Your views- Quake anniversary | Canterbury Opinion | Local Voices from Canterbury, New Zealand

With the first anniversary of February 22's deadly quake looming, we asked if people thought a holiday should have been granted to Cantabrians to remember those who died.

Benjamin Smyth, 23, chef, of Riccarton.

``No, we don't need to keep reminding people what happened. They don't have a holiday in Napier to remember what happened there. Besides, businesses are already hurting, to have to pay holiday wages and lose out on productivity makes no sense.''
 

Julie Pack, 35, full-time mother, of Birdlings Flat.

``Any holiday is a good thing, with the pressures of life. But for the people who suffered loss there should be something special for them. If I experienced the loss of a loved one it would be a hard day.''

James Marshall, 22, salesman, of St Martins.

``I think for the memory of those who died it would be a good idea - a day of remembrance. It would be a double-edged sword though. Christchurch has had it tough in terms of the economy and I don't know if we could afford another day off.''
 

Brian Walker, 69, retired, of Ashburton.

``Not it's not necessary given the economic situation.I think the day can be commemorated with a service, not a holiday.''
 

Adam Wealleans, 16, student, of Russley.

``Yes, a holiday would be a good idea. ``It's quite an important day in history. It should be remembered whether they are good memories or bad.''
 

Danielle Johansen, 18, student, of Spreydon.

``Yes, I'm in favour of a holiday. It would bring more knowledge to February 22.
``I'll be doing something different to remember the day - a commemorative drink, maybe.''
 

Helen Marginson, 41, mother, of North Beach.

``Yes, it would be a commemoration of all those who died.It wouldn't be hard for big businesses but small business mightn't find it easy.''

Chloe Beets, 20, retailer, of Northwood.
``I think it's a nice idea, but it's a pretty sad thing to remember. Do you really want to have a day off for such a bad experience? `It could be marked in some other way.''