Coronavirus: Churches go online as lockdown calls for virtual Easter celebrations

Lockdown rules mean Easter services can't go ahead as normal this year - that means many churches are going online instead. 

The National Liturgy Office of the Catholic Church uploaded a virtual service today. 

The video was a massive effort - with nine households from around the country contributing to the pre-recorded online service from home. 

And for other churches, the creativity continues. They've had to become tech experts in recent weeks, with many uploading or streaming their usual services

"If you were to go into the homes of many of our pastors right now you would see they've been turned into a production studio," says Charles Hewlett, national leader of Baptist Churches of New Zealand. 

Hewlett says those "studios" will be called on heavily for Easter streaming.

And church services aren't the only events getting a virtual makeover. 

The Baptist Church's annual Easter camp has been cancelled. It was sad news at first, but now they're making the most of it, posting videos from the past along with livestreams.

"Wherever you are around the country you should be able to access some amazing messages," says the church's Blue Bradley.

Would-be Easter campers are also finding ways to pitch tents of sorts from the comfort of their own homes.

And for those having Easter alone this year, churches are encouraging them to get online.

"We are more connected with them now than we have ever been," says Hewlett.

Technology is giving church communities confidence Easter will be just as good this year - even in lockdown.