On Tuesday The Great Christchurch Buildings Trust announced that the Anglican Cathedral in Christchurch New Zealand, which was severely damges in by an earthquake could be restored for $67 million, as opposed to the $220 million the Anglican Church says is needed. One of the most contentious factors in the $153 million difference is whether base isolators – flexible bearings in Read more
In the wake of the 2010-2011 Canterbury Region earthquakes the New Zealand Diocese of Christchurch has voted to take the next step towards a dramatic redrawing of its map. The Christchurch Anglicans met in a special synod on April 13-14, and chose to proceed on a path which could see the 46 parishes in and around Christchurch being significantly Read more
The ‘‘overwhelming majority’’ of the more than 200 members of the Christchurch Anglican synod, which was in session on the weekend, are in favour of a new, modern Christ Church Cathedral with not a single person voting for restoration. Last week the church revealed three designs for the Christchurch icon – restoration, a reinterpretation of Read more
Paul King wanted to resurrect the roof and ceiling from Nazareth House Chapel into an earthquake memorial. King saved the Nazareth roof when he demolished the chapel last year. He says the ceiling, made of rimu, is the equal of the ceiling in the Arts Centre’s Great Hall and Christ Church Cathedral. It’s 23.5 metres Read more
Three designs for the Christchurch’s Anglican cathedral were released last week as part of a call for public feedback before Anglican leaders decide the future of the cathedral next month. The restoration of the existing building would cost between $104 million and $221m, A new gothic building constructed with modern materials would cost between $85 Read more
There are ”communication issues” between Great Christchurch Buildings Trust (GCBT) and Anglican leaders according to Justice Chisholm who is hearing a case brought by the GCBT challenging the Anglican decision to largely demolish the Christ Church Cathedral. Chisholm said “While it is not the role of the court to intervene, the applicant and first respondent might like Read more
Since the 2011 earthquake, Caritas has allocated more than $700,000 of earthquake recovery funds, to support projects such as emergency toilets immediately after the quake, thermal wear, and specialist trauma counselling and social work. Two years on from the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake, Catholic agency Caritas is still maintaining a commitment to long-term recovery in Read more
The man behind the 185 empty chairs earthquake memorial, artist Peter Majendie, is now putting up a series of “quiet spaces”. Majendie has built several cardboard boxes for people to use as prayer or contemplative rooms. Designed as a “quiet space”, the boxes will be placed around the city for use by the public. “They’ve Read more
Following the High Court (Justice Chisholm J) ruling that no further deconstruction of the Christchurch Cathedral should take place until further consideration and consultation between the Church Property Trustees (CPT), the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust (GCBT) and the Court, has taken place, the GCBT is endeavouring to work with the CPT and the Bishop, to Read more
The public reviews of the CTV building collapse in the Christchurch earthquakes and the Pike River mine disaster have revealed the profound practical significance of faith existing or failing in relationships and individual actions. Both disasters have raised questions over engineering, design and rescue management. Both situations reveal a sorry record of law and regulation Read more