The 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake is important to the story of our city, and at the annual civic service in the Cathedral we remember the people who died in the disaster, the families who were affected, and the individuals and services who helped restore our community.

The service will be streamed on the Cathedral’s Facebook page.

This year the civic service will be held on Sunday 2 February at 10am in collaboration with the Mayor and NCC, and in place of our regular Eucharist morning service.  

Everyone is welcome to attend this special service marking 94 years since the devastating earthquake that shook Hawke’s Bay on 3 February 1931.

The service is an opportunity to share some moments of reflection on our city’s resilience in the face of earthquakes, storms and floods. The impacts of these events on our city and people’s lives continue to be felt today.

Mayor Wise will speak at the service, along with Bishop Andrew Hedge and Cathedral Dean Di Woods. 

Lieutenant Commander Paul Eady, representing the Royal NZ Navy, will ring the Veronica Bell, once for survivors, once for those not able to attend, and finally, for those who have passed.

The service will be followed by refreshments.

Traffic Note: The street around the cathedral is now a one-way system with access via Cathedral Lane.  However there is improved parking.  There is a drop-off area immediately outside the main cathedral doors if needed.