The big chill of June 2006 / compiled by Jeff Grigor from photographs by the people of Canterbury.

The great snowfall of June 2006 was the worst Timaru and other parts of Canterbury had experienced for half a century. In the towns power poles broke, roofs collapsed, roads were blocked, many households were without power for two weeks. In rural areas it was chaos: farms were cut off and roads became impassable; houses were left without power, heating became a crisis; meals were cooked on wood fires; household water wouldn't flow; supplying food to animals became difficult and farm feed stocks dwindled fast; there was a rush on generators, candles were in short supply; mobile phones expired because they couldn't be recharged. Some people were completely on their own. But people in need were overwhelmed by the generosity of their friends and neighbours. The community rose to the challenge. People sought out the elderly to lend a hand or supply hot meals. Families moved in with friends who still had the power on. Motels made their beds available. Four-wheel drive clubs provided their vehicles, and businesses provided goods and services free of charge. This illustrated book is a magnificent visual record of the great snowfall on June 2006. Most of the photographs have been supplied by the citizens of Canterbury.