Our Cathedral, stone by stone, hand by hand
Rebuild earthquake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral reinstatement is the project to repair, strengthen and rebuild the earthquake-damaged Anglican cathedral at the heart of Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Severely damaged in the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, this 19th-century heritage landmark is being returned to life stone by stone.
Rather than demolish and start over, the reinstatement project combines careful repair, restoration, reconstruction and modern seismic strengthening. The Cathedral will look much as it always has — its most important heritage features retained — but it will be safer, more functional and better equipped for worship and civic life in the century ahead.
When it reopens, it will again be a place where everyone can gather: friends and strangers, neighbours and visitors, people of all faiths and none. Explore the concept design, read the Cathedral’s history, or support the rebuild today.
In the heart of our city
- A spiritual and sacred place for worshipping and celebrating; for listening and debating; for laughter and tears.
- An unconditionally welcoming place for people of all faiths and none.
- An iconic place for Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.
- A historic place for memories, stories, heritage and taonga.
- A civic place for the events that shaped us as a city.
- A popular place where 700,000 people visited each year before the earthquakes.
- An important place for a thriving central city.
Find media releases, newsletters and updates.
Get involved
Help rebuild the Cathedral
Every gift helps return Christ Church Cathedral to the heart of the city, stone by stone.
Donate nowThe reinstatement at a glance
Key facts about the project
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the Christ Church Cathedral reinstatement?
The reinstatement is the project to repair, restore and rebuild Christ Church Cathedral after it was badly damaged in the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. It combines heritage restoration with modern seismic strengthening so the Cathedral can safely serve Christchurch for generations to come.
Why reinstate the Cathedral instead of building a new one?
Christ Church Cathedral is one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage buildings and the symbolic heart of Cathedral Square. Reinstating it keeps that heritage and sense of place while making the building safer and more usable. Read more on the project pages.
How long will the reinstatement take?
The reinstatement is expected to take between seven and ten years, progressing in stages — from stabilising the damaged structure through to full restoration and fit-out.
How can I support the project?
Every donation helps return the Cathedral to the city. You can make a gift, sign up for updates, or follow the project’s progress. See more on our FAQs page.
Voices
What people are saying
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His Royal Highness
The Prince of Wales
“It is my dearest wish that the Cathedral may once more become a proud symbol of this city and of the remarkable resilience of this community. I can only say how proud I am to be joining you all on this journey and how much I look forward to the day (if I’m still alive by then) when the Cathedral bells ring out once more and welcome home the first bar-tailed godwits of spring.”
A symbol of resilience
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Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
“The government supports the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project. It is one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage treasures. Perhaps more importantly, it is a significant people-place, and its absence has been keenly felt. The project is returning an important spiritual, civic and tourist icon, better than ever, to its home right in the heart of Christchurch.”
A New Zealand heritage treasure
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The Rt Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell
Bishop of Christchurch
“I look forward to us worshipping God in this great reinstated Cathedral, and to seeing it welcome visitors to the centre of our city. It is an immensely important building and it is wonderful that we are unified on the pathway to its reinstatement.”
Exciting changes
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Dean Lawrence Kimberley
Dean of Christchurch Cathedral
“I am excited that the Cathedral will once again be a thriving place of Christian worship, where everyone can gather and be at home. It will be a place where strangers and neighbours, friends and foreigners can come together, and where all can experience the love, peace, and presence of God.”
Thriving Place
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Mayor Lianne Dalziel
Mayor of Christchurch
“Christ Church Cathedral is literally the heart and soul of our city. Its reinstatement will breathe new life into Cathedral Square, both preserving an important part of our heritage as a city and enabling investment in the area to proceed with certainty.”
Heart and Soul