[3] Although lower on the moment magnitude scale than the previous earthquake, the intensity and violence of the ground shaking was measured to be MM IX, among the strongest ever recorded globally in an urban area[4] and in total 185 people were killed[5][6] with nationals from more than 20 countries among the victims.

[7] Widespread damage was caused across Christchurch to buildings and infrastructure already weakened by the 4 September 2010 earthquake and its aftershocks.

Significant liquefaction affected the eastern suburbs and parts of the central city, and the total cost to insurers of rebuilding has been estimated at NZ$20–30 billion.

A party vote was called for, and the first reading had 111 ayes (National, Labour, ACT, Māori, Progressive, and United Future) and 11 noes (Green and the two independents).

He claimed that a draft of the bill had been given to Christchurch City Council's solicitor, instructing him that it not be shared with elected members.