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New Zealanders have been in awe of and inspired by the actions of Cantabrians in the wake of the september 2010 and february 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. These devastating natural disasters stole away structures, dreams and most horrifyingly, lives.
I am sure many of us, myself included, would have packed up and run after the first earthquake. But the residents of Christchurch are made of tougher stuff. Not only have many remained, they have looked beyond their own trials to those of their neighbours, reaching out with what little they have.
Two great examples of the Canterbury spirit are the Farmy Army and the Student Army. The students, temporarily unable to study, banded together putting in many hours of backbreaking work shovelling sludge.
Farmers from all around the region entered the city with their tractors, trucks and machinery to help clear roads and move debris. This selfless group of men and women called themselves the Farmy Army and inspired all Kiwis to do what they can, with what they have. Bravo, Canterbury.