Cantabrians positive two years on from quake - survey

9:25 pm on 20 February 2013

A survey on wellbeing indicates three-quarters of Canterbury residents say life almost two years on from the February 2011 earthquake is good or extremely good.

The survey by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority was carried out between August and October last year.

It comprises the views of 2381 from the Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says while most respondents acknowledge they experience stress, they also feel there are positive outcomes from the quake.

Mr Brownlee says 76% of respondents experienced pride in their ability to cope under difficult circumstances, while 68% said they had a renewed appreciation of life.

The minister says despite the enormous challenges people face across greater Christchurch, they have continued to find the positives.

The 6.3-magnitude quake on 22 February killed 185 people and severely damaged parts of the city including the central business district.