Descent from Disaster — Season 2
Retrace some of NZ's darkest days to reveal the stories, secrets and lessons learnt from our most famous disasters.
About this season
Retrace some of NZ's darkest days to reveal the stories, secrets and lessons learnt from our most famous disasters.
Episodes (6)
1. Cyclone Giselle - 1968
Aired 31 December 2015 • 45 min
ONE News meteorologist Karen Olsen revisits one of New Zealand's worst storms. On April 9th, 1968 Cyclone Giselle hit New Zealand with a force so ferocious it sank the Wahine inter-island ferry.
2. Brynderwyn Bus Crash - 1963
Aired 31 December 2015 • 45 min
Veteran broadcaster Mark Sainsbury recounts the relatively unknown story of the 1963 Brynderwyn bus crash, which resulted in the death of 15 passengers after its brakes failed on a winding road.
3. Centennial Yatch Race - 1951
Aired 31 December 2015 • 45 min
Kiwi yachting legend Peter Montgomery recounts the 1951 Centennial Yacht Race disaster, where ten men died in a brutal storm shortly after setting sail from Wellington.
4. Taranaki Mountaineering Disaster - 1953
Aired 31 December 2015 • 45 min
Toni Street travels to New Plymouth to rediscover the Taranaki Mountaineering Disaster.
5. Wreck Of The Ranui - 1950
Aired 31 December 2015 • 45 min
22 lives were lost when the Ranui capsized, leaving families heartbroken and the small seaside communities of Mount Maunganui and Tauranga shattered. Presented by Peter Elliott.
6. Ruapheu Plane Crash - 1948
Aired 31 December 2015 • 45 min
Former One News weatherman Jim hickey recounts the tragic 1948 National Airways Corporation plane crash on Mt Ruapehu. At the time this was the worst civilian plane crash in New Zealand.