The history of colonialism across many places that became cities (such as Christchurch), is also a history of the progressive (often violent) marginalisation, subjugation, and eradication of the memory, materiality, human presence even humanity of indigenous communities who once called these places home. Fast-forward 170 years to the Canterbury earthquakes of September 4, 2010 and February 22, 2011 (and 4,500 minor earthquakes/aftershocks). Colonial Christchurch is now confronting its own loss - of life, of memory, materiality and the familiar as it rebuilds. These disasters have created an opportunity to rethink, revision and transition from a colonial to postcolonial city that not only rebuilds but also reflects and re-embraces its indigenous origins and peoples. – The challenge for urban planners, designers, architects, ecologists, artists, business, local government is how?
