Taranaki Cathedral's restoration receives $1.5million boost
29 June 2019
Taranaki Cathedral has received $1.5 million boost towards its ongoing $15m restoration project - as new pictures have been released showing how the site will be developed.
The TSB Community Trust has committed the money to the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary dependent on the remainder of the funds being raised.
So far the cathedral has secured $8.7m in donations, and this latest pledge was welcomed by Archbishop Philip Richardson, who called it an important funding milestone.
Meanwhile, consultation with the parish and Ngāti Te Whiti hapū on a refreshed site development plan continues, with artist's impressions showing how it could look, including the addition of a striking new building.
The restoration will involve the sensitive earthquake strengthening of the historic stone cathedral, the oldest stone church in New Zealand, a repurposing of the historic vicarage, and a new building which will reflect Te Ao Māori, the place of Ngāti Te Whiti, Te Ātiawa as mana whenua, and form the cornerstone of the Sir Paul Reeves Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.
The new building, called Te Whare Hononga (the house that binds) will be curated with displays and act as an education hub grounded in the wairua (spirit) and heritage of the historic site.
The design follows intense community and parish consultation over several years and brings all cathedral functions on to one site.
