The Patton Press Issue 2, April 2011
Christchurch Quake – A perfect test of resilience On 22 February at 12.51pm our beautiful Garden City was rocked by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake making headlines around the world. Roads were severely damaged making it difficult for ambulances and emergency teams to reach the injured, compelling emergency crews to set up triage units in open parks. The quake killed at least 166 people and devastated Christchurch city. Prime Minister John Key said after the earthquake “we may be witnessing New Zealand‟s darkest day”. New Zealand often experiences minor tremors which rarely cause damage but this quake was shallower, flattening buildings, severely damaging the city's historic 130-year-old Anglican cathedral. The New Zealand government welcomed rescue teams from around the world, including Australia, Japan and the United States. Communities reached out by housing families, schools opened their doors offering free uniforms and books, trying as best they can to keep life as normal. To mark the day a week after the event Prime Minister John Key called for two minutes' silence at 12.51pm, again the country stood united. The shake was felt strongly at Patton Christchurch, located at 26 Kingsley Street. All areas inside the branch were shaken up although damage was largely superficial, the worst damage being part of the shelf structure collapsing, a mezzanine area destabilizing sending stock crashing to the floor and the floor lifting and parting at expansion joints.
and safest way to exit the building just in case. Travelling anywhere at any time is a nightmare, fear of going into shopping malls results in very limited shopping activity, people choose to shop at supermarkets that don‟t stack stock above head height in the isles. With no adequate sewage system for at least 12 months, some households will have to make use of chemical toilets making day to day life extremely uncomfortable. To avoid any health risks all fresh water is supplied from out of town until the tap water is rid of contamination. Socialising and entertainment is limited as most of the CBD cafes, restaurants and bars are gone. While other outlets were closed Patton Christchurch remained operational, providing a vital service to the local industry. All phones were diverted to our manager Wayne Beattie‟s mobile until the building could be checked, given a green sticker and the clean-up could begin. Manufacturing jobs were picked up by Auckland Branch to minimise delays to South Island customers and all overseas shipments diverted to Wellington Branch. When compared to many other businesses and people, Patton Christchurch and team have been lucky but this does not diminish the trauma of the whole experience. Cometh the hour, cometh a great team we are very proud to have them as part of our Patton family.
For our Christchurch staff these events were very traumatic and life changing experiences that many are still unable to put into words. They consider themselves very lucky that they did not experience loss of loved ones or property. Communities are living in constant fear of another earthquake finding themselves jumping at any loud noise. On entering any building people tend to look for the quickest Patton Christchurch Team from Left: John Clemence, Brian Yates, Tony Lovell, San-
Inside this issue: FROM THE DESK OF OUR CEO
2
ACREX PATTON INDIA
2
LEAN THINKING
3
Willis Central Project
3
GM INTRODUCTIONS
4
SOLS BREAD BRISBANE
5
COOL STORE FOR TONGA
5
PATTON AU MANAGER MEETING
6
BDT TRAINING
6
INDUSTRY APPRENTICE
6
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH!
6
OLD IS GOLD
7
FORVER YOUNG!
7
PATTON AT A GLANCE
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di Lambert, Victor Beever, Ken Thompson, Wayne Beattie and Sheryl Johnston.
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