Christchurch Heritage: a celebration of lost buildings & streetscapes

by Bruce Ansley

Christchurch was proud of its heritage. Its architecture lent it grace and style, fitted its gentle way of life. People could track their European history precisely by a visit to ChristChurch Cathedral, or the old Provincial Council Buildings, or the Arts Centre, or the Canterbury Museum. But the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 devastated many of Christchurch's oldest buildings. As shock followed shock, it became clear that many, even most, of Christchurch's heritage buildings were damaged beyond hope of repair. This profusely illustrated commemorative book describes the most significant heritage buildings, precincts and landmarks of Christchurch that have been damaged in the earthquakes. ChristChurch Cathedral , The Press and Lyttelton Times buildings , The squares of Christchurch , Christchurch Town Hall , Canterbury Museum , The Arts Centre , Christ's College , The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament , Churches , St John's, St Luke's & All Angels , St Paul's Trinity Pacific , Durham Street Methodist Centre , Oxford Terrace Baptist Church , Knox Church , Provincial Council Buildings , Christchurch Normal School, Christchurch Girls' High School and Christchurch Teachers' College , Old public library , Municipal Chambers , Theatre Royal , Manchester Courts , Gloucester Street TV Studios , Lyttelton , Lancaster Park , Wood's Mill , Chimneys , Rhodes Memorial Home , Ohinetahi and other houses , Queen Elizabeth II Park , Pubs , Hotels and high-rises , Shops Shag Rock, Cave Rock and the Moa Bone Cave.

206 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2011

About the author

Bruce Ansley is the author of eight books. His book Coast: A New Zealand Journey, with photographer Jane Ussher, won best illustrated non-fiction book at the New Zealand Post Book Awards in 2014.

His television credits include writing for A Week of It and McPhail and Gadsby.

He has worked in England and New Zealand, in radio, television and newspapers, and for two decades was a writer for The New Zealand Listener before becoming a full-time author in 2007. He has won fellowships to Oxford University and Cambridge University, and a number of journalism awards.

Ansley tells stories of a New Zealand he loves. He is a keen tramper and has walked over much of the country. He has driven over all of the 60 roads in Wild Roads, some of them many times. He has lived in the four main cities, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.

He was once a commercial fisherman in Fiordland and a deer farmer on Banks Peninsula. He has built a house in the far reaches of Pelorus Sound and for many years spent a good part of his life in a tiny, traditional bach in Golden Bay. He loves the water and will be found out on the water any good day in his Norwegian motor-sailer. Ansley has three sons. He and his wife Sally have moved from their beloved Christchurch to Waiheke Island to be closer to family.

Reviews

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was born in Christchurch and to see the scale of buildings that were demolished its absolutely eye watering. This book gives a great overview of what's no longer standing and what has been restored. a great read for history buffs or for those who call or have called Christchurch home.

[Darkpool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of those situations where I won't be reading every word in this book... just dipping in and out, and looking at the photos. Starting with the section on the Anglican Cathedral.


...Must admit that I've only read a very small proportion of the text. Photos are lovely, concentration on the 'before'. Stuffed full of Christchurch history.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this cover to cover as I was ready to learn more of the history behind our doomed streetscapes. It works very well as a pictorial record and one where you can dip in and out reading in parts if you prefer that. The story isn't complete for many of these earthquake damaged buildings and the writing reflects that.