Search | CEISMIC

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :'Hopefully it'll be softer and fuzzier than the l…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Shows an egg that represents '2012' with a chick beginning to peck its way out. In the background storms rage. Someone hopes that it will 'be softer and fuzzier than the last one!' Context: Refers to the difficulties and disasters of 2011 in New Zealand. Christchurch earthquakes and aftershocks continue with complicating rebuilding and insurance issues, the wreck of the Rena, and various weather events and political issues. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Evans, Malcolm Paul, 1945- :"This one's connected to Gerry Brownlee!" 19 J…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A Christchurch seismic monitor churns out reams of paper with wild fluctuations showing earthquakes and aftershocks. Nearby two men examine a second monitor and one of them says 'This one's connected to Gerry Brownlee!' The reams of paper show a perfectly straight line - it appears that nothing is going on in Gerry Brownlee's head. Context - A sense that the Minister for Earthquake Recovery is being less than effective. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :'Who needs light rail when you can have right wha…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The title reads 'CBD: High water table, flood/liquefaction risk...' The cartoon shows several Southern Right whales being used to ferry people around Christchurch City. Someone says 'Who needs light rail when you can have right whale!' Context: discussion about building a light rail system as a part of Christchurch post-earthquake development. Context: Several large Southern right whales have found Akaroa Harbour to their liking this week, sticking around rather than heading back south as part of their annual migration back to Antarctica. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :Shipping container shopping for Merivale?... 18 O…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The title reads 'Shipping container shopping for Merivale?.. The cartoon shows a row of shops that have been created from containers. An oil slick seeps from one of them. Someone in 'Chez Merivale' says 'Nice idea darling. But did they have to use the Rena's containers?' Context: Refers to the container ship 'Rena' which is grounded on the Astrolabe Reef off the Bay of Plenty and threatens to become a disaster of huge proportions as oil spews into the sea. Modified shipping containers have been put in place in the suburb of Merivale to replace broken shops. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :Emergency kit for national disaster... Emergency …

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

In the first frame is an 'Emergency kit for national disaster' which is a bin full of disaster supplies like canned food, torch etc. In the second frame there is an 'Emergency kit for economic disaster...' - a bin containing a 'One way ticket to OZ'. Context - The national distaster kit is very relevant after the two earthquakes and numerous aftershocks in Christchurch and increasingly people are moving to Australia in search of jobs and opportunities that seem scarce in New Zealand. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :Parts of Canterbury still moving and settling...5…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Under the caption, young people carrying their baggage flutter into the air, away from Canterbury and toward 'Oz'. In September GNS Earth Sciences reported that after the earthquakes, the Greendale and associated faults were still moving as they settled into a new configuration. At the same time the young were leaving Canterbury (and New Zealand) for a better future in Australia. The population of New Zealand was moving into a new configuration. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :'Those buildings look pretty ugly!' 10 December 2…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The title reads 'Future Christchurch CBD?...' Two people stare at numerous large featureless blocks across the Avon River. One says 'Those buildings look pretty ugly' and the other points out that they are 'just the piles'. Context: The Christchurch City Council is moving to impose urban-design etiquette and avert architectural mistakes such as clashing with the neighbours, glaring corporate colours and the long, blank walls common to most suburban shopping malls. The proposed rules will be overseen by an urban-design panel of four experts drawn from a pool of 12 architects, designers, planners and valuers. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :Shamrox. 15 June 2012

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Shows a shamrock superimposed on the city of Christchurch. It represents the green zone. Context: Probably refers to the zoning review process for those insured residential property owners who wish to query their land zoning. Zoning of flat land in greater Christchurch began in June last year and was completed last month. Over that period 7253 properties were zoned red as unsuitable for residential occupation due to significant earthquake damage; while a further 180,000 properties were zoned green as suitable for residential occupation, some with conditions. (rebuildchristchurch, 15 June 2012) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :[West east]. 10 May 2013

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A signpost pointing 'West' and 'East'. The sign pointing West is intact; that indicating East is broken and barely hanging on to the post. Refers to the condition of Christchurch City after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011; the western wealthier suburbs were less damaged than the poorer Eastern suburbs. Also, progress on repair and rehabilitation of eastern housing had been slow. The redesign of the city centre seemed to be a western suburb priority which ignored the poverty and misery of living conditions on the east. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :"The wait's over! The land report's due out dear!…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Two skeletal people sit in armchairs waist-deep in silt. The man is reading the newspaper and says 'The wait's over! The Land Report's due out dear!... DEAR?' He realises that his wife, whose bony hand clutches 'EQC update No. 37', is dead. Context - On Thursday 23 June Prime Minister John Key, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and representatives from engineering consultants Tonkin & Taylor announced the first part of the Government's long-awaited land report that revealed the fate of up to 5000 quake-damaged homes. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958-:Satellite to plunge to earth..."People should see …

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The title reads 'Satellite to plunge to earth "People should see quite a show." A 'NASA' satellite heads towards New Zealand; someone inside says 'Beep! Beep! Christchurch CBD here we come! Woo-hoo!' Context: A great deal of the CBD (Central Business District) in Christchurch is being demolished, considered to dangerous or too expensive to restore. A defunct 6.5 ton NASA satellite falls to earth this week... 26 pieces, with a combined mass of 500kg will survive the fiery re-entry and hurtle towards us. NASA doesn't have much idea of where it will land so it may demolish some of Christchurch. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Evans, Malcolm Paul, 1945- :"They've had enough of freezing cold days and …

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The top frame shows the barbed wire and watch tower of a prison. There is a comment about someone wanting the warmth of a prison cell. The second frame shows prison staff chatting at cross purposes about a petition from Christchurch with homes wrecked by earthquake pleading to be allowed to live in prison and the sentence imposed on the Bridgecorp directors who have been accused of defrauding investors. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).

Evans, Malcolm Paul, 1945- :"That's it - I'm out!" ... 23 June 2011

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

In the top frame a man reads a newspaper report that says 'Govt to buy up red stickered homes' and shouts 'That's it - I'm out!' His mate comments that he thought it was his neighbour's house that was munted and that his house was ok. In the lower frame the first man says 'That's right... and I don't want to live next door to a politician?!' Context - A report released 23 June 2011 has divided quake-hit Canterbury into four zones with those in the worst affected residential red zone offered cash to move out. The man in the cartoon thinks that the government is buying up the houses so that politicians can live in them. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958-:'The orange zone. No fun - no parties- come on in …

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The cartoon shows a part of Christchurch with a great earthquake fissure running through it. In the fissure are dozens of eyes shining in the dark and people struggle to clamber out. A sign reads 'The Orange Zone. No fun - no parties - Come in and wait for nothing to happen!' Context: The 'Orange Zone' makes a wordplay on 'fanzone' the play spaces for Rugby World Cup revellers. The Orange Zone in Christchurch is the area where as yet decisions still have not been made about the fate of the houses in it. These people feel as though they are in limbo, unable to make decisions about their lives and homes. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Evans, Malcolm Paul, 1945-: Whacked. 6 May 2011

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A play on rhyming words 'whacked' for terrorist Osama bin Laden who has been killed in a Pakistan village, 'hacked' for 'Sony' after massive hack attacks on three separate gaming systems it runs, 's'ACT' with Rodney Hide who has been ousted as ACT leader by former National leader Don Brash, 'wracked' for Christchurch because of the earthquakes, 'blacked' to describe a $5 bottle of milk, 'smacked' for Glenfield, hit by a tornado, 'jacked' for petrol prices and 'quacked' for a duck in the duck-shooting season. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :The next Mayoral overseas venture?...' 4 February…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A plane flies into the distance. Attached to it by a rope is a large package containing Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and CEO of the City Council Tony Marryatt. The package is addressed 'Deepest Siberia c/- isolated hellhole Russia'. The mayor looks on the bright side considering this to be a junket the people will approve of. Context: Public disapproval of the Mayor's two-week tour of Asian countries with a Christchurch International Airport-led delegation. The airport is paying for the mayoral couple to take part in the trip. There is public criticism that the trip take place at this time because of ongoing problems with the council and earthquake recovery. There is also criticism of Tony Marryatt's $68,000 pay increase considered poor form when so many people are struggling with earthquake related problems. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Evans, Malcolm Paul, 1945- :"That's not one of those expensive Adidas jers…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A female bartender chats with a customer as she pours his beer. She asks him about his jersey, saying 'That's not one of those expensive Adidas jerseys is it?' and he replies 'No - it's a Christchurch "After the quake" jersey!' The jersey has on the front three rectangular shapes that are tipping over. Context: Adidas has been at the centre of a jersey-pricing storm since it was revealed the replica tops could be bought much cheaper overseas. The jersey had been listed for sale at $US79.99 ($NZ92.68) on the US website worldrugbyshop.com and could also be found cheaper on British websites. It was retailing for $220 in New Zealand, but retailers have dropped the price as the debate has raged. Adidas has refused to drop the wholesale price. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :'Looks like drought on the landscape!' 9 March 20…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

The New Zealand public contemplate a dead drought stricken landscape. As well as lack of water, there is a lack of moderate pay scales for CEOs, satisfaction with EQC, quality TV, generous insurance companies, brilliant Solid Energy management, the integrity of John Banks (and by implication that of other MPs), quality education ministers, worthwhile overseas trips by the Prime Minister, 'clever' NZ First MPs and a boost for the West Coast among others. Considered from a Canterbury perspective, the drought of early 2013 becomes a symbol for many of the recent political and social ailments afflicting the land. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :"Hey Bob ... how about a re-write... 'We will rai…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Text at the top reads 'Bob's next speech?... The cartoon shows Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker making a speech - 'We shall fight on the beaches... We shall fight in the liquefaction... We shall fight in the cracks... We shall fight on the falling rocks and in the sinkholes... We shall fight in the portaloos... We shall fight in the sewage pipes... We shall fight in the polluted waters and subsided streets... We shall fight in the heritage buildings including the Dux de Lux... We shall NEVER surrender! A man leans over a fence and yells 'Hey Bob... How about a rewrite..."We shall raise the white flag and shall get the hell out!"' Context - The continuing earthquakes and aftershocks are causing serious problems in Christchurch, both practical and emotional. Many people are considering leaving the city. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

West entrance of Warner's Hotel

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A black and white historic photograph of Warner's Hotel in Cathedral Square, taken in 1906.

Architectural drawing of St. Elmo's Courts

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A facsimile of an architectural drawing of St. Elmo's Courts. Architect: B. J. Ager

Hubbard, James, 1949- :"I wanted to retrieve all my spending tools, but, s…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Finance Minister Bill English holds a large axe that represents the 'budget' and says 'I wanted to retrieve all my spending tools, but, sadly, with allotted time short, I could only grab this!..' He is standing outside the barrier that surrounds the Christchurch CBD. Context - The Christchurch central business district has been largely out of bounds to anyone but those dealing with the after-effects of the earthquake of February 22 but business owners have been allowed restricted access to retrieve gear and belongings. The 2011 budget looks as though it will be focused on paring everything down because of the sad state of New Zealand's economy at present (made worse by the need to rebuild Christchurch), hence the axe. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Winter, Mark 1958- :The earth moved ... and so did the government's infras…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Text reads 'The earth moved...... and so did the government's infrastructure spending estimate'. Centre cartoon is the text '$17 billion' set against the backdrop of a seismic graph. Context - Auckland and Christchurch have been given top priority in the Government's latest national infrastructure plan, with more than seven billion dollars of its $17 billion budget going to the two cities. NZ Council for Infrastructure chief executive Stephen Selwood says hes not surprised at the large amount of funding going to Auckland and Christchurch, saying its clear the Christchurch rebuild will require a major commitment and Aucklands continued growth also requires significant funding. (Source: www.3news.co.nz, 5 July 2011) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Hubbard, James, 1949-: Dan Vettori donates his entire cricket memorabilia …

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Text reads 'Dan Vettori donates his entire cricket memorabilia to raise money for Christchurch - News'. The cartoon shows Black Caps' captain Dan Vettori carrying large boxes of cricketing equipment and saying 'I'd have donated the entire Black Caps team, but I didn't think they'd raise anything...' Context - Opinion expressed a bit premature and is because of the 3-2 defeat to Pakistan just before the World Cup which meant the Black Caps entered the match as underdogs. However, now New Zealand are brimming with new-found confidence after three wins on the trot took them into the quarter-finals of the World Cup, says opener Brendon McCullum. McCullum said new coach John Wright had been a huge influence behind the scenes. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Original Clarendon Hotel, before the 1903 reconstruction

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A black and white historic photograph of the Clarendon Hotel, prior to its 1903 reconstruction, [1902].

Hubbard, James, 1949- :"Has Bill English made any uplifting pronouncements…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

Two businessmen emerge from a building wondering whether 'Bill English' has ''Made any uplifting pronouncements on the economy or budget lately?..' On the footpath outside is Finance Minister Bill English wearing a sandwich board that reads 'the end is nigh' and carrying a banner that reads 'We're doomed'. Context - the impact of an already struggling economy of the Christchurch earthquakes of 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Hawkey, Allan Charles, 1941- :"You relocated to the Waikato from where?" 2…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A man chats over the fence with a newcomer to the area who is digging a vegetable patch. The newcomer is wearing a red and black striped jersey, his dog wears a red and black dog-coat and there are red and black curtains in the windows of the house. The passer-by wonders where the newcomer has located to the Waikato from. The colours make it obvious that he is from Christchurch. Context - People moving away from Christchurch following the earthquake of 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Nisbet, Alistair, 1958- :"Earthquake? No... this is an extreme adventure a…

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A tall building sways and groans, creaks and rumbles during an earthquake. Someone from inside at the top of the building says 'Earthquake? No... This is an extreme adventure activity that you'll be billed for later!' Context - The earthquakes in Christchurch and the Canterbury region. The three major ones were on 4th September 2010, 22 February 2011 and 13 June 2011 and there have been hundreds of aftershocks. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).