Latest posts by Martin Moodie (see all)
- Get yourself down to El Gordo, ‘Asia Pacific Travel Retail HQ’, for a Sinead Especial, the best Taco in town - November 5, 2025
- Discovering Nomad’s land and bumping into an old friend in Alicante - October 24, 2025
- Flying Kiwi meets Travelling Omelette with a drop of Penderyn in between - October 15, 2025

(Photos: www.Stuff.co.nz)
One week ago a devastating earthquake hit my hometown of Christchurch – the second major tremor to strike the city in under six months (as well as countless aftershocks).
It is impossible to overstate the impact of the disaster on the people of this city. Friends and family in Christchurch talk about the various emotions they have experienced – fear, anxiety, desolation, surrealism, sadness, loss. Some have seen their homes destroyed but at least, unlike so many others, have not lost people close to them.
The remains of my family (brother and foster sister) live in Sumner, a picture post-card seaside village that emerged unscathed from the first quake. No such luck this time. The place where I grew up has been ravaged, familiar landmarks destroyed and many of its people reduced to a state of shock.
How can you help? Given the immediate, urgent focus on relief, I suggest you support one of two main established fund-raising efforts:
1) The Red Cross – www.redcross.org.nz
2) Christchurch Earthquake appeal (government) – www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz
The Moodie Report today pledged NZ$20,000 to The Red Cross Appeal. Please join us in giving what you can to a city and a people in great need. (If possible let us know, so that we can keep tabs on the travel retail contribution).


Hello Martin! Just completed the Marathon this week end. A tiny drop for Haiti, but accomplished with love , hope and faith , as you inspired us to do.Don’t change my friend, just get better.