Munted

Definition:
To be broken, bent, scraped, splintered, shattered, crashed, crushed, smashed, snapped, squashed, lascerated, punctured, peirced, cracked, destroyed, burst, demolished, trashed, disintegrated, fractured, fragmented, hit, pounded, pulverized, slamed, or squished.

So many people when interviewed by the media in Christchurch, describe their homes, lives, businesses, as being 'munted'.

Is this a kiwi slang word? I haven't heard it used in other countries, but here in NZ everyone knows what it means. It is used often in everyday speech.

But - people in Christchurch are getting on with their lives, although not easy for many. Lack of power, water and sewerage in many areas makes life very difficult. As well as the trauma of continuing aftershocks.

As well as the student 'army' we also now have the 'farmy army' - a collection of farmers who meet each morning and go out into the suburbs to help clean up. And also various rugby clubs who are also organised into food relief, and clean up operations.

My extended family members who live in Christchurch are all safe and well. But they all have a tale to tell. One has a very badly damaged house and the land under it is ruined by liquefaction. The women have moved out of town to stay with relatives, and the men folk are behind making the houses lockable, and cleaning up.

My niece was in the basement at the University in a computer lab when the quake struck. She watched huge concrete columns bending and twisting and feared for her life. They held together and she ran outside to the creche where her 2 year old was.

They then faced a 9 kilometer walk home. She was not wearing walking shoes, and the little one was tired of walking. He fell asleep and she carried him most of the way.

It was dark when she reached home and was reunited with her husband. Their rented house has cracks in the walls, and her kitchen cupboards have spilled out on the floor. Her laptop has been smashed and it is necessary for her studies. They do have personal contents insurance and hopefully she will eventually get a replacement but it may take months.

But she is cheerful and happy to be alive and unscathed. They have power now but no water or sewerage. The toileting is the worst part she says. The council will be delivering some 'portaloos' soon, as soon as they become available. More are being brought into the city from overseas. In the meantime they have to be very careful of hygiene.

As I speak to her she is stirring a big pot of stew she is cooking up for relatives of her husbands who are sleeping in their garage and have no power yet - although they have been coping quite well with their barbeque.

Thousands of people have left the city of course, it is really the most sensible thing to do if there are young children and the house is completely ruined.