New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has today announced a campaign commitment to fund an extra $15 million for the Christ Church Cathedral to get the rebuild moving.
"This is a rebuild project that has been waiting for 15 years now, and the time has come to ensure this vitally iconic symbol of Christchurch City is completed," says Mr Peters.
"There have been a number of plans over the last decade or more to get this done, but now there is a board in charge of the rebuild who have the backing of the Anglican Church, local council, key businesses, community leaders, and the people of Christchurch."
"This is more than just a Church, it is a part of the city's heritage. It is a symbol of the long road of the Christchurch earthquake recovery. Rebuilding the cathedral will catalyse further development around the area and boost important tourism numbers in the city."
"The original plan was reviewed by Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd, and in September they unveiled a new affordable, common sense, staged pathway forward - and just need the government to assist with funding."
The rebuild project has been mothballed since 2024 because of lack of funds.
Around $90 million had been invested already, with $38 million funded by the Anglican Church, $25 million by the Government, $24 million coming from donors, and $3 million from Christchurch council.
There is still $40 to $45 million shortfall.
The project managers are now seeking more from the Church, which has been agreed to, and a bigger contribution from the Christchurch City Council.
The additional government funding would help complete the first stage of the new rebuild project which will finally re-open the Cathedral and remove the hoardings from the square on its way to full revitalisation.
"When last in government in 2018 we ensured a government commitment of $25 million towards the project, made up of $10 million with an additional $15 million interest free loan. The additional funding commitment from government would see the new, more affordable, and workable project finally get moving."
"Today, we are making the commitment, that we will give them the tools so they can finish the job" says Mr Peters.
