A message of sympathy and support for Canterbury

On behalf of Plant & Food Research I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by the Christchurch Earthquake; to those who have lost people dear to them, who have family or friends injured or missing, and those who are facing loss or damage to homes, possessions and businesses. The thoughts of our Institute and all our staff are with you at this time.

I am relieved and grateful that all permanent Plant & Food Research staff based in the region have been personally contacted and there are no reports of injury. Sadly we have become aware that a very small number of our staff have lost people close to them, or hold very grave fears. Our thoughts are with them and their families in particular.

To the best of our knowledge we have also managed to contact all casual workers and students, with no injuries reported.

Our campus at Lincoln has escaped all but minor damage and while officially closed, is serving as a place of refuge and support for our people.

We are committed to supporting our staff, their families and the community in any way we can in the days and weeks ahead. For many of our people, that means making possible their return to work where they can reconnect with friends and colleagues.

Therefore we have decided to open our Lincoln campus from Monday February 28th, subject to local advice on the day. Attendance will be strictly voluntary. Our staff have been advised that the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their family is their first priority. Special Paid Leave is in place for those attending to family concerns as well as for anyone wanting to volunteer in their community.

Even in the midst of the immediate emergency response many Cantabrians, including our staff, are already looking ahead with determination to the task of rebuilding their city and their lives. As a proud member of the Canterbury community our Institute pledges its full support for this effort.

On behalf of Plant & Food Research

Peter Landon-LaneCEO