PERSONAL RECORD. GRANT, DENNIS. OPENING OF OUR LADY OF THE ANTIPODES CHURCH, PITT ISLAND 1974

A short film without sound, shot over two different trips to Pitt Island by Dennis Grant in 1974.

Opening with a fund-raiser in the Memorial Hall on Waitangi Day, and then coverage of the construction of the church. The official opening of ‘Our Lady Of the Antipodes’ church begins with an outdoor gathering. A small community of Pitt Islander locals are seen seated outside the building. Speeches and formalities are delivered by Bishop Brian Ashby, Prime Minister Norman Kirk and Father John Noonan.

Additional footage after the ceremony reveals rural scenes, children playing and some of the crowd including Prime Minister Norman Kirk, on a boat in the harbour.