A unique photographic record of the devastating February earthquake in Christchurch will be launched by Police later this month, with all royalties going to a local charity.
"Christchurch 22.2 - Beyond the Cordon" is a collection of 256 colour pictures taken by a team of Police photographers who worked tirelessly to assist the rescue and recovery effort.
"It's an outstanding publication, and the images are simply stunning" says Acting Assistant Commissioner Dave Cliff.
"The Police forensic photography team, made up of nine Canterbury staff and fourteen colleagues from around the country, were there to document and record images for the Disaster Victim Identification process.
"But they also recognised the enormity of what was going on around them and the need to have that recorded." says Mr Cliff.
The book features images never seen before of the international rescue effort which took place in the city. It includes scenes of Police, Fire, Ambulance and Urban Search and Rescue teams from around the world as they worked to find survivors and recover the victims.
"This book is a testament to the professionalism of Police photographers and their skills in the most difficult of circumstances." said Mr Cliff.
The Police photographic team has compiled a selection of the best pictures for the book, to be published by Hachette NZ on September 22.
Royalties will go to Christchurch charity, The Family Help Trust, which has worked extensively with disadvantaged families in the city, many of whom are affected by the earthquake.
"I am excited and proud to have been involved in this project" said Mr Cliff.
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"Christchurch 22.2 - Beyond the Cordon" is published by Hachette NZ and will be available in bookshops throughout New Zealand from 22 September.