A further $15 million has been pledged toward the stalled Christ Church Cathedral rebuild, with New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters announcing the funding as part of the party’s election campaign.

Peters said the additional funding would help restart progress on the long delayed project, which has been on hold since 2024 due to a funding shortfall.

“This is a rebuild project that has been waiting for 15 years now, and the time has come to ensure this vitally iconic symbol of Christchurch City is completed,” Peters said.

He said the cathedral remained a key part of the city’s identity and earthquake recovery.

“This is more than just a Church, it is a part of the city’s heritage. It is a symbol of the long road of the Christchurch earthquake recovery. Rebuilding the cathedral will catalyse further development around the area and boost important tourism numbers in the city.”

Around $90 million has already been committed to the rebuild, including $38 million from the Anglican Church, $25 million from the Government, $24 million from donors, and $3 million from Christchurch City Council.

However, the project still faces a funding gap of between $40 million and $45 million.

Peters said a revised, staged rebuild plan developed by Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd offered a more affordable and practical path forward, but required further government support to proceed.

“The original plan was reviewed by Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd, and in September they unveiled a new affordable, common sense, staged pathway forward – and just need the government to assist with funding.”

The proposed $15 million would contribute to the first stage of the rebuild, allowing the cathedral to reopen and hoardings to be removed from Cathedral Square.

“When last in government in 2018 we ensured a government commitment of $25 million towards the project, made up of $10 million with an additional $15 million interest free loan. The additional funding commitment from government would see the new, more affordable, and workable project finally get moving.”

“Today, we are making the commitment, that we will give them the tools so they can finish the job,” Peters said.