Big Bertha the long reach digger plucks out an SUV from the quake-damaged Reading car park in central Wellington.

A marooned ute stuck in the depths of Wellington's quake-damaged Reading car park has proved no match for Big Bertha.

The long-reach digger has been busily demolishing the car park in Tory St, in the central city, after it was damaged in November's Kaikoura quake.

Each day Big Bertha has meticulously nibbled away at the building, steadily revealing the first among the nine cars stuck inside.

Jill Wilson Demolition work continues at the Reading car park in central Wellington.

The cars were deemed unsafe to retrieve, because of damage to their only means of driving out – the building's ramps.

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* Wellington City Council confirms Reading car park will be demolished

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* Earthquake: Car parks at a premium

MATT DUNCAN/FAIRFAX NZ Big Bertha removes a car from quake-damaged Reading car park in central Wellington.

The ill-fated ute crumpled in Bertha's jaws on its journey from the car park to the ground on Thursday.

The demolition continues behind the cordon that encircles Courtenay Pl and Tory St businesses and homes, including a row of bars – all structurally sound, but which were forced to evacuate in the week of the quake because of fears the car park could collapse.

Those premises have remained empty since, with residents and businesses expected to be able to return by March, when it is hoped the demolition will be complete.

MATT DUNCAN/FAIRFAX NZ We're not sure if the car's owner wants this one back.

Insurers seesawed over cover for the trapped vehicles, with some owners initially being told their payouts would not arrive until their cars were actually damaged at the moment of demolition.

However, Rob Zorn, whose BMW is trapped in the building, has since confirmed he has had his claim processed and has been paid out for the car – which is destined for a meeting with Big Bertha any day now.