A national memorial service will be held in Christchurch within weeks to honour those who lost their lives in the earthquake, Prime Minister John Key said today after the announcement that the rescue operation was now a recovery operation.
A national memorial service will be held in Christchurch within weeks to honour those who lost their lives in the earthquake, Prime Minister John Key said today after the announcement that the rescue operation was now a recovery operation.
"All of us held on to hope there would be a miracle, but sadly today's announcement confirms that we must now confront the permanence of that loss," he said.
"As a nation, we were all aware that as the last nine days wore on the chances of those caught up in this terrible tragedy being found alive were decreasing."
Mr Key thanked all those who had taken part in the rescue operation since the February 22 quake and who would now concentrate on recovery.
"You've all done a tremendous job, the country thanks you for your tireless efforts," he said.
"At an appropriate time in the coming weeks we will hold a national memorial service in Christchurch to honour those who have died... but today is a day when we as a nation, along with our many friends around the world, mark with a heavy heart and great sadness this moment of unbearable loss for the many families involved."
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee echoed Mr Key's sentiments and also praised the search and rescue personnel.
"Most jurisdictions reach this point after 72 hours," he said.
"The brave fellas who are out there working on those dangerous sites have given it one hell of a nudge."
Mr Brownlee said the time had come to acknowledge the recovery point had been reached, and some of the overseas teams would return home.
"Some of them will reconsider whether or not they stay here for a longer period of time, others have said they will stay until the job is done," he said.
Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand said a difficult decision had been made.
"For more than a week we have joined with the families and friends of those missing in hoping for a miracle, that people would be pulled from the rubble alive," he said.
"We must now confront the bitter reality that the possibility that further survivors might be rescued is very small indeed."
Sir Anand said dedicated, highly professional efforts were made to search for the living and recover the remains of those lost.
"The thoughts of all New Zealanders are with the people of Christchurch and all those grieving for the loss of their loved ones."
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