Prayers from searchers for quake victims

An aerial view of emergency services working at the ruined Pyne Gould Corporation building on Cambridge Terrace in central Christchurch. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Construction and rescue workers halted work on their clearance of the quake-damaged Pyne Gould Corporation building in Christchurch early today to say a karakia (prayer) and have the site blessed.

Many lives were lost in the PGC building when it was wrecked by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake on February 22.

Danny Halley, operations manager for building firm Nikau Contractors, and his team have been working long hours at the PGC site since Friday.

His team wanted to pay their respects to the victims of the quake and he asked the operational commander of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue team, Shaun Moody, to take part.

The blessing was given by rigger Tawera Tamakehu at 5.30am followed by a minute's silence.

Police, fire and Urban Search and Rescue representatives also took part in the ceremony.

"It's good to be a part of the team that is helping get victims back to their loved ones," Mr Halley said.

"I'm proud to be a part of it; to work with the search and rescue guys; to be able to help the people of Christchurch get some closure."

Mr Moody said he could not speak highly enough of the work of Mr Halley and his crew.

"Their professionalism is a credit to New Zealand and New Zealanders. Their operational use of the equipment is very sensitive to the needs of the people who lost their lives and their families.

"In my period in rescue services I have not seen more proficient equipment operators. We couldn't have done it without them."

Police Superintendent Russell Gibson said it was humbling to see the British team showing such respect for the culture of New Zealand and compassion for the local workers.

- NZPA