Deadly Bay earthquake remembered

The devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of 93 people in Hastings in 1931 was remembered at a special commemoration service in the city centre on Saturday.

Hastings District Council member Kevin Watkins, Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule and the Rev. Warren Fortune were among the speakers leading the 82nd Hawke's Bay Earthquake commemoration service, held at the Central Mall in Heretaunga St.

The service began at 10.30am and the bell in the nearby Hastings Clocktower rang at 10.46am - the time the quake struck the region.

The massive earthquake shook for just one minute but its impact is still being felt today through the memories of survivors, passed down to family members. The quake also changed the appearance of Hawke's Bay after it toppled buildings, destroyed roads and started fires throughout Hastings and Napier.

Pipers from the Hastings City Pipe Band walked to each end of the downtown area and then led dignitaries on to the stage, where Mr Watkins introduced kaumatua and invited Mr Yule to speak.