Seismic Strengthening
Information and updates about the Waiapu Cathedral earthquake strengthening programme
Seismic Strengthening updates
IMPORTANT NOTE ON EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
Waiapu Cathedral has been assessed as a strong building (reinforced concrete) in the Kestrel report but a severe, locally-generated earthquake would cause significant damage.
If there’s an earthquake while you are in the cathedral, please take shelter and move to a side aisle as soon as you can.
LATEST
MARCH 2025 – DIOCESE NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR SEISMIC PLANNING
As announced at the parish AGM of 16 March, the responsibility for the seismic planning for the Cathedral is now transferred from Cathedral Vestry to the Diocese as owner of the building. Lawrence Yule has indicated his willingness to continue to be an advisor to the Diocese on this project.
This page will be updated for the parish and public as information comes available from the Diocese.
DECEMBER 2024
Letter to the parish from Bishop Andrew Hedge outlining his decision on the building.
NOVEMBER 2024
OCTOBER 2024
MBIE Seismic Case Study Video of the cathedral (30/10)
Links to DSA info and other documents are below.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Dean Di Woods’ update letter of 19 Sept below follows the parish meeting on Sunday 13 September about the options that the Dean, Vestry and Strengthening Committee have been considering for the future of the Cathedral.
Letter to the parish from the Dean 19 Sept
Parish Finance Report Sept 2024
Cathedral strengthening timeline 2011 – present (updated Dec 24)
MAY 2024
Your Seismic Strengthening Committee has increased the frequency of its meetings this year. What’s happened since writing an AGM report for you in late February?
Update for the Parish May 2024 – PDF
DECEMBER 2023
We have updated the Q&A information so that parishioners and the public can stay informed on the issues facing the Cathedral. Q&A Dec 23 PDF – can be downloaded and printed.
NOVEMBER 2023
Q & A – following the parish meetings, the attached Q&As have been prepared so that parishioners and the public can understand the issues facing the Cathedral. Q&A PDF – can be downloaded and printed.
31 OCTOBER 2023
Interview with Dean Di Woods in NZME Hawke’s Bay Today 31 October 2023 – Cathedral demolition fears aired
Dean says people of Napier need to know about church building’s earthquake strengthening challenges.
OCTOBER 2023
Parishioners have the opportunity to provide feedback on the seismic report of the cathedral building at a discussion meeting on Saturday 28 October at 3.00pm.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Parishioners were given a presentation on the latest seismic risk assessment information for the Cathedral on Sunday 17 September by the Seismic Committee.
You can read information on these links –
- our latest news item
- the summary update information provided to the parish meeting
- the full Kestrel seismic risk report.
A follow up meeting will be held on Saturday 28 October at 10am in the Cathedral so parishioners can bring any questions or provide feedback, and have a further discussion.
DECEMBER 2022
The latest in a series of Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) reports has been provided to Napier City Council and work can now get underway to investigate any risks to the Cathedral remaining open and the costs for bringing the Cathedral up to building standard.
You can review the WSP seismic assessment report of December 2021 here.
The media release issued by the Diocese on 13 December 2022 is here.
