Christchurch Earthquake Images - New Book

The city of Christchurch has changed dramatically over the last seven years as a result of the repeated earthquakes in the area. My latest book is a collection of photos starting from the morning of the 4th September 2010 earthquake through to June 2017 when I photographed the ruins of Christchurch Cathedral. The first few pages show before and after images of one of the intersections in town - illustrating how some areas have been rebuilt although there is still a lot of work to be done. Other shots include the devastation of homes on the cliffs, liquefaction, ruined roads, and the destruction in the city centre. The book will appeal to locals with many photos of familiar buildings and scenery and will give people from outside the area an idea of the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes.

Book Facts
Available on Kindle $2.99
Available on Amazon $15.00
Print book is 70 pages, full colour, 8.5"x11"

Christchurch Earthquake Images

Christchurch Cardboard Transitional Cathedral

The stone neo-Gothic Christchurch Cathedral was badly damaged in the 22nd February 2011 earthquake and to date, still stands in ruins, its future undecided. A Japanese architect by the name of Shigeru Ban designed a new building with an expected life span of approximately 50 years. This was opened in August 2013 and continues to draw crowds of tourists as well as worshippers.

It is constructed from wood and steel with cardboard cylinders lining the polycarbonate roof. The floor is polished concrete and the cardboard theme is carried through the interior. Seating is rows of simple wooden chairs with padded cream cushions. The overall effect is one of light and beauty and this is enhanced by the coloured glass window over the entrance. This consists of 49 panels and includes designs from the original Christchurch Cathedral's rose window.

The Transitional Cathedral has filled a hole in the hearts of Christchurch people and is a place where they can worship God, reflect on life and enjoy peaceful moments.

Cathedral Square Walkway Open for Christmas and New Year

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) has partially reopened Cathedral Square to allow the public to see the changes that have taken place in the heart of Christchurch.

The walkway into the Square will provide much closer viewing of the Christchurch Cathedral and surrounds compared to the existing walkway. The New Zealand Defence Force personnel based at the intersection’s red zone checkpoint will continue to manage public access.

CERA chief executive Roger Sutton said, “I hope people will go along in their holidays and see the Square as it is today, and then look forward to the exciting new space it will become at the heart of a dynamic new central city – which we will begin to see unfold in the new year.”  

Although many buildings have come down already, demolitions continue around Cathedral Square. The group of people gathered at the fence on Sunday 23^rd December were quiet as they absorbed the extent of the loss to the city. A few took photos but most just looked at the gaps where buildings, hotels, stores and cinemas used to stand.

The walkway is accessible from the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets and will remain open until 6 January 2013.

All photos are of Cathedral Square as it was on the 23rd December 2012