A preliminary engineering assessment of St Mary’s Hokitika has revealed that the building is earthquake prone. Whilst engineering solutions are assessed the church is unable to be used.
St Mary’s School hall has been suggested by engineers as a suitable alternative for the parish in the interim. The parish and school are working together to enable this to happen.
The church needs to be further assessed and will likely require remedial work in order to meet appropriate building standards and allow it to be re-occupied. A schedule of temporary strengthening works has yet to be completed and put forward to the Diocese for consideration.
The parish will be fully consulted as part of this and the works agreed to. As this process continues Bishop Barry Jones is concerned and has given instruction that the parish be involved and consulted in this process.