The Waikato Cathedral
Church of St Peter
Te whare karakia matua
o Pita Tapu ki Waikato
Why
this matters
Waikato Cathedral stands on the hill of Pukerangiora, a site sacred to the people of Tainui, particularly Ngāti Wairere, and a place of prayer and worship for centuries.
Built 110 years ago, the Cathedral is a sacred space for all. Designed in ferro-concrete by Hamilton architects Warren and Blechynden, and modelled on a 15th-century Norfolk church, it reflects the Anglo-Celtic tradition of Anglican spirituality and worship.
Today, it continues to serve the wider community.
What
is proposed
The proposed strengthening programme has been carefully designed to improve usability and enhance seismic performance while respecting the Cathedral’s heritage character.
Strengthening will be achieved through sensitively designed extensions to the Baptistery end and the side of the Nave. These additions will act as structural bracing for the building, while also creating additional usable spaces that support the Cathedral’s ongoing role in the community.
The work is proposed to be delivered in stages, based on risk and priority.
1. The Music Centre will support one of the Cathedral’s most active community uses and provide seismic strengthening of the Nave.
2. The Baptistery, added in 1933, is an unreinforced masonry structure. An extension will replace existing structure, which has a low seismic strength rating, thereby reducing the earthquake risk while also strengthening the Nave.
3. The Bell Tower, including a new spire in keeping with the original design, and the conversion of the former choir room into a chapel.
4. The Organ Loft, protecting a nationally significant musical asset.
5. The Nave and Front Porch, ensuring the safety and longevity of the Cathedral’s main gathering space.
This work is not simply about strengthening a building.
It is about safeguarding a taonga that belongs to all Waikato.
How
you can support
Strengthening the Cathedral will require leadership support, institutional funding, and parishioner and community participation. The preliminary cost is $22 million.
There are a number of ways to contribute:
One-off or regular donation
Buy a Pew
(or other item)
Payroll giving
Debentures
Bequests
Who
is involved in the project
The patrons of the fundraising appeal for the Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter are Dame Malvina Major and Lady Judi Gallagher.
The Waikato Cathedral strengthening and restoration project is led by a collaboration of experts in engineering, architecture, heritage, and project management:
Cathedral Vestry: Oversight and guidance.
Project Control Group (PCG): Engineers, architects, and Cathedral representatives coordinating the project.
Waikato Anglican Cathedral Refurbishment Appeal (WACRA) Committee: Drives donations, events, and community engagement.
Key Contractors and Consultants:
-
Beca: Structural engineers, planners, and project managers leading seismic assessment and strengthening design.
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PĀUA Architects: Heritage and architectural design, guiding conservation and functional upgrades.
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Kingstons: Quantity surveyors, responsible for costings and project budgeting.
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GPR Imaging: Conduct imaging to assess concrete reinforcement.
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Perry Geotech: Geotechnical surveyors ensuring foundation stability.
Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter (2025)