Churches in Masterton are included on the newly-updated public register of earthquake-prone buildings. They are among 79 such buildings in the Masterton District. Some of those buildings are in need of urgent work to bring them up to standard by 2026. In all cases, owners must fix their buildings within a given timeframe so they Read more
Many in the Wairarapa Catholic community are mourning orders to close three of its five Catholic churches. Earthquake-prone building regulations, ageing populations and shrinking Mass attendance have all had a part to play in deciding to close the buildings. Cardinal John Dew, of the Wellington Catholic Archdiocese, said at least one Sunday Mass or Vigil Read more
St Mary Immaculate Church in Tauranga’s CBD is losing its bell tower, and the site may even be sold altogether. Parish priest Father Mark Field says the bell tower meets only 20 per cent of the modern earthquake code, so it needs to be removed. The newer part of St Mary’s is continuing to operate Read more
Parishioners at a Catholic Church in Blenheim are being advised to “make their own judgment” when entering the earthquake-prone church. The building, which was first issued with a safety notice six years ago, has a “risk of failure” in the event of a moderate to severe earthquake. Continue reading
Christchurch councillors say they are keeping an open mind before deciding whether to grant $10 million to help restore the ChristChurch Cathedral. The Christchurch City Council decided in principle earlier this year to contribute $10m toward the $104m earthquake-damaged cathedral’s restoration but wanted to consult with the public before making a final decision. Continue reading
The trustees of St Gerard’s Monastery in Wellington think the earthquake-prone designation might be unfair, and are setting out to prove it. The monastery’s heritage status means demolition would be very hard to achieve. Chairman of the monastery trust and former MP Gordon Copeland said the monastery and an adjacent church were judged well below Read more
Sir Peter Jackson has come to the rescue of an historic Seatoun church. Jackson and wife Fran Walsh have bought St Christopher’s Church in Seatoun for $1.06 million in a move that saves the earthquake-prone church and neighbouring hall from potential demolition. Now, the Miramar Peninsula Community Trust has been established to run the buildings Read more
The Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, Barry Jones, has announced a $45 million plan to partially restore the Christchurch Catholic cathedral. The rebuilt Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament would include a part of the original building, but would not entirely replicate it. Some areas, including the sanctuary, cannot be saved. And because of budget constraints and Read more
A multicultural celebration of midwinter is being planned as a fundraising event to contribute to, and draw attention to, the costs of the seismic strengthening of St Mary of the Angels. The theme will be the stars of midwinter: Ave Maris Stella – Matariki. Matariki is the Māori name for the seven-star constellation that rises Read more
A decision by the Environment Court confirming its ruling against the proposed demolition of the Harcourt’s building in Lambton Quay in Wellington is bad news for St Mary of the Angels Parish. Developer Mark Dunajtschik had offered to donate $5 million towards the restoration of St Mary of the Angels Church if he got consent Read more