WELLINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Kaikoura Harbor in New Zealand's South Island resumed its operation on Tuesday, one year after being badly damaged in a 7.8-magtitude earthquake on Nov. 14, 2016.
"The harbor is the heart of Kaikoura and today it is back in business," Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi announced at the harbor opening. Kaikoura is well-known for whale watching.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake ruptured 21 fault lines, generated a tsunami and rocked the top of the South Island and bottom of the North.
"This created a truly unique set of challenges. The land movements and shaking were among the strongest in our history," Faafoi said, adding that the earthquake had a devastating effect on people, communities and businesses across Kaikoura, Hurunui, Marlborough and Wellington.
Local communities, volunteers, business, local and central governments all made a huge contribution to the response, pulling together to help and support each other, the minister said, adding that a dawn ceremony held at the harbor brought together many of those who had helped in the recovery.
At the blessing, local communities unveiled a monument created from three whale ribs. A part of each bone will be carved later before the monument to be installed permanently.
