In the early hours of Monday 14 November 2016 there were two severe earthquakes in the remote Kaikoura area of the South Island (Rotary District 9970) of New Zealand.  There has been substantial damage in the region, particularly to infrastructure such as access via roads and rail.  Some damage was also caused in the Wellington region (Rotary District 9940).

 

While significant and devastating these earthquakes are in a remote area of New Zealand and the rest of New Zealand is 'open for business'. Despite these and the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes these are rare events ... just real bad luck to have two events within a few years. Rotary will no doubt play a substantial role in helping the communities affected over time but no initial Rotary emergency response has been needed with this being organised via Civil Defence and other Government agencies.

 

There have been many expressions of concern and messages of support from around the world to Districts 9970 and 9940 and these are appreciated.