A Christmas update from Mark Stewart, Chair of Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd (CCRL).

Christ Church Cathedral has stood in the heart of our region for more than 142 years and, within its walls, are stories of history, faith, and community. Beyond religious ceremonies, the Cathedral has served as a communal hub bringing people from all walks of life together, celebrating the rich tapestry of human expression.

As we approach our Christmas break, it's a fitting moment to pause and contemplate the progress we've made reinstating Christ Church Cathedral.

March of this year marked a significant milestone as, after 12 years, we gained access inside the Cathedral. This event was profoundly moving and spiritual for many. The stabilisation phase is now finished, involving the construction of a substantial steel support frame to ensure the building's safety—408 tonnes of steel now buttress the Cathedral, equivalent to the combined weight of 68 elephants!

Re-entering the Cathedral was a crucial project milestone, enabling us to conduct extensive investigations and consider the necessary work to strengthen and reinstate it.  As a result of this we are now meticulously assessing our design, planned methods, programme, and costs.

Despite the challenges, the reinstatement is in capable hands. Research from last year revealed that 74 percent of residents view the Cathedral as an essential part of the city's future, with 62 percent expressing a desire for its return—a testament to our collective unity.

Our fundraising efforts persist, and we extend gratitude to all contributors. In 2024, we will launch our Anglican Campaign, led by Bishop Peter Carrell. Our focus remains on completing the reinstatement of this beautiful building.

We are also very conscious that the Cathedral represents so many different things to many people. For Anglicans the Cathedral symbolises the centre of their faith, while for others it represents the physical and symbolic heart of our region. However diverse in the meaning of the Cathedral to each of us, CCRL remain focused on completing the reinstatement of this important heritage building, and ensure that more stories of history, faith and community are shared for many years to come.

Wishing you and your whānau, Merry Christmas from all of us at CCRL.

Mark Stewart
Chair, Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd (CCRL)