Survivor back for brother's effects

Jaime Gilbert. Photo / Supplied

Amy Cooney has made an emotional return to the site where she lost her brother - and almost her own life in the February earthquake - to retrieve a treasure trove of precious memories.

Ms Cooney was allowed back on Friday into what is left of Iconic Bar in central Christchurch, which collapsed in the February 22 quake while she and her brother, Jaime Gilbert, 22, were working inside. The pair tried to run, but were caught in the falling debris. Ms Cooney held her brother's hand as he died.

She was able to get back a computer from inside the wrecked building that contains videos and music made by Mr Gilbert, and numerous photos of him from over the last seven years.

"It just means the world really," she said. "You can't bring your brother back, but that [recovered material] is sort of close to it, because it's all his thinking."

She had mixed feelings going back into the building.

"There was nerves, and it was real strange because my brother's hoodie and stuff that he took to work on the day, and his diary and all that sort of stuff was there. But it was cool as well, because he was always writing lyrics and funny poems and stuff, so it was neat to be able to see his humour again."

Seeing the bar from the inside "helped just to solidify everything I guess ... and another step to moving on".

On Monday, staff from a construction firm punched a hole in the back wall and used a crane to get in and get her computer for her. Ms Cooney is planning a shift to Brisbane with her partner and three children to get a fresh start. She has opened an Australian bank account and is looking into schools for the children.

"I'm just ready to go. If I had the money right this second, I would go."