26 Apr 2011

Pacific community coping in quake-struck Christchurch

1:55 pm on 26 April 2011

A church elder in Christchurch says the local Pacific community is resilient, and coping well in the earthquake-hit city.

About 12, 000 Pacific Islanders live in Christchurch, and the historic St Paul's Pacific church in the central city was destroyed in the February quake.

Leota John Adhar says the loss of the church is devastating, but they are making do, and have resumed Sunday school classes.

He says while most Pacific Islanders live in the worst hit areas of Christchurch, they are patiently waiting for assessments and repairs.

"We don't have the answer to these things, as you know, but we are coping very well. Enough food to eat, that's the main thing, and a place to sleep. What more do you want?"

Leota John Adhar.