Ripped apart a city in chaos /

Ripped Apart is Mayor Bob Parker's story. During the earthquakes that battered Christchurch, Bob's tireless and unflappable communications gained him almost superstar status. He so impressed the American TV network NBC, it broadcast to the world that New York, after 9/11 had Rudy Giuliani. Christchurch, after 22 February, had Bob Parker. Within a few months of his triumphs the tide appeared to have turned. The Minister of Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, dubbed him a clown ; his council was dysfunctional; and Government, not the council, controlled the city's rebuild. Ripped Apart reveals the arguments, indecision, petty jealousies, power struggles and policies that occurred within groups managing the city through its crises. These are balanced with glimpses of dedication, courage, compassion and a unique vision. It is a story about people behind the scenes and events that have Ripped Apart Christchurch, not just physically, but politically and emotionally.