Council approves memorial tree in Latimer Square

A memorial tree will be planted in Latimer Square to recognise King’s Education staff and students who died in the 22 February 2011 earthquake.

Christchurch City Council today approved a request for recognition from King’s Education by agreeing to plant a memorial tree, accompanied by a remembrance plaque, said Planning Committee Chair Councillor Sue Wells.

"The National Memorial, which is yet to be developed, will be the place for the official commemoration of all those we lost last February. King’s Education  have asked us to help them with a small, intimate remembrance on Council land. It feels entirely right to do that."

King’s Education lost nine staff and 72 international students in the CTV building following the earthquake. They requested a memorial in Latimer Square as it is near the CTV building and where survivors assembled as they struggled to determine who was lost.

The memorial tree will be a three-metre high Oriental Plane tree and replace a storm-damaged elm tree being removed from the Gloucester Street end of Latimer Square.

The Council also approved principles to support an appropriate and consistent response to any future memorial requests.