Erebus remembered in New Zealand

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 6:27p.m.

By Jane Luscombe

In New Zealand memorials were held in Auckland and Christchurch to mark the anniversary.

While families appreciated the efforts made by Air New Zealand, the anger and hurt at the way they were treated 30 years ago still burns on in some of them.

Twenty balloons representing each of the crew who died in the Erebus disaster were released at a memorial garden near Auckland Airport this morning.

Tonici Marinovic, widowed from the crash, says the memories will never fade.

“In our hearts and minds these people will stay forever young just as we saw them, while we gone old and grey.”

But for some young children the horror and grief of the 30-year-old tragedy is impossible to grasp.

Even though many of them are growing up deprived of loved ones.

One woman at the other end of the country can empathise, Sue Griffen was orphaned by the crash.

She had never met any of the other bereaved families until this service, held by Air New Zealand in a Christchurch aircraft hangar.

“Life has irrevocably changed and grandchildren haven't had grandparents over the years. It's significant and special just the opportunity to be here.”

In Auckland, a similar service was held outside Air New Zealand's headquarters, where some were still hurt by the lack of support 30 years ago.

Gordon Kerr, the son of one of the victims, says he is still hurt.

“Not only did Air New Zealand turn their back on us at that point in time, but the New Zealand Government turned their back on us. We all remain extremely angry for that. These are matters that have to be addressed.”

He hopes the Government will offer all grieving families the chance to visit Antarctica and see Mt Erebus for themselves.

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