Rebuilding a city after a natural disaster. The story of Napier

Art Deco building Napier

The flooding disaster in the city of Brisbane brings to mind, the devastation of the earthquake in Napier in February 1931. The coastal city of Napier located on New Zealand’s North Island was rocked by an earthquake.  The earthquake measuring 7.8, flattened most of the city and what was not destroyed by the earthquake was actually burnt to the ground by fires. The fire department was unable to put the fires out as the water lines had been cut. The only communication with the outside world was from HMS Veronica. She sent signals for help and two Navy ships the Dunedin and Diomede both located in Auckland responded. The crew of The Veronica sent personnel ashore to help after the earthquake.

The earthquake occurred during the depression, when there was not much work and unemployment was high. The Market Reserve building was the first building in the earthquake ravaged city to rise. Riveting, not wielding was used on its steel frame.  The reason was to create as much noise as possible as a message of hope to Napier. Rebuilding the city took two years making Napier one of the newest cities of that time. Unheard of at the time the power and telephone lines were all placed underground.

The town of Napier is well known for its architecture, known as Art Deco. Many of the buildings are heritage listed and there are tours by a local group to show the visitor the different styles. Only 140 of the 164 buildings remain that were built between 1920 and 1940. 

The rebuilding in Napier during the 1930's proves that after a major disaster, a city can rebuild itself. Napier was not the only city in the area to hit by the earthquake as Hastings was as well. February 2011, commemorates the 80^th anniversary for the earthquake in Napier.

Art Deco Napier 

Napier Earthquake 

Historic earthquakes New Zealand