After living in a big city (Sydney) the level of natural friendliness of the locals in Christchurch was enough to put me on edge. The people in the supermarket smiled and chatted to me and my (then) husband. The guy at the petrol station gave us advice on the best places to live. The waitress at the cafe gave us some tips on places we should investigate. It's sad to admit that we were so not used to the openness of people that we began to feel unsettled. What was with these people?
We grew to love the people in Canterbury for their fortitude, friendliness and desire to help out. Walk with a map in your hands, trying to find somewhere, and someone will stop and give you directions. People look you in the eye, they connect with you.
We went to Christchurch because that was where the job was, and because we knew it was a beautiful place to live. We stayed because of the people.
Now living in Auckland, it remains one of my favourite places to stay. We have just returned from three days there. Yes, we saw devastation in parts. We related to people who were once so staunch, and now are often fragile, we experienced the ground reminding us of it's power.
But my Christchurch is still the same. The majestic trees still turn their leaves the colour of fire. The people are still magic. And outside the CBD there are many places the earthquakes haven't ravaged.
Canterbury is still a place you feel welcomed in. My heart may rest inside my ribcage, but it longs to leap back to Christchurch as often as I can get there.
Rachel Goodchild is a TV presenter (look out for her relationship advice on TV One's Breakfast), author of more than twenty-seven books, journalist and social media guru. Her tweets during the 22 February earthquake were a lifeline for many New Zealanders. You can read her blog and articles at Ask Rachel.
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