Originally conceived of as a work for brass band and percussion, The Nor'west Arch exists here arranged for orchestra.

The original version was written as a memorial to the victims of the February Christchurch earthquake, 2011, while the orchestral version was created in remembrance of the victims of the Queensland floods which claimed 38 lives between December 2010 and January 2011.

The title of this work has multiple meanings. The 'nor'west arch' is a weather pattern seen on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, where an arch of high cirrus cloud appears over the Southern Alps mountain range in an otherwise clear blue sky. It is accompanied by a strong hot northwesterly wind known locally as 'the nor'wester'. This characteristic wind and cloud combination is uncommon during winter and its increasing frequency usually heralds the change of season into spring  -  a time of year synonymous with renewal of life and feelings of optimism. This feeling of hope and optimism was major factor in the commissioning of this work  -  it is intended to both memorialise the tragedy while also looking to the future as the city rebuilds. The 'arch' part of the title also alludes to part of the iconic Christchurch Cathedral that was significantly damaged in the earthquake.