Bishop Victoria Matthews - February 22 | Canterbury Opinion | Local Voices from Canterbury, New Zealand

The past year has brought out the very best and worst in the life of the community of Christchurch Canterbury.

With the initial devastation of February 22 people reached out and cared for each other in all sorts of ways. The stories of people who stayed with those hurt until help came are among the most encouraging and uplifting. The making of meals and deliveries of water to those without power or water made a huge difference, and no one will ever again underestimate the gift of a port-a-loo on a street corner.

But underneath it all is the question of whether we will allow the earthquake to make a difference to how we are a community.

If one believes, as I do, that there is ultimate meaning and purpose to life, then events which strip away the appearance of control invite reflection. The world we inhabit is not entirely stable and predictable. Earthquakes, floods and even famines happen. Each of these events does not only touch those with insured homes and jobs but also those with no fixed address and no secure employment.

In the past year we have heard about those who lost their homes and possessions; those who lost limbs and those who even lost their loved ones. What has not been covered is the story of those who were invisible to begin with, those who occupied rental accommodation that was already sub standard before the earthquake and which will not be replaced. We don't know what happened to those who have no family or friends and who perhaps were not reported missing. Where did those people go after the initial days of extra help and support?

It has been said that a community is to be judged by the way that the very least and lost are treated. In that regard we are no better than before the earthquake. But it does not need to be this way. We are capable of writing a different next chapter for our city and beyond.

If the earthquake of February 22 2011 is truly to make a lasting difference, I suggest that Christchurch makes social housing a priority for the future. After the quake the Christchurch Anglican City Mission received extraordinary support and I and many others are truly grateful for that generosity.

But why not become a community that relentlessly addresses the underlying causes of homelessness and hunger? Why not put an end to child poverty in Christchurch-Canterbury? What would it mean to be a city that was built to help the elderly live longer in their own homes because there were all sorts of ways to help them retain their independence and quality of life? To my way of thinking that would be the very best memorial to the earthquakes.

* Victoria Matthews is the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch.