By Jessica Rowe
Hundreds of earthquake salvaged items went under the hammer today in one of the largest auctions Christchurch's had since the February earthquake.
Thousands of Cantabrians showed up to place a bid.
With the drop of the gavel, opportunistic Cantabrians gathered to replace their quake damaged furniture, with an item slightly less damaged.
Four container loads of new whiteware, appliances and furniture salvaged after the February earthquake, went under the hammer.
“Stock that's been substantially damaged, but probably the majority of the stuff is packaging damage, so pretty much guys are going to get themselves new product at a very good price,” says Mark Wells of Turners Auctions.
Thousands packed the auction room to get a bargain.
“It's a great opportunity for people who have had damage through the earthquake to maybe buy things at a more reasonable price, hopefully. We'll see what happens,” says Janice Reed.
“I thought it was not going to be that fun, but when we got here I looked at the people and I thought it was going to be really fun,” says Savannah Curran.
“Everybody wants a bargain, everybody wants to save a dollar, so yeah it's gotta be a good thing,” says Paul di Somma.
A similar auction was held in Auckland after the September earthquake, but this time Christchurch got to bid for Christchurch goods.
“It's good to be able to give something back to Christchurch, with what has happened over the last eight months or so, so it is good for the public to be able to come and out and hopefully they will be able to get some bargains here today,” says Mr Wells.
The salvaged stock, from two major Christchurch retailers, is being sold at no reserve, meaning everything will go in the next two days.
3 News