In the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, New Zealand architects Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney fight to save their finest building from demolition.
The documentary Maurice and I is a film of two halves: one that explores the remarkable partnership of New Zealand architects Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney, and another that chronicles the Christchurch Town Hall’s turbulent history, from its design to its near destruction. Directed by Rick Harvie and Jane Mahoney, the film is both an intimate character study and a broader reflection on the value of architecture in society.
The story begins with the formation of one of New Zealand’s most significant architectural partnerships. Warren and Mahoney, despite their differing personalities, worked in perfect sync. Warren, the more extroverted of the two, had a natural ability to charm clients and present bold, innovative concepts. Mahoney, precise and detail-focused, ensured their ambitious designs were grounded in structural integrity and practical execution. Their combined expertise led to some of the most iconic buildings in Christchurch and beyond, with the Christchurch Town Hall being their crowning achievement.
The film moves seamlessly between archival footage and contemporary interviews, painting a vivid picture of their working relationship. The moments featuring the two men together are particularly compelling. In one interview, Warren speaks passionately, making sweeping statements about their work, only for Mahoney to interject with a quiet but firm correction. Warren, unfazed, continues with his storytelling. It is these interactions that truly bring their partnership to life, showing the mutual respect and reliance that made their collaboration so successful.
However, Maurice and I is not just a celebration of their architectural achievements. The film takes a somber turn when addressing the devastating impact of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Many of their buildings, once symbols of modernist ingenuity, were either destroyed or deemed unfit for restoration. The Christchurch Town Hall, an internationally acclaimed venue known for its groundbreaking acoustics, faced an uncertain fate. The debate over whether it should be demolished or restored became one of the most contentious aspects of the city’s rebuild.
The documentary presents multiple perspectives, including that of Gerry Brownlee, the former minister overseeing Christchurch’s reconstruction. Brownlee, who had previously pushed for the Town Hall’s demolition, appears in the film and acknowledges his stance, though he stands by his assessment of the building’s structural issues. This inclusion adds depth to the documentary, highlighting the tensions between heritage preservation and the practical realities of post-disaster recovery.
What makes Maurice and I so compelling is its ability to make architecture accessible to all audiences. While the film discusses complex design principles and acoustic innovations, it never feels overly technical or exclusionary. Instead, it highlights the human stories behind the buildings—the friendships, the creative struggles, and the cultural significance of these spaces.
The Christchurch Town Hall is more than just a structure; it is a place of memories. Through archival footage, we see performances from some of the world’s most iconic artists—Billy T James, Leonard Bernstein, The Ramones, Tom Petty, and many more. These moments reinforce the idea that architecture is not just about aesthetics or engineering; it is about the experiences that take place within these spaces.
One of the most touching aspects of the documentary is its timing. Neither Warren nor Mahoney lived to see its completion, making Maurice and I feel like a posthumous tribute to their work. The final interviews with Mahoney, filmed shortly before his passing, add an emotional weight to the film, serving as a reminder of the impermanence of life but the enduring nature of creative legacies.
Ultimately, Maurice and I is a beautifully crafted documentary that resonates on multiple levels. It is a film about friendship, artistic vision, and the struggle to preserve history in the face of disaster. Whether you are passionate about architecture or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, this documentary is well worth watching. It leaves viewers not just with a greater appreciation for Warren and Mahoney’s work, but also with a deeper understanding of why buildings like the Christchurch Town Hall are worth saving—not just for their design, but for the lives they touch.
Maurice and I was released in NZ cinemas on September 5, 2024