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It is 77 years to the day since Hawke's Bay suffered the country's deadliest earthquake. Two hundred and fifty-six people were killed, and much of Napier and Hastings was destroyed, when the quake struck just before 11 o'clock on the morning of February 3, 1931.
Napier mayor Barbara Arnott says the tragedy shaped the city and is a central part of the community's identity. Commemorations will be held during Art Deco weekend later in the month.
The special festivities include an afternoon tea for survivors, a naval service, and the ringing of the iconic Veronica Bell. Barbara Arnott says there are some 500 survivors of the quake who are honoured at the events.
- NEWSTALK ZB
