@star#7: I never said that I blame people for leaving, indeed I said that I was amazed that so many people in the eastern suburbs were intending on staying given the high demand for areas in Chch to re-build. Twice since the quakes began I voiced that I wanted to leave. However as time goes by and there are signs of hope I am feeling better about staying. Whilst mourning what is lost, I see what is still here, particularly in the landscape, and even more in the people. We have all been through a traumatic time but personally I find people outside chch don't understand this, and right now I find solace in being with others who can share experiences and "get it". I am not from Chch or NZ but oddly enough, I have never felt more a part of this city. I don't blame anyone for going, though I hope you come back, and I rejoice that so many have stayed and working to rebuild. Out of tragic times one can learn what matters, and for me I have everything I need right here. I wish you well.

What about the other side of the story...how about the people who have moved into Christchurch? Wasn't there an article in either the Press or Yahoo which made a big deal 4,200 people leaving Christchurch but then went on to mention that about 8,000 people had come into Christchurch? And of course there will be more unemployed now than in the past...with all the goodwill in the world the tourist industry cannot magically create seven fully operation hotels and the tourists to go in them.

Maggie you can't blame people for leaving what is essentially a hell hole. If you want a better life why shouldnt you leave? I would never want to move back to chch but that is just me and everyone is different.

I'm with you, Maggie #4 !!!

How depressing:-(

All true, but written in a very pessimistic way. In a city of more than 350,000 people, a loss of 6400 (and they may be temporary) is not many given what we have been through, and people come and go all the time in any case. And we will need an extra 8000 workers for the rebuild, which more than compensates. As the city rebuilds I can see it becoming a very attractive place to live, with earthquake risks substantially lower than other parts of the country and homes insulated, repainted, adequately heated and beautiful as well as a magnificent new city centre. It amazes me how many people who have suffered so much in the Eastern suburbs want to stay in Chch. Lets celebrate the positives, and the resilience of our people. After everything, the vast majority of people are still here and things will gradually get better and better. Chin up Cantabrians!

Tell us about it, we have been waiting nearly a year since Sept 4!!!!

If Key and Parker think that more aren't more on the way out they are kidding themselves. My family and I, along with others I know are planning their exits as they are not willing to be put on the backburner for the next 3-4 years. Priorities are all mixed up in this city.

September 2010 seems to be the forgotten earthquake. Still waiting for payment of emergency repairs from then. Has EQC forgotten about the backlog from the earlier quakes?