Built in 1846, the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is New Zealand's oldest stone church and was undergoing earthquake strengthening and upgrades.

The project has a budget of $28.8 million, which is up on early estimates of $20m. This includes a $5m Government contribution towards building an educational space, Te Whare Hononga (the house that binds), which was completed in 2021.

Lead contractor Clelands Construction recently completed testing on a portion of the southern wall using seismic strengthening techniques proposed for the entire building, but estimated costs for the work have increased dramatically. Read more

The building has come under fire for being out of sync with St Mary's - New Zealand's oldest stone church built in 1846 - and the recently-restored colonial-era vicarage.

Construction of Te Whare Hononga was a condition of the Government's $5 million contribution towards the $20m earthquake strengthening project at the cathedral.

When opened it will be a visitor centre and a space for education and exhibitions. Read more