In February 2011 , it was targeted by vandals who sprayed it with graffiti . Only a fortnight later , the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake struck , damaging the arch . Permanent repair and earthquake strengthening was estimated to cost over NZ$ 2m . Christchurch City Council initially considered placing a temporary steel structure around the arch , but , at NZ$ 430,000 , have since dismissed this idea as being too expensive . The Returned Services ' Association expressed dismay at the decision to not go ahead with the temporary work , citing fears of losing the heritage structure altogether in another strong aftershock , in just the same way as happened to the Lyttelton Timeball Station in the June aftershock . The Bridge of Remembrance repairs earthquake strengthening started in May 2013 , with hopes of repairs being partially completed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I in August 2014 and being fully completed in time to commemorate Anzac Day 2015 . Those timelines were not met and whilst structural repairs were completed by December 2015 at a cost of NZ$ 6.7 m , the Bridge of Remembrance re-opened to the public and rededicated on Anzac Day , Monday 25 April 2016
June aftershock
June 2011 Christchurch earthquake
Bridge of Remembrance