This year’s annual Hastings commemoration of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake will be held at Civic Square from 10.30am on Tuesday, 3 February.
Ninety-five years after this devastating natural event, the event will be an opportunity to honour those who lost their lives, as well as those who rebuilt the city and district.
At 10.47am on February 3, 1931, the earthquake struck the region, leading to the loss of 256 lives – 93 in Hastings, 161 in Napier and two in Wairoa – and leaving thousands injured and needing medical treatment.
It was the largest loss of life and caused the most extensive damage of any earthquake in New Zealand’s recorded history.
This year, guests are invited to head to Civic Square to join others in the community paying their respects, reflecting, and remembering the huge upheaval and trauma caused, impacting people for many years as the recovery and rebuild took place.
Usually held in the city centre mall near the clock tower, this year’s event is being relocated due to preparations for KiwiRail’s infrastructure works happening in the mall to improve the safety of the rail crossing.
Hastings Mayor, Wendy Schollum said it was always very special to come together as a community for this commemoration.
“Remembering the 1931 earthquake is not only about looking back — it is about carrying forward the lessons learned.”
“It reminds us of the importance of preparedness, of strong connections, of listening to science and experience, and of planning for the challenges we know will come again.
“Most importantly, it reminds us that resilience is not just about infrastructure or systems, it lives in people – how we care for one another, how we show up in times of need, and how we face adversity together.”
Local leaders, school representatives, and community members will gather to pay tribute, and people can lay wreaths on the seating under the trees in Civic Square – seating made from the rubble of the 1931 earthquake.
