Quake workers' commitment on display

With the fifth anniversary of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake approaching, the New Zealand Police Museum at Porirua has compiled a display featuring Police forensic photographers’ pictures of the aftermath of the disaster.

The photographers had access to the worst affected areas within the cordon and captured unforgettable images of the shattered city and its recovery in the hours, days and weeks after the quakes.

“We’ve selected a small number of photographs which reflect the physical and emotional impact on Police staff and the other first responders,” says Museum Director Rowan Carroll. “This is a way of acknowledging their commitment.”

The exhibition includes a scale model of the 1880 Lyttelton Police Station, which was New Zealand’s longest-serving station until it was seriously damaged in the earthquake of 22 February, and demolished in 2014.

It also includes a Bible belonging to a quake victim whose family gifted it to their police family liaison officer.

The photographers’ work formed the basis of a book – Christchurch 22.2: Beyond the Cordon, which was sold with proceeds going to charity.