6 Jun 2013

Funding for oldest Anglican church approved

6:56 pm on 6 June 2013

The Auckland Council has approved funding of $3 million to help renovate New Zealand's oldest and biggest Anglican church.

At a council meeting, the Holy Trinity Cathedral asked for help with the project which has a total cost of $12 million. It includes finishing a chapel, joining the neighbouring St Mary's Church to the cathedral, and repairing two pipe organs.

Despite some strong opposition during a two-hour debate on Thursday, councillors decided to support it in a 10 to 6 vote.

Councillor Calum Penrose advised the church to start charging groups using its property in the suburb of Parnell to raise the funds needed.

Howick ward councillor Sharon Stewart said although the project is appealing, there are many other communities in need of similar facilities.

Supporting the project, Councillor Richard Northy said it would provide great opportunities for all communities.

The council will give the church $1.5 million next year, and the remainder in 2015.

The Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Jo Kelly-Moore, said the redevelopment would help meet the large number of requests from community groups to use its facilities and council funding was crucial to ensure the project is completed by its goal of 2016.