Breanna Gowland watches her daughters plant a memorial tree in Christchurch today. Photo / George Heard
Breanna Gowland remembers little Baxtor every day.
At 5 months old he was one of the youngest victims of the deadly Christchurch earthquake that claimed 185 lives 10 years ago today.
He was crushed by fallen masonry as he lay sleeping in his cot.
After a moving public anniversary service at Oi Manawai, The Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, in the heart of the still-recovering city, Baxtor's family planted a special tree to mark the tenth anniversary of the February 22 quake in 2011.
"There is something symbolic about planting something – a new life," said mum Breanna as she watched her four children – Anahera, 8, Tessa, 7, Britta, 3, and 2-year-old Lennox – scoops spadefuls and handfuls of dirt around the newly-planted plane tree.
They laid flowers beneath Baxtor's name inscribed on the marble memorial wall across from the Avon River this afternoon.
Then, the family crossed the river to plant the tree and remember Baxtor – and the other 184 people who lost their lives.
"We always treat this day with a lot of respect," Breanna said.
Earlier, Ardern gave a moving address, saying it was a chance to remember those lost, and to "stand with the families, loved ones and friends who grieve them".