A former Christchurch resident says she is still overwhelmed by the aroha and support shown since the first of a series of big earthquakes hit Canterbury two years ago.
The magnitude 7.1 quake occurred at 4.36am on 4 September 2010, causing widespread damage, but no fatalities.
There have been hundreds of quakes since, including the devastating tremor in February last year in which 185 people died.
Lisa Reedy, of Ngati Porou descent, says she continues to feel really moved by the humanity that has been offered to quake victims to help them cope with living in a stricken city - not only by Maori organisations, but also the general public.
Ms Reedy says Maori organisations did not go to Otautahi (Christchurch) to help only Maori families - they helped anyone in need and groups including the Maori Wardens were quick to offer manaakitanga (hospitality and care), including food and shelter and a shoulder to cry on.
She says it is a testament to the lengths that people will go to to care for others in times of great distress.
Ms Reedy says she recently moved to Hamilton, after living most of her life in Christchurch.
