New Zealand Stories - Battle at the Basilica

This documentary follows the fight to save Christchurch’s “other” earthquake damaged cathedral, the Roman Catholic basilica. A team led by a heritage consultant and a structural engineer struggles to keep pace with fresh damage inflicted on the basilica by ongoing quakes. Drones and a Defence Force robot aid investigations into the interior of the now dangerous building. There are hard questions about the venture’s costs. But, as parishioners tell their stories, there’s also reminders that the basilica isn’t just an architectural treasure — it has been the heart of a community.

What was alarming was seeing the building move next to me, as I was running, moving vertically up and down. That’s when the southern bell tower actually exploded.

– Heritage consultant Carole-Lynne Kerrigan, who was at work at Christchurch's Church of the Blessed Sacrament during the ow on the 22 February quake

Key Cast & Crew

Amanda Evans

Producer

Chris Nichol

Interviewer

Ivars Berzins

Director, Camera

Jude Callen

Commissioning Editor

Carolyn Weston

Research

David Ironside

Composer