New Zealand First leader the Rt Hon Winston Peters stood before Christ Church Cathedral at the centre of Christchurch city today to announce that any coalition government he is part of following the General Election in November will provide $15m towards the cost of the Cathedral's reinstatement.

Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd Chair Steve Wakefield, who is also deputy chair of the Church Property Trustees, said the pledge is a significant milestone in the journey to securing a viable pathway to completion for the Cathedral project.

“We are delighted by the announcement and wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to NZ First for recognising the importance of the Cathedral. Restoring the Cathedral means restoring the centrepiece of our city. It will also catalyse development in the wider Cathedral Square precinct and open up the Cathedral to a range of events, as well as local and international visitors." 

Bishop of Christchurch, Rt Rev Peter Carrell reports that today's announcement by Winston Peters aligns with growing momentum across Christchurch's civic leaders, business sector and the wider community to see the Cathedral reopened. 

"With the other directors of CCRL, and as the Bishop of Christchurch, I am feeling very positive about our ability to deliver this project." he said in a letter to the diocese this afternoon.

Bishop Peter Carrell reminded his people that the newly configured "Re:Opening Project" will now restore the western façade of the Cathedral, including its tower, nave and iconic rose window. 

"With the nave completed we will be able to reopen for regular Sunday and weekday services of worship. The tower will attract visitors and tours and generate operating revenue for the church." 

Bishop Peter concluded his notice to the diocese by noting that today is the last day for submissions on Council funding for the cathedral.

"I look forward to the impact our submissions will make on the Council’s decision-making."