligatory prayers have been prescribed to the believers to be performed at specific times." (Al Quran: 3-Verse-103) ...
THANK YOU NEW ZEALAND
WITH AROHA & PEACE
FROM THE LINWOOD MUSLIM
COMMUNITY
By a nearby Buckleys Rd bus stop 2 posters said:
NO ROOM FOR
RACISM HERE
LOVE & SOLIDARITY
TO OUR MUSLIM
WHANAU
RESILIENT
LOVE
IN THE FACE OF HATE
ZERO TOLERANCE
FOR XENOPHOBIA
A New Zealand Police ad in The Press said:
[Pic of 3 rifles including 2 semi-automatic rifles].
Help Keep
NZ Safe
Firearms Amnesty
Firearm laws
have changed.
Notify Police of your
prohibited semi-automatic
firearm online today.
If you have a prohibited semi-automatic firearm in
your possession, you now need to notify us online.
There is a firearms amnesty in place and we need
your help to keep New Zealand safe.
For more information and to notify us online
visit police.govt.nz or call 0800 311 311
In the meantime, continue to store all firearms
safely and securely.
Notify us online today
at police.govt.nz
NEW ZEALAND
POLICE
Nga Pirihimana a Aotearoa
03.05.19. The Press report: Death Toll 51. Injured Muslim man had died in Christchurch Hospital.
15.05.19. Due to livestreaming of the Christchurch Mosque attacks, motivated by NZ PM Ardern & French President Macron, Facebook together with other internet companies Microsoft, Twitter, Google, YouTube, Amazon signed the Christchurch Call to Action to combat terrorist activities on social media.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
See Death threats for members of gun club linked to alleged Christchurch terrorist (The Press / Stuff Co).
See Christchurch attacks how police & citizens responded (The Press / Stuff Co).
See NZ Police.
See Christchurch City Council newsline.
See Christchurch Call to Action (Facebook).
RIP 49 martyrs murdered at Deans Ave Mosque & Linwood Ave Mosque, Christchurch.
Condolences to families & friends.
Linwood Ave Mosque, 7 killed, near Leah's old school. Kids had left the school earlier before schools' shutdown. Jake flatted a few blocks from Linwood Ave Mosque.
Deans Ave Mosque, 41 killed. Luke's girlfriend's kids arrived home after 5 pm due to school lockdown. 1 terrorist arrested by cops, Brougham St, near Luke's flat. 3 male terrorists, 1 female terrorist in custody, incl Aussie, Brenton Harrison Tarrant, to be charged for murder.
1 martyr died at Christchurch Hospital, gunshot wounds. 48 in hospital treated for gunshot wounds.
7 pm: TV1 speech by PM Jacinda Ardern, enabling "terrorist attack" jargon to be used...
Sat 16.03.19.
TV1: Bosses photo ops - Speeches by Christchurch mayor, Lianne Dalziel, 2 Christchurch Hospital bosses, Ambulance Service boss, Fire Service boss, Civil Defence boss, NZDF Liaison Officer, Victim Support lady & top cops Bush & Price, the cops praising their heroic minions ramming a car & arresting a terrorist within 36 minutes after Friday's POLICE EMERGENCY call out. After massacres at 2 Christchurch mosques, Tarrant was on his way out of Christchurch to murder more Muslims at Ashburton Mosque.
At Lichfield St / Tuam St, Court House, Brenton Tarrant was charged for ONE MURDER. Best way to keep him in gaol, more charges pending, till his April court appearance.
Christchurch Airport's departing passengers would be screened for 48 hours. Linwood Ave Mosque, 7 people killed. One of those killed was Luke's former Sullivan Ave neighbour. Jake's girlfriend's coworker had missed Friday prayers at one of the Mosques, due to work commitments. A fortunate escape.
Bush alleged one person attacked both mosques. All within 1 hour, approx 1.40 pm - 2.45 pm. The 2 Mosques, allegedly 5-7 minutes drive apart, it was fantastic timing for a terrorist to drive approx 5 kms, unhindered, from Deans Ave Mosque to Linwood Ave Mosque, through many traffic lights, through busy Friday afternoon traffic, without anyone seeing him toting a helmet video camera, 5 weapons, 3 handguns, 2 assault rifles, ammunition & 2 IEDs attached to his car, to murder 49 Muslims & injure 48 Muslims at both Mosques, according to TV1 News.
I've driven past those 2 Mosques many times & snapped pics of the Deans Ave Mosque during quake years. Although there were many possible routes to drive approx 5 kms, around Hagley Park from Deans Ave Mosque to Linwood Ave Mosque, the actual route the shooter took was via Harper Ave, Bealey Ave, Fitzgerald Ave, Avonside Dr to Linwood Ave. (16 traffic lights en route).
PM Jacinda Ardern & Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, visited a Christchurch refugee & immigrant establishment, Ardern wearing a black hijab. She said gun ownership laws would be changed. Who needed a killer assault rifle in peaceful NZ? During the day, locals placed flower tributes on the road island, opp Deans Ave / Riccarton Rd cnr & placed flower tributes against a Botanic Gdns wall, Rolleston Ave, near Canterbury Museum.
At first, media were up to their tired narrative tricks again, gushed years before during Christchurch quakes, like Emergency Services heroes, resilient Christchurch people, event... (Later on media did more relevant reporting).
After receiving a Christchurch text from Luke about the shootings, my Facebook comments to RSA, Aussie, Scottish friends & family:
Fri 15.03.19. Shootout at both Christchurch Mosques this Fri afternoon. Reported 9 killings so far, many injured at the big Mosque near Hagley Park. Emergency Services & Christchurch Hospital going flat out. Christchurch in lockdown. Jake & Luke OK. Check out The Press or TV1 for breaking news...
@Diane: Thought I'd get the news out from the horse's mouth, so people like gran... don't panic from rumours...
Latest: 49 dead, incl 41 at Deans Ave Mosque, 7 at Linwood Ave Mosque, 1 dead of gunshot wounds at Christchurch Hospital. 48 treated for gunshot wounds at Christchurch Hospital. 3 male terrorists, 1 female in custody. 1 [to be] charged with murder. Aussie Brenton Tarrant in custody...
Jake's flat a few blocks from Linwood Ave at Woolston. Luke recently moved from Woolston to Spreydon. Leah's old school was not far from Linwood Ave Mosque. Fortunately the kids left school before lockdown. Luke's g.friend's kids only got home from school after 5 pm...
One terrorist arrested by cops at Strickland St [sic Brougham St] around the corner from Luke's flat...
Deja Vous Wit Wolf en AWB!...
NZ must wake up, not isolated anymore...
Mindless evil...
Sat 16.03.19: [Brenton Harrison Tarrant] was charged for 1 murder, best way to keep him in gaol, more charges pending...
Just heard that one of those killed was Luke's former Sullivan Ave neighbour. Media & cops quiet about who shot up Linwood Ave Mosque. Christchurch Airport departures being monitored...
@Rod message: [Referring to a Brenton Tarrant video] - Couldn't hear him, [I'm deaf] but he looks a nut case. NZ TV news obscures his face till his court case next month.
Sun 17.03.19. Death toll 50. RIP.
Sat 06.04.19. Paid respects at Deans Ave, Al Noor Mosque & Botanic Gdns wall, where 1000s of floral tributes from all over the world could be seen. Some tributes seen at the Botanic Gdns wall:
50 Wooden kiwis stuck on the back of an info board by Botanic Gdns gate near Canterbury Museum.
Kia Kaha CHRISTCHURCH
You are part of our community
and part of our nation. Do not be
deceived by one man's extreme views.
No isolated community should ever suffer such
a horrific attack just for having their own
beliefs. The people of Christchurch
are 100% standing with you and
supporting you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Holly and Zara.
THEY
ARE
US
UNITED
WE
STAND
#ARDERN UP
#THEY ARE US
ONE
PEOPLE
ONE HEART
KIA KAHA
No matter what colour,
no matter what culture,
we are all the same.
Stick together Christchurch
now and forever.
FROM MY HEART TO YOURS
EVA: Age 12.
LOVE IS
STRONGER
THAN HATE
He tried to divide us
but he only United us.
We stand beside you
Our Muslim friends.
We are so Sorry.
Kia Kaha.
WE LOVE PEACE!
WE OPPOSE ANY TERRORISM!
Christchurch Chinese.
NZ is about equality and freedom.
Freedom to be who you want to be,
Do what you want to do,
Live how you want to live,
Believe what you want to believe.
New Zealanders are a mixed
bunch of all-sorts!
But together
we are
ONE.
AROHA.
ALL LOVE FROM BRAZIL.
WE ARE
ONE
FOREVER.
Ultimately, this act of hatred
has only succeeded
in making the Islamic
community STRONGER
and unifying the people of
this nation, Muslims and
non Muslims.
LOVED YOU YESTERDAY
LOVE YOU STILL
ALWAYS HAVE
AND ALWAYS WILL
FAMILIES CAN BE
TOGETHER FOREVER [Written on a pair of slippers]
Let peace and love reign
over all people of this world. Sending
love to all at this sad and
difficult time.
To all the Muslim Community:
May the good memories of
your loved ones be of
comfort to you and
carry you through
this sad time.
Kia kaha
XX
OUR
HOME IS
YOUR
HOME ALWAYS
ONE RACE
THE HUMAN RACE!
AROHANUI
All the way from
Titahi Bay!
Porirua, Wgtn.
Words are unable to express the
shock and grief we feel for what
has happened in our midst.
May our collective thoughts
and love and prayers help to
comfort you. May we all work
together to ensure that this
never happens again and that we can
reach out in our love and understanding.
Thinking of you
our brothers and sisters.
You are not alone. We are one
People of Aotearoa.
As-Salaam-Alaikum
R.I.P.
Hamza
Different Cultures
+
Different Religions
+
Different Communities
=
One Family
We are Christchurch
We are NZ
Kia Kaha
May all those who died be
in peace.
May all those injured be
comforted and surrounded by
our love.
May all those left behind be
strengthened with the knowledge
of love and support from all in
Christchurch
My Heart Goes Out 15.03.09
To Our Muslim Community
Love thy neighbour
as thyself
Kia Kaha
Christchurch
It is a Jewish tradition to place a
small stone or pebble at the grave
of a person who has died.
This is a symbolic act to indicate
that someone came to visit and
the deceased will not be forgotten.
Stones last for eternity like the
memory of loved ones.
Immediate family members of
victims should feel free to take a
stone if they wish.
WE ARE
ONE [On a USA flag]
NEW ZEALAND
IS THEIR HOME
THEY ARE US
KIA KAHA
OTAUTAHI [Christchurch]
KIA KAHA
SPREAD
AROHA
As-Salaam-Alaikum.
May peace be upon you.
We stand in unity with the Muslim
tangata whenua (people of the
land) against these hateful acts of terror.
We are one.
La gra. / With love.
Your friends, colleagues and neighbours from
the Christchurch Irish Society.
If we have no peace it is because we have
forgotten that we belong to one another.
Mother Teresa.
In our thoughts, with our deepest love.
The people of Forsyth Barr Christchurch.
WE STAND
WITH YOU
AS ONE WORLD
[Laminated photo].
Remember this shooting
victim. He's not one of
the few chosen for the
news stories, but there
were 50 people murdered
and they all need their
stories and lives remembered.
Mo Mojammel Hoq
Much love and missed XXX
[Redacted name of shooter] is Diversity
Behind the bars. Our
Unfortunately his Strength
ideology is not
# Take a stand against it.
ONE INJUSTICE COMMITTED AGAINST
ANYONE IS A THREAT TO EVERYONE
All good things in
the world have
already been said.
It's time to just
act on them.
Love.
# No to hate and terror.
If NZ is like a vessel
of milk filled to the brim, then
consider immigrants as a pinch of
sugar. We'll not bring the vessel
to overflowing, but make the milk
sweeter. We are together. Love.
This is not "us".
We are all Kiwis.
We value and celebrate
diversity and difference.
X
To all of those people who
lost their lives and to all
of the families who lost
their loved ones, we want to say we
are sorry. We are sorry for what
has happened. R.I.P.
7MW Medbury School.
No-one is born hating another
person, because of the colour of
his skin, or his background, or his
religion. People learn to hate, they can
be taught to love, for love comes
more naturally to the human heart
than its opposite. Nelson Mandela.
Love, Amy, Fernand, Sienna & Isabella.
I promise to
make a
difference.
With heartfelt
sympathy for
your loss.
I came as one
but stand as ten thousand
Maya Angelou.
WE STAND
WITH
OUR MUSLIM
NEIGHBOURS
Jewish Community
Seattle WA
Tanq, Hamza, Sayyad.
3 wonderful young men
taken so young, 3 beautiful
souls taken to paradise.
Gone but NEVER forgotten
Thoughts and prayers for all of the families
affected by this tragic event.
SALAAM
KIA
KAHA
RABBI GOLDSTEIN
ON BEHALF OF THE NZ
JEWISH COMMUNITY
ONLY
LOVE
EVERYONE
that chooses to call
New Zealand home
has the right to:
Peace
Love +
Kindness
ISLAMOPHOBIA
WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED. WE ARE
ALL JUST HUMANS
Appreciate that you made the effort to find out the timing of our noon prayer.
Appreciate that you learnt more about our religion to know that Fridays are the days the men go to the Mosque for their congregational prayers.
But I guess there were some things you, rather unfortunately, didn't get to learn.
Perhaps you didn't know that you did probably made [sic] them Martyrs.
And how you have single handedly raised the statuses of our brothers and sisters in the eyes [of] their beloved Creator with your actions.
And how, through your actions they will be raised as the most righteous and pious of Muslims.
Perhaps you didn't know that the doing that you did at the time and place you chose, it actually
meant that the last words that escaped their lips were probably words of remembrance and
praise of Allah. Which is noble and many Muslims could only dream of.
And perhaps you didn't know, but what you did would almost guarantee them paradise.
Appreciate that you showed the world how Muslims welcome, with open arms, even people like yourself into our Mosques, which is our second home.
Appreciate you for showing that our Mosques have no locks or gates, and are unguarded because everyone and anyone is welcome to be with us.
Appreciate you for allowing the world to see the powerful image of a man you injured, lying on
[his] back on the stretcher with his index finger raised, as a declaration of his faith and complete trust in Allah.
Appreciate how you brought the Churches and communities together to stand with Muslims.
Appreciate that you made countless new Zealanders come out of their houses to visit the
Mosques nearest to them with flowers and beautiful messages of peace and love.
You have broken many hearts and you have made the world weep. You have left a huge
void.
But what you have also done has brought us closer together. And it has strengthened our faith
and resolve.
In the coming weeks more non Muslims will turn up at the gates of Mosques with fresh flowers
and beautiful handwritten notes. They may not have known where the Mosques in their area
was. But now they do. All because of you.
You may have achieved your aim of intended destruction, but I guess you failed to incite hatred, fear and despair in all of us.
And while I understand that it may have been your objective, I hate to say that after all that
elaborate planning and the perverse and wretched efforts on your part, you still failed to drive a
divide among the Muslims and non Muslims in the world.
For that, I cant say that I'm sorry.
Jinghan Naan, Singapore.
IT'S TIME WE
CAME TOGETHER
THIS WILL NOT
DIVIDE US
ONE 15.03.19
HUMANKIND
CHCH
EMBRACE
DIVERSITY
One day can
change
everything
R.I.P
KALID [smiley face]
THEY WE STAND
ARE US TOGETHER
Our thoughts
are with you
Dave & Chris
Lincoln
HATE
CANNOT
DRIVE OUT
HATE
BLOOD HAS BEEN SHED
AND YOU WISHED US HATRED
BUT LOOK AT THE LOVE
AND THE TRIBUTES OF FLOWERS
OUR LOVE WITH YOU CHRISTCHURCH
[Watercolour painting: Victoria Mansions
& Victorian Clock Tower, cnr Victoria St / Montreal St]
AROHA
NUI
Our hands reach out
to you with our love
and support
From Active Explorers' Daycare, Nelson
We are many
Nations not one.
Love not
hate.
Love
DIVERSITY IS BEAUTY
WE
LOVE
YOU
My deepest sympathy.
I am thinking of
you all. Stay strong.
Lots of love,
Susan: From Perth
Love Peace
Compassion Christchurch
He ora te whakapiri
Strength in unity
Kia kaha Otautahi
15.03.19
[Crying kiwi pic]
THIS IS NOT
NEW ZEALAND
As Salaam alaykum
THIS OUR HOME
AND YOU SHOULD HAVE
BEEN SAFE HERE
YOU ARE
WELCOME HERE
WE ARE SO SORRY
WE ARE
ONE
To all our Muslim brothers and sisters. Please know that you are not alone in your grief.
One person's madness does not represent anything of any value.
And at this time I have to add my voice to those who stand for peace.
Although we may not have met, you are in reality my brothers and sisters.
We all live together under the same sky and sun shines equally on everyone.
Although we may have different cultures and beliefs
We can celebrate our differences and let them enrich us all.
Just as many different coloured flowers make a garden, and the different colours of the rainbow make the world a more beautiful place.
Let us hope that this time can be a catalyst for new hope, where
everyone will know they are welcome respected and safe here in the home we
share together.
Love and best wishes,
Jan. Sonya
SORRY THIS
HAPPENED
TO YOU
YOU HAVEN'T
SCARED ANY 1
Give no tolerance. Give no cheers. Give no
laughs. Give no likes. Give no acceptance.
Give no attention. Give no smiles. Give no
welcome. Give no nods. Give no high fives.
Give no kudos. Give no respect. Give no
air time. Give no agreement. Give no place.
Give no support. Give no encouragement.
Give no power. Give no amplification. Give
no money. Give no audience. Give no fuel.
Give no indulgence. Give no endorsement.
Give no home.
GIVE
NOTHING
TO RACISM
THERE IS NO FEAR
IN LOVE BUT
PERFECT LOVE
DRIVES OUT FEAR
1 John 4:18
KIA KAHA
WE
ARE
ONE NEW ZEALAND
IS
YOUR HOME
ALL YOU
NEED IS
LOVE
To our whanau in Christchurch,
we are with you at this time, Our thoughts
our prayers, our love. You are our family and our
whanau, our people. You are always welcome
here and you will always be part of our
identity here in New Zealand. We stand with you.
We mourn with you. We share in your pain
at this time. Kia Kaha Christchurch
Ota atu mei a mautolou kia moutolou kotoa.
Love from us to you.
Connection Co Church, Manurewa.
Together we are one.
Lots of love from the learners at
Riccarton Primary school.
[Pic of crying male head]
We love
you so much
Many beautiful flowers have
been picked from our
Garden City, but they will
continue to bloom in our
City's Garden forever.
May peace
be upon
you
WE STAND
WITH
OUR MUSLIM
NEIGHBOURS
You are us [Pic of woman's head wearing a hijab, a Kiwi fern symbol across it]
16.04.19. Christchurch City Council info board by the Botanic Gdns tribute wall said:
What's happening
to the floral tributes?
With the support of the Muslim community we
have begun the process of carefully removing
some of the many floral tributes left here
following the mosque attacks.
The tributes will be sensitively sorted through
at the Arts Centre, with cards kept, flowers
composted and wrappings reused as far [as] we
are able to.
You are still welcome to place fresh
flowers along the wall.
For more visit: ccc.govt.nz/newsline
06.04.19. Some tributes seen at Al Noor Mosque, 2 cops, toting semi-automatic rifles, guarding the front entrance:
LET ALL PEOPLE
HONOUR
THEIR OWN
GOD
IN PEACE
AND WITHOUT
FEAR
Like having a
nuclear bomb dropped
on our land.
New Zealand will never
be the same again
WE ARE ONE [Pic of woman wearing a hijab]
Dear Sayyed,
Our dear beautiful
friend, we will
always remember
your calm way
and gorgeous smile.
Rest in peace.
REST IN
PEACE
This was your home. You
should've been safe here
(Cashmere)
WE
ARE ONE
KIA KAHA
[Maori script]
May peace be widespread.
May the sea be like greenstone.
a pathway for us all on this day!
Let us show respect for others.
Bind us all together.
Ki Kaha
Rest easy
SAYYAD
To all the families who
have had their lives changed
forever. I am very sorry for what
happened to your family. I am
thinking of you.
Lots of love from Ella McNicholl
(10 years old)
To our Christchurch whanau:
Again we send aroha and uplifting
wishes to the people of the
garden city.
We can never feel your pain but we
stand beside you.
Kia Kaha
Room 12
Onewhero Area School
Waikato.
Kia Kaha Christchurch.
Dear Christchurch please stay strong.
From Tikahia.
We are a nation of people with many different religions,
skin colours and ethnicities, but we are all New Zealanders living,
working and playing together in beautiful Aotearoa.
We won't let this evil deed divide us, but rather bring us closer together
and stand up against racism, bigotry and terrorism. "We are one."
We are Christians and our hearts go out to the
Muslim community, the victims, their families
and friends. We share the loss of your loved
ones and are grieving with you.
Love peace and unity to everyone.
God be with you.
Larry & Joy Oakly (Nelson).
We never knew
you but you
will always be in
our hearts.
You are with us
in our hearts.
This is your home,
you should have been
safe.
PEACE
[Pic of oldest man shot, an Afghani]
UNITY
WE ARE ALL
FAMILY
Nofa Ofa
ia [Pic of a woman wearing a hijab] atu
te
oe
This is not who
we are. We love
and embrace you
in our community.
This is your home
and we are sorry
you were not safe.
The Puru whanau
stand with you
now and always.
Tino Nui aroha.
To all my Muslim
brothers and sisters
[Heart pic]
We are so sorry for
your loss.
We will remember
them.
X
[Pic of 2 hugging women in Muslim dresses]
This is your home
and you should have
been safe here.
To all the victims
who died on Friday.
May our God forgive
this person who
took your lives away
R.I.P.
We condemn this act of hatred.
We stand with you.
LOVE
WE STAND
TOGETHER
In unity
there is
strength.
THEY
ARE
MUSLIM
Lets rotate this EVIL
into starting to LIVE
again...
[Yellow T shirt]
Love & prayers from
all at
Vendetta Polo Team
London
To all Kiwi cousins
Innalilahi Wainailahi Rojiiun: From God we come, to God we return...
We are appalled this happened to your community and our heart aches for your loss.
We stand with you and send our condolences and love your way.
Love
Read 3'z Re-Vu
Network of Readers: Sydney, Australia.
[Pic of goalkeeper]
R.I.P. Atta Elayyan
WE STAND AS
ONE
I [heart pic] New Zealand
I am pilipino
I Muslim
I am strong
I am proud to
Stay New Zealand
... ASHRAIN
Permanent sign on Al Noor Mosque wall:
MASJID AN NUR
Canterbury Islamic
Centre
Thurs 11.04.19. TV1 reported NZ Parliament changing gun ownership laws, banning semi-automatic rifles, ammunition & attachments, like magazines holding more than 9 bullets. And a Buy Back Scheme for gun owners to return 1000s of semi-automatic rifles to NZ Police. Since the Mosque shootings there was whining from gun salesmen, sports / hobby shooters & farmers. Farmers complained about rabbit vermin. Farmers didn't need semi-automatic rifles to kill rabbits. Shotguns & poisons like Brodifacoum would do.
Tues 16.04.19. I wandered past Linwood Ave Mosque - 2 cops with holstered automatic pistols & toting semi-automatic rifles guarded the driveway entrance. Boards on an entrance fence said:
LINWOOD ISLAMIC CENTRE
223A LINWOOD AVENUE
LINWOOD CHRISTCHURCH 8011
PHONE 021 166 5965
LINWOOD ISLAMIC CHARITABLE TRUST
INCORPORATED - 2652272
SERVICES: 5 TIMES DAILY PRAYERS, JUMAAT, QURANIC CLASSES AND MANY MORE
"Certainly the obligatory prayers have been prescribed to the believers to be performed at specific times." (Al Quran: 3-Verse-103) ...
THANK YOU NEW ZEALAND
WITH AROHA & PEACE
FROM THE LINWOOD MUSLIM
COMMUNITY
By a nearby Buckleys Rd bus stop 2 posters said:
NO ROOM FOR
RACISM HERE
LOVE & SOLIDARITY
TO OUR MUSLIM
WHANAU
RESILIENT
LOVE
IN THE FACE OF HATE
ZERO TOLERANCE
FOR XENOPHOBIA
A New Zealand Police ad in The Press said:
[Pic of 3 rifles including 2 semi-automatic rifles].
Help Keep
NZ Safe
Firearms Amnesty
Firearm laws
have changed.
Notify Police of your
prohibited semi-automatic
firearm online today.
If you have a prohibited semi-automatic firearm in
your possession, you now need to notify us online.
There is a firearms amnesty in place and we need
your help to keep New Zealand safe.
For more information and to notify us online
visit police.govt.nz or call 0800 311 311
In the meantime, continue to store all firearms
safely and securely.
Notify us online today
at police.govt.nz
NEW ZEALAND
POLICE
Nga Pirihimana a Aotearoa
03.05.19. The Press report: Death Toll 51. Injured Muslim man had died in Christchurch Hospital.
15.05.19. Due to livestreaming of the Christchurch Mosque attacks, motivated by NZ PM Ardern & French President Macron, Facebook together with other internet companies Microsoft, Twitter, Google, YouTube, Amazon signed the Christchurch Call to Action to combat terrorist activities on social media.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
See Death threats for members of gun club linked to alleged Christchurch terrorist (The Press / Stuff Co).
See Christchurch attacks how police & citizens responded (The Press / Stuff Co).
See NZ Police.
See Christchurch City Council newsline.
See Christchurch Call to Action (Facebook).
Monday, February 11, 2019
North Opuha Track to Spurs Hut.
11.02.19. I drove from Fairlie along Claytons Rd, beyond the monument, left turned at Mt Fox Ski Field turnoff & 7 kms hence parked at the Fox Ski Field / DOC carpark. I wanted to walk the 7 km North Opuha Track to the old, 1896, Spurs Hut. (Map ref: 288452). The track rose gently, with undulations, from 660m at the DOC / Ski Field carpark to 800m at Spurs Hut.
By the carpark was a DOC Intentions Book to be signed, 2 DOC signs & 4 private signs reading:
Department of Conservation
CONSERVATION AREA 7 KM
Via public access through private land...
FOX'S PEAK STATION
PRIVATE PROPERTY
NO HUNTING
TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED
WANDERING DOGS WILL BE
SHOT ON SIGHT
SKIFIED
ACCESS
LILYDALE
PRIVATE
PROPERTY
Permission must be
obtained to enter
Department of Conservation
Public access through
private land
Keep to 10 metres wide easement
Please close gates
There is no public access to
Fox Peak Ski Field
CAUTION
CAR ONLY BRIDGE
MAX WEIGHT 2500 KG
MAX VEHICLE WIDTH 1.9M
OTHER VEHICLES
USE FORD
SKI FIELD
PH 03...
The vehicle ford was upstream, a low stone bridge covering concrete pipes allowing North Opuha water flow.
A cool morning, I wandered upstream on the the true left bank of North Opuha River flowing from a vast watershed, swampland, below Sherwood Range westwards, Ben McLeod Range northwards & Low Claytons eastwards. The watershed's, west-east, widest area, about 1.5 kms wide, was below Walkers Spur, Ben McLeod Range. The watershed narrowed considerably southwards towards DOC carpark between Fox Peak in the west & Low Claytons in the east. Above track, Low Claytons gave morning shade, before hotting up to a scorching afternoon.
For 2 hours, North Opuha watershed on my left, I tramped past Fox Peak, 2300m, with glimpses of summer-snowless, Mt Fox Ski Field, 1330-1900m & beyond past 4 Sherwood Range spurs with steep valleys between. The track eased northwards by Fox Peak Station fences towards Walkers Spur below Ben McLeod Range. En route I met a young hunter tramping down stream & greeted: "I'm deaf. I won't hear you. Did you shoot anything?" He shook his head & greeted, a praying gesture, palms together, pointing up, smiling & bowing.
The track sidled NE over a small saddle into the Orari River watershed, swampland, surrounded by Low Claytons, High Claytons & Ben McLeod Range. Another DOC sign by a gate read:
NORTH OPUHA
CONSERVATION AREA
A DOC sign on the gate read:
Public access through private land
No shooting - private land
Keep to 10m wide marked easement
Please close gates
Do not disturb stock
The relationship between DOC & shit polluting stock in that watershed was nuts! NZ was heavily polluted with cattle shat waterways.
Midway across the wetland, beyond DOC land (?) a line of willows sheltered black cattle from midday sun. The contrast between sparse overgrazed vegetation on private farm land & luxuriant grass growth on DOC land was stark: Low Claytons had farm roads on the hills & sharp spear grass amongst stunted tussock. Brown, muddy streams I'd passed below Low Claytons trickled down to North Ophua swampland. Few butterflies by farmlands. My aluminium walking sticks enabled me to gauge muddy depths before stream crossings. Argyrophenga, Tussock ringlet butterflies, brown with black & white eye-spot wings, abounded in DOC tussock land, sucking nectar from tiny Wallenbergia flowers & others. Butterfly abundance was a sign of good DOC grassland conservation & bad pesticide use on overgrazed Alpine farmlands.
For another hour the rest of North Opuha Track sidled around the end of Walkers Spur through Orari River watershed, tussock land to Spurs Hut, a small, 4 bunk, corrugated iron hut with wooden decking, porch for logs, basin, wood saws, chopper & inside fireplace, wood stove, grubby utensils on a kitchen work bench, DOC info signs & map on a wall, food left by other trampers / hunters, like tinned food, Watties tomato sauce, plastic bottle... Empty beer cans, booze bottles & a DOC Intentions Book were on a shelf above the fireplace. An empty wood basket was by a wooden bench on an unswept floor. A DOC wall sign read:
! Danger
The use of gas or liquid fuel, cookers, heaters and
lights in enclosed spaces can be highly dangerous
and could lead to death by Carbon monoxide
poisoning. When using any of these appliances
leave a window or door open to ensure adequate
ventilation
Midday, the iron hut was like a sauna, so I lunched outside in the shade of the stone chimney viewing the Orari River watershed in the Alpine basin & green longdrop. 2 mandarins & biltong scoffed.
On my return trek I finished all my bottled water, over 2 litres. Alpine sunburn danger.
Distance: 7 kms each way, 14 kms return.
Climb: 140 vertical metres.
Time: 6 hours return, excluding lunch break at Spurs Hut.
Caution: Tramping & hill walking fitness needed. I always backpacked food & water on my Alpine tramps, incl winter & wet weather gear, hat, as well as aluminium walking sticks (for emergency tent) tent rope, blue tarp, Topo50 map, matches, space blanket, cell phone for emergencies. There was no cell phone coverage at Spurs Hut due to surrounding Alps.
Personal Locator Beacons were too damned expensive (NZ$300 - NZ$1000+) yet whenever someone was rescued, rescue authorities spouted media gobbledegook about trampers / climbers needing locator beacons to help their rescue. Daily hiring a PLB from a Fairlie shop was a pain, as the shop only opened at 10am for equipment hire. I'd already tramped 2 hours by that time, early starter to avoid heat exposure.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
By the carpark was a DOC Intentions Book to be signed, 2 DOC signs & 4 private signs reading:
Department of Conservation
CONSERVATION AREA 7 KM
Via public access through private land...
FOX'S PEAK STATION
PRIVATE PROPERTY
NO HUNTING
TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED
WANDERING DOGS WILL BE
SHOT ON SIGHT
SKIFIED
ACCESS
LILYDALE
PRIVATE
PROPERTY
Permission must be
obtained to enter
Department of Conservation
Public access through
private land
Keep to 10 metres wide easement
Please close gates
There is no public access to
Fox Peak Ski Field
CAUTION
CAR ONLY BRIDGE
MAX WEIGHT 2500 KG
MAX VEHICLE WIDTH 1.9M
OTHER VEHICLES
USE FORD
SKI FIELD
PH 03...
The vehicle ford was upstream, a low stone bridge covering concrete pipes allowing North Opuha water flow.
A cool morning, I wandered upstream on the the true left bank of North Opuha River flowing from a vast watershed, swampland, below Sherwood Range westwards, Ben McLeod Range northwards & Low Claytons eastwards. The watershed's, west-east, widest area, about 1.5 kms wide, was below Walkers Spur, Ben McLeod Range. The watershed narrowed considerably southwards towards DOC carpark between Fox Peak in the west & Low Claytons in the east. Above track, Low Claytons gave morning shade, before hotting up to a scorching afternoon.
For 2 hours, North Opuha watershed on my left, I tramped past Fox Peak, 2300m, with glimpses of summer-snowless, Mt Fox Ski Field, 1330-1900m & beyond past 4 Sherwood Range spurs with steep valleys between. The track eased northwards by Fox Peak Station fences towards Walkers Spur below Ben McLeod Range. En route I met a young hunter tramping down stream & greeted: "I'm deaf. I won't hear you. Did you shoot anything?" He shook his head & greeted, a praying gesture, palms together, pointing up, smiling & bowing.
The track sidled NE over a small saddle into the Orari River watershed, swampland, surrounded by Low Claytons, High Claytons & Ben McLeod Range. Another DOC sign by a gate read:
NORTH OPUHA
CONSERVATION AREA
A DOC sign on the gate read:
Public access through private land
No shooting - private land
Keep to 10m wide marked easement
Please close gates
Do not disturb stock
The relationship between DOC & shit polluting stock in that watershed was nuts! NZ was heavily polluted with cattle shat waterways.
Midway across the wetland, beyond DOC land (?) a line of willows sheltered black cattle from midday sun. The contrast between sparse overgrazed vegetation on private farm land & luxuriant grass growth on DOC land was stark: Low Claytons had farm roads on the hills & sharp spear grass amongst stunted tussock. Brown, muddy streams I'd passed below Low Claytons trickled down to North Ophua swampland. Few butterflies by farmlands. My aluminium walking sticks enabled me to gauge muddy depths before stream crossings. Argyrophenga, Tussock ringlet butterflies, brown with black & white eye-spot wings, abounded in DOC tussock land, sucking nectar from tiny Wallenbergia flowers & others. Butterfly abundance was a sign of good DOC grassland conservation & bad pesticide use on overgrazed Alpine farmlands.
For another hour the rest of North Opuha Track sidled around the end of Walkers Spur through Orari River watershed, tussock land to Spurs Hut, a small, 4 bunk, corrugated iron hut with wooden decking, porch for logs, basin, wood saws, chopper & inside fireplace, wood stove, grubby utensils on a kitchen work bench, DOC info signs & map on a wall, food left by other trampers / hunters, like tinned food, Watties tomato sauce, plastic bottle... Empty beer cans, booze bottles & a DOC Intentions Book were on a shelf above the fireplace. An empty wood basket was by a wooden bench on an unswept floor. A DOC wall sign read:
! Danger
The use of gas or liquid fuel, cookers, heaters and
lights in enclosed spaces can be highly dangerous
and could lead to death by Carbon monoxide
poisoning. When using any of these appliances
leave a window or door open to ensure adequate
ventilation
Midday, the iron hut was like a sauna, so I lunched outside in the shade of the stone chimney viewing the Orari River watershed in the Alpine basin & green longdrop. 2 mandarins & biltong scoffed.
On my return trek I finished all my bottled water, over 2 litres. Alpine sunburn danger.
Distance: 7 kms each way, 14 kms return.
Climb: 140 vertical metres.
Time: 6 hours return, excluding lunch break at Spurs Hut.
Caution: Tramping & hill walking fitness needed. I always backpacked food & water on my Alpine tramps, incl winter & wet weather gear, hat, as well as aluminium walking sticks (for emergency tent) tent rope, blue tarp, Topo50 map, matches, space blanket, cell phone for emergencies. There was no cell phone coverage at Spurs Hut due to surrounding Alps.
Personal Locator Beacons were too damned expensive (NZ$300 - NZ$1000+) yet whenever someone was rescued, rescue authorities spouted media gobbledegook about trampers / climbers needing locator beacons to help their rescue. Daily hiring a PLB from a Fairlie shop was a pain, as the shop only opened at 10am for equipment hire. I'd already tramped 2 hours by that time, early starter to avoid heat exposure.
Copyright Mark JS Esslemont.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Beyond Quake Walls. Daisy Fields, River Road
Richmond focus. Mon 28.01.19. While Leah attended a teacher training meeting at Seabrook McKenzie Centre, I did a half hour, circular trek along red zone, Avon River bank: London St, Fitzgerald Ave, River Rd, Stanmore Rd, London St.
Fitzgerald Ave Bridge: Bridge rail, torn sign:
DEMO
IN PRO
NO E
The bridge had been continuously used since the 2010-13 quakes, spans anti-clockwise rotated, NE abutment skewed by the quakes, bridge roadworthy over Avon River.
Fitzgerald Ave & Harvey Tce: Red Zone, vacant land, where post quake CERA had taken houses along River Rd forming a small part of the post quake, residential red zone (about 4x the size of Hagley Park) on quake liquefactioned land. CERA had proclaimed red zone, so-called quake damaged land, paid out owners, demolished 7500 houses, cordoned & fenced red zone land & after 5 years had handed over the taken land to LINZ (Land Information NZ). It had been a huge taking by NZ National govt, trampling citizens' private land rights, taking vast areas of Christchurch private land, using quakes & a reluctance by NZ National govt to rebuild infrastructure as excuses to take red zone land.
I read a Council info board extolling Victorian virtues on that section of River Rd between Fitzgerald Ave & Stanmore Rd, Daisy Fields, where Victorians had picnicked & watched rowing regattas by Avon River boat houses. Victorians had got that right: river bank sloping, enabling grand views of Avon River boating & regattas. Since the quakes, there'd been various suggestions for residential red zone land use. Presently a river walk from city to sea went along Avon River banks: great white footprints painted on abandoned, cordoned, red zone roads, like River Road.
Council riverside sign:
TE ARA
OTAKARO
AVON TRAIL
10 KM
Both ends of River Rd at Fitzgerald Ave & Stanmore Rd crossings, cordon fences, 3 threat signs:
ROAD
CLOSED
AUTHORISED
VEHICLES ONLY
PEDESTRIANS CYCLISTS
AND AUTHORISED
VEHICLE ACCESS ONLY
FOR INFORMATION
CALL LINZ...
FOR
AUTHORISED VEHICLE
ACCESS
LAND INFORMATION
NEW ZEALAND
TOITU TE WHENUA
PH...
River Rd: Red zone cordon signs had been on fences since NZ National govt / CERA had taken the red zone. Citizens had walked the cordons ever since, banned from driving the residential red zone 8 years post quakes. All houses along River Rd had been demolished by CERA, just garden grass, flowers & shrubs left, yellow Daisy Fields blooming again, parkland, fence cordon threat signs:
NO UNAUTHORISED
ACCESS
NO DUMPING
LAND INFORMATION
NEW ZEALAND
TOITU TE WHENUA
Alongside River Rd, AVONSIDE TENNIS CLUB courts was the only structure not demolished by CERA, amidst yellow Daisy Fields. Would Council & govt agencies consider rowing regattas again by Daisy Fields beside Avon River? A beautiful, peaceful spot, despite busy Avonside Dr on the opp river bank. When will red zone cordons completely open for citizens?
Reckoning: 23.02.19. The Press reported that ever since Lange's 1980s Labour govt, succeeding NZ governments had pillaged EQC's National Disaster Fund to balance government books. That included Treasury oversight, Bolger's & Shipley's National govts & Clerk's Labour govt. During Key's National govt, soon after the 22.02.11 Killer Quake, EQC was insolvent. None of those governments ever revealed to Kiwis repetitive government pillage.
Key's National govt enabled 2 States of Emergencies, military cordoned, red zoned CBD checkpoints for 28 months, CERA delays in demolitions / rebuilds, red zone residential takings & overseeing slow EQC payments. Never mind anguish caused to 1000s of citizens. PM Key jabbered about "a Rock Star Economy," wasted megabucks on a flag referendum, restructured Christchurch schools by mergers & closures, while EQC officials delayed assessments, payments & repairs for over 470 000 claimants (2010-2018). Key was awarded a knighthood. CERA minister Brownlee condoned EQC's insolvency & Fletcher's botched repairs. He denied a housing crisis in Christchurch & hailed MBIE bldg code guidelines, enabling crap repairs. EQC boss Simpson enabled EQC's slow assessments, payments & repairs, protected whining insurers by slow overcap assessments, then became GNS Science boss in January 2017.
Meanwhile, 8 years post quakes, despite 2 Royal Commissions of Inquiry, Coroners' Reports & a 3 years police investigation into the CTV bldg collapse, no one was held accountable for the CTV collapse & the dead. (Ditto 2023).
October 2020: Covid19 election. PM Jacinda Ardern's Labour party, landslide victory over National & other parties, enough Labour MPs to govern NZ for another 3 years without coalition parties, but Labour would include Green party MPs in a Coalition govt. National deputy leader, Gerry Brownlee lost Ilam constituency to Labour. Brownlee had hogged Ilam since 1996. Brownlee lost his National deputy leader position, but would continue in parliament as a list MP. (Jan 2023. PM Ardern would announce her resignation. Chris Hipkins would briefly become Labour PM. 2023. PM Hipkins would lose the election to National Party's new PM Chris Luxon).
A decade post Darfield Quake, Brownlee's CERA Blueprint projects were slow going: Riverine, residential red zones, no progress, just swampy, LINZ fenced paddocks; Cathedral Sq, Christ Church Cathedral, many years' reintstatement still to go; Barbadoes St, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was demolished for a modern rebuild across Colombo St, opp the refurbished Town Hall; Metro Sports Facility slow progress; Te Pae Convention Centre opened 2021; Barbadoes St Stadium, slow progress, 2023.
See Christchurch youth trust keen to build adventure school on abandoned land (The Press / Stuff Co).
See LINZ
See Plunder - How the bill for the Canterbury earthquakes was passed on (The Press / Stuff Co).
See GNS Science.
Fitzgerald Ave Bridge: Bridge rail, torn sign:
DEMO
IN PRO
NO E
The bridge had been continuously used since the 2010-13 quakes, spans anti-clockwise rotated, NE abutment skewed by the quakes, bridge roadworthy over Avon River.
Fitzgerald Ave & Harvey Tce: Red Zone, vacant land, where post quake CERA had taken houses along River Rd forming a small part of the post quake, residential red zone (about 4x the size of Hagley Park) on quake liquefactioned land. CERA had proclaimed red zone, so-called quake damaged land, paid out owners, demolished 7500 houses, cordoned & fenced red zone land & after 5 years had handed over the taken land to LINZ (Land Information NZ). It had been a huge taking by NZ National govt, trampling citizens' private land rights, taking vast areas of Christchurch private land, using quakes & a reluctance by NZ National govt to rebuild infrastructure as excuses to take red zone land.
I read a Council info board extolling Victorian virtues on that section of River Rd between Fitzgerald Ave & Stanmore Rd, Daisy Fields, where Victorians had picnicked & watched rowing regattas by Avon River boat houses. Victorians had got that right: river bank sloping, enabling grand views of Avon River boating & regattas. Since the quakes, there'd been various suggestions for residential red zone land use. Presently a river walk from city to sea went along Avon River banks: great white footprints painted on abandoned, cordoned, red zone roads, like River Road.
Council riverside sign:
TE ARA
OTAKARO
AVON TRAIL
10 KM
Both ends of River Rd at Fitzgerald Ave & Stanmore Rd crossings, cordon fences, 3 threat signs:
ROAD
CLOSED
AUTHORISED
VEHICLES ONLY
PEDESTRIANS CYCLISTS
AND AUTHORISED
VEHICLE ACCESS ONLY
FOR INFORMATION
CALL LINZ...
FOR
AUTHORISED VEHICLE
ACCESS
LAND INFORMATION
NEW ZEALAND
TOITU TE WHENUA
PH...
River Rd: Red zone cordon signs had been on fences since NZ National govt / CERA had taken the red zone. Citizens had walked the cordons ever since, banned from driving the residential red zone 8 years post quakes. All houses along River Rd had been demolished by CERA, just garden grass, flowers & shrubs left, yellow Daisy Fields blooming again, parkland, fence cordon threat signs:
NO UNAUTHORISED
ACCESS
NO DUMPING
LAND INFORMATION
NEW ZEALAND
TOITU TE WHENUA
Alongside River Rd, AVONSIDE TENNIS CLUB courts was the only structure not demolished by CERA, amidst yellow Daisy Fields. Would Council & govt agencies consider rowing regattas again by Daisy Fields beside Avon River? A beautiful, peaceful spot, despite busy Avonside Dr on the opp river bank. When will red zone cordons completely open for citizens?
Reckoning: 23.02.19. The Press reported that ever since Lange's 1980s Labour govt, succeeding NZ governments had pillaged EQC's National Disaster Fund to balance government books. That included Treasury oversight, Bolger's & Shipley's National govts & Clerk's Labour govt. During Key's National govt, soon after the 22.02.11 Killer Quake, EQC was insolvent. None of those governments ever revealed to Kiwis repetitive government pillage.
Key's National govt enabled 2 States of Emergencies, military cordoned, red zoned CBD checkpoints for 28 months, CERA delays in demolitions / rebuilds, red zone residential takings & overseeing slow EQC payments. Never mind anguish caused to 1000s of citizens. PM Key jabbered about "a Rock Star Economy," wasted megabucks on a flag referendum, restructured Christchurch schools by mergers & closures, while EQC officials delayed assessments, payments & repairs for over 470 000 claimants (2010-2018). Key was awarded a knighthood. CERA minister Brownlee condoned EQC's insolvency & Fletcher's botched repairs. He denied a housing crisis in Christchurch & hailed MBIE bldg code guidelines, enabling crap repairs. EQC boss Simpson enabled EQC's slow assessments, payments & repairs, protected whining insurers by slow overcap assessments, then became GNS Science boss in January 2017.
Meanwhile, 8 years post quakes, despite 2 Royal Commissions of Inquiry, Coroners' Reports & a 3 years police investigation into the CTV bldg collapse, no one was held accountable for the CTV collapse & the dead. (Ditto 2023).
October 2020: Covid19 election. PM Jacinda Ardern's Labour party, landslide victory over National & other parties, enough Labour MPs to govern NZ for another 3 years without coalition parties, but Labour would include Green party MPs in a Coalition govt. National deputy leader, Gerry Brownlee lost Ilam constituency to Labour. Brownlee had hogged Ilam since 1996. Brownlee lost his National deputy leader position, but would continue in parliament as a list MP. (Jan 2023. PM Ardern would announce her resignation. Chris Hipkins would briefly become Labour PM. 2023. PM Hipkins would lose the election to National Party's new PM Chris Luxon).
A decade post Darfield Quake, Brownlee's CERA Blueprint projects were slow going: Riverine, residential red zones, no progress, just swampy, LINZ fenced paddocks; Cathedral Sq, Christ Church Cathedral, many years' reintstatement still to go; Barbadoes St, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was demolished for a modern rebuild across Colombo St, opp the refurbished Town Hall; Metro Sports Facility slow progress; Te Pae Convention Centre opened 2021; Barbadoes St Stadium, slow progress, 2023.
See Christchurch youth trust keen to build adventure school on abandoned land (The Press / Stuff Co).
See LINZ
See Plunder - How the bill for the Canterbury earthquakes was passed on (The Press / Stuff Co).
See GNS Science.
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