The Governor-General, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, and Lady Susan Satyanand, will visit Christchurch this afternoon (Sunday 27 February 2011) to support those affected by last week’s earthquake and those assisting in the search and rescue effort.
As a part of their visit to Christchurch, the Governor-General and Lady Susan will visit the Emergency Operations Centre at the Christchurch Art Gallery about 1.30pm where they receive a briefing from National Civil Defence Co-ordinator, John Hamilton, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and representatives from the Police, Fire Service, Urban Search and Rescue and St John’s Ambulance. There is a possibility of stand up interviews with the Governor-General after their visit to the EOC, please contact Government House Public Affairs Manager, Antony Paltridge, (021 470 583) to register an interest.
They will also inspect parts of the city with Mayor Parker and Hon Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Conservation, where they will meet some of the USAR teams and will conclude their visit with a call on the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) based at Cowles Stadium, Pages Rd, Christchurch, about 4.15pm. Media wishing to attend the AUSMAT visit should register interest with Government House Public Affairs Manager, Antony Paltridge (021 470 583) Media attending will need to make their own way to Cowles Stadium.
For more information, contact Antony Paltridge, Public Affairs Manager, Government House on 021 470 583