Life has not been easy for people in Christchurch since the September 4, 7.1 magnitude earthquake, among those who continue to be effected are the Marist Community at Manchester Street, who are still not able to live or work in the presbytery.
With accommodation in Christchurch at a premium, the Marist community has been scattered mainly around Christchurch. Today the diaspora has come to an end, and the Community are now living in rented accommodation some fifteen minutes away in Bishopdale, a neighbouring suburb.
The residence has been arranged by Opus, who are working on behalf of the Christchurch Diocese. The house has been rented for one year while the Diocese decides whether the presbytery at Manchester Street will be repaired or replaced.
To date, there have been 4,525 after-shocks and while many of these have been minor, they are a constant reminder to the people of Christchurch of what has been and what could still happen.
The latest significant after-shock was a 5.1 magnitude earthquake recorded on 20 January, 2011.
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