Christ Church Cathedral poll

Stuff reports:

The survey, commissioned by Church Property Trustees, found 59 per cent of respondents felt Anglicans should not make the decision alone. About 48 per cent of those polled believed the Government should intervene in the future of the cathedral.

It also found 58 per cent of Christchurch residents polled favoured restoration of the earthquake-damaged building, while 33 per cent wanted a new building and 9 per cent did not mind or care what happened. …

However, respondents’ preferences changed after they were told a new build would not require government or ratepayer funds, would take eight years and would not have an impact on rates.

This was contrasted to restoration, which had a $56 million funding gap, would take seven years and would cost $1000 a day in insurance once restored. The survey did not mention the $10m government loan offer or a $15 million funding pledge from heritage group the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust for the restoration.

After this, 43 per cent of respondents wanted restoration, 49 per cent wanted a new build and 8 per cent eight per cent still did not mind or care what happened.