The National Christchurch Memorial Service

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The Governor-General, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, and Lady Susan Satyanand participated in the National Christchurch Memorial Service to commemorate those who lost their lives in the 22 February 2011 earthquake.

In attendance at the ceremony at Hagley Park on 18 March were: His Royal Highness Prince William, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon John Key, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Phil Goff, the Governor-General of Australia, HE Quentin Bryce AC, the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon Julia Gillard, the Leader of the Australian Opposition, Hon Tony Abbott, the Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, the Dean of Christchurch, Very Rev Peter Beck, the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, Rt Rev Victoria Matthews and many other distinguished guests.

His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales gave a tribute at the Memorial Service.

The Governor-General of New Zealand gave a reading from the Roman philosopher, Seneca:

In the presence of death, we must continue to sing the song of life.

We must be able to accept death and go from its presence better able to bear
our burdens and to lighten the load of others.

Out of our sorrows should come understanding.

Through our sorrows, we join with all of those before who have had to suffer
and all of those who will yet have to do so.

Let us not be gripped by the fear of death. If another day be added to our
lives, let us joyfully receive it, but let us not anxiously depend on our
tomorrows.

Though we grieve the deaths of our loved ones, we accept them and hold on to
our memories as precious gifts. Let us make the best of our loved ones while
they are with us, and let us not bury our love with death.

The Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand at the National Christchurch Memorial Service