Cathedral poll throws up a few surprises

A majority of Christchurch residents polled by the Anglican Church believe the future of the Christ Church Cathedral is ‘‘too important’’ to be ‘‘left to the Anglicans alone to decide’’.

The survey, commissioned by Church Property Trustees, found that 59 per cent of respondents felt Anglicans should not make the decision alone. About 48 per cent of those polled believed the Government should intervene in the future of the cathedral.

It also found 58 per cent of Christchurch residents polled favoured restoration of the earthquake-damaged building, while 33 per cent wanted a new building and 9 per cent did not mind or care what happened.

However, respondents’ preferences changed after they were told a new build would not require government or ratepayer funds, would take eight years and would not have an impact on rates.

This was contrasted to restoration, which had a $56 million funding gap, would take seven years and would cost $1000 a day in insurance once restored. The survey did not mention the $10m government loan offer or a $15m funding pledge from heritage group the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust for the restoration.

After this, 43 per cent of respondents wanted restoration, 49 per cent wanted a new build and 8 per cent still did not mind or care what happened.

The survey was conducted by Christchurch market research firm Research First in April by landline, cellphone and face-to-face. A sample group of 380 people were surveyed with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 per cent.

Bishop Victoria Matthews said she was surprised by the results.

‘‘I thought there might be a stronger preference one way or the other,’’ she said. ’’The consistent surprise is how much the opinion is split. There are other voices saying everybody agrees it should be this or that. I keep coming across a 50-50 split. That makes it very difficult.’’