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An Update Following the Canterbury Earthquake
At 4:35 AM on Saturday, 4 September, the Canterbury region of New Zealand experienced a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. This earthquake was the most significant to hit New Zealand since 1931 and has inflicted serious damage to many homes, buildings and other structures in and around Christchurch.
While significant damages have occurred to Otahuna Lodge, all guests and staff incurred no injury. Resident guests were safely and quickly evacuated and owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, along with their team, are safe and now actively working to rebuild Otahuna.
The homestead – a Category 1 New Zealand Historic Places Trust Landmark – has withstood this traumatic event. However, the property has experienced the partial or complete loss of its multiple chimneys, damage to portions of the roof, and many faults to the building's internal plastered walls and ceilings.
Mr. Cannon states that he is "very relieved that the heritage building stands and retains its architectural integrity. We have been working around the clock since Saturday to assess the extent of the damage and have already mobilised an exceptional team of tradespeople from around New Zealand to assist us in our efforts."
As a result of the recent events, the decision has been taken to close Otahuna Lodge until 14 November 2010. The entire team will remain in place during the closure to help restore the property. "We are accepting forward bookings but in the interim we are working closely with our peer properties throughout New Zealand to re-accommodate guests," Cannon said.
"We have been deeply moved by the tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time," Cannon said. "It is heart-warming to know that so many people locally and around the world share our sentiments for one of New Zealand's most beloved treasures." Mr. Cannon and Mr. Refo completed in 2007 an exhaustive restoration project on the 1895 private homestead, before opening it as a Lodge and gaining status as a distinctive member of Relais & Châteaux.
Mr. Cannon says, "I have every confidence that when works are completed Otahuna will re-emerge even better than before."
Due to the earthquake, Otahuna Lodge has been forced to cancel its annual Daffodil Day scheduled for 19 September.
Information will be regularly posted on the Otahuna Lodge website: www.otahuna.co.nz and on Otahuna's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/otahuna. For further information or for reservations, please contact Otahuna Lodge on +64 3 329 6333, via email at enquiries@otahuna.co.nz.
