A petition calling for Christchurch City Council to reconsider its planned funding for the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral is closing in on 12,000 signatures, just days after being launched.

The petition was started by Christchurch ratepayer James Pawson after the council adopted its Annual Plan 2026 and 2027, which includes a 7.35 percent rates increase for the average household and a further $15 million towards restoring Christ Church Cathedral, alongside $1.8 million to complete the council’s original $10 million commitment.

 Although the $15 million accounts for only a fraction of the overall rates increase, Pawson said the funding should be removed from the council’s plans.

Pawson is calling for the rates increase to be paused and put to a public referendum, saying residents should have had the opportunity to vote before the decision was made.

He said the petition’s rapid growth reflected concerns already held by many Christchurch residents.

“I think it has resonated because it’s simply reflecting people’s views, which perhaps haven’t been heard or considered fully or properly after so long,” Pawson said.

While acknowledging the Annual Plan has already been adopted, Pawson said he hoped the growing number of signatures would persuade the council to reconsider the cathedral funding.

“I understand the Annual Plan has been adopted and that when I started this it might not even get traction. But without trying nothing would happen,” he said.

“Given the potential of a lot more signatures I would hope that the cathedral funding portion can be removed regardless.”

Asked why he believed public opinion appeared to have shifted since the years following the earthquakes, when there was significant support for rebuilding the cathedral, Pawson said he could not explain the change.

“I really couldn’t say,” he said.

“Personally I wouldn’t want the cathedral demolished.”

“I think it would be cool to see it left in a tidy semi ruin as a memorial. It could become an attraction that visitors would happily pay to see.”

He said a modern glass entrance could be added at a significantly lower cost, allowing the site to generate ongoing revenue for the city.

“If the money came back to the city then it could provide return on investment and ongoing revenue for the city and ratepayers, like the amazing stadium,” he said.

Pawson said another option would be to use the money to reduce council debt or invest in practical projects that directly benefited residents.

“Either way something can provide real benefit and that can help reduce future rates increases,” he said.

Despite the petition approaching 12,000 signatures, Pawson said he had not been contacted by Christchurch City Council.