The head of the team working to deconstruct Christchurch’s Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament says they are endeavouring to save important features but have to weigh up costs and safety concerns. Tony Sewell is the project director for the Catholic Cathedral precinct, which includes the development and construction of the new Cathedral and the deconstruction/demolition Read more
A $3.9 million upgrade of Timaru’s Sacred Heart Basilica aims to strengthen the building and protect it against future earthquakes. Sacred Heart Parish council chairman Gary Shand said after the Canterbury earthquakes the church realised the building was not completely earthquake-proof and needed to be bolstered. The main work will focus on putting steel structures Read more
Two Wairarapa Catholic churches have closed abruptly after being deemed earthquake-prone for some time. The decision to shut St Mary’s church in Carterton and St Anthony’s church in Martinborough was made by the Catholic Parish of Wairarapa’s finance committee and pastoral team last week. It is understood the decision was based on keeping parishioners safe. Read more
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thorndon, Wellington, closed its doors on Friday. An assessment has found the building’s structural integrity to be just 15 per cent of the standard for a new building. This means there would be a significant risk to occupants if there was an earthquake. While Sacred Heart Cathedral is closed, weekday masses Read more