Message to the people of Japan

From Chris Knowles, Chairperson, New Zealand Cooperatives Association

It seems it was only yesterday that I was reading a message of support to the people of Christchurch and the surrounding districts from the JCCU, the Japanese Consumers’ Cooperative Union. The last thought on my mind was that it would be necessary to reciprocate, sending a message of solidarity to the people of Japan.
 
Probably only those who have felt powerless in the face of the uncontrollable power of a large earthquake and who have seen first hand the destruction of an earthquake around them really understand the horror of these events. However all of us understand the real need to offer prayers for those killed and sympathy to those who survived and who have lost so much.
 
On behalf of the New Zealand cooperative movement, I would like to express our sympathy, condolences and support to the Japanese people from all walks of life in the quake- and tsunami-stricken areas. Our thoughts are with you now and in the future, as you rebuild your lives, your cooperatives, and create your new normality.