The crew of navy ship HMNZS Canterbury have been formally thanked for their efforts during the Christchurch earthquakes.
The HMNZS Canterbury arriving at the Port of Lyttelton with emergency supplies on 28 February 2011. Photo: AFP
The navy vessel was docked in Lyttelton Port when the 6.3-magnitude quake struck on 22 February 2011.
More than 150 officers and sailors from HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Pegasus marched through Christchurch city centre on Saturday.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel acknowledged the immediate response of the crews in helping the people of Lyttelton and the voyages the ships made to transport essential supplies. Ms Dalziel says the navy was there for Christchurch in its hour of need.
The ships' padre, Chaplain Thompson, paid tribute to the relief efforts of the crews on both ships saying the crew of the Pegasus joined in the rescue, clean-up and cordon duties in the days and weeks that followed the earthquake.
HMNZS Canterbury will host a free open day to members of the public from 10am - 3pm on Sunday at Lyttelton Port.
