So where should the light switches be in our re-opened cathedral? That is one of the questions our electrical engineers have asked. Seems simple enough, but with all the wiring being renewed – yes the cathedral is being literally re-energised - there are opportunities to rethink the positions of our distribution boards and switches to ensure they are less intrusive elements in our stone church. Electric lighting was probably installed in the church in the early 1900s and replaced gas pillar... read more

Taranaki Cathedral’s array of ornate stained glass windows is the inspiration behind a fundraiser for the restoration of the historic church. Bakers from the Taranaki Cathedral congregation have been busy making Cathedral Cakes to help raise money to earthquake strengthen the cathedral and redevelop the site. The Cathedral Project campaign manager Jan Mason says 100 of the 750g cakes, packed with fruit and nuts, will be available for purchase from Monday, 12 November, for just $40 each. “The Cathedral Cake... read more

Warren Boys and Ian Roebuck, of Ian Roebuck Crane Hire, remove the northen gable cross at Taranaki Cathedral. Having sat atop Taranaki Cathedral for more than 100 years, it was perhaps understandable that the large stone cross looking out over New Plymouth clung on for as long as possible. The cross, on the northern gable facing Vivian Street, was removed today as part of the preparatory work for the earthquake strengthening of the historic church. All the crosses on top... read more

One of the stone crosses that sits atop Taranaki Cathedral will be removed early tomorrow morning. The Cathedral Project design and remediation manager Jenny Goddard said the cross, which is on the northern gable and faces Vivian Street, could be a safety concern and would be taken down by crane. “As part of the earthquake-strengthening of the building, it has always been planned for the crosses on top of the cathedral to be removed and then reinstated when the remediation is... read more

The Cathedral Project design and remediation manager Jenny Goddard (centre) speaks with building services engineer Patrick Arnold, of eCubed, and project architect Brenda Solon, of Tennent Brown Architects, at Taranaki Cathedral. The people who have been entrusted with developing the plans for the earthquake strengthening and refurbishment of Taranaki Cathedral came together on-site this week, gathering information for the last push towards a finalised design. “It’s a mark of how much closer the project is getting to actually physically starting,”... read more

Although light rain falls, the aroha and warmth of Archdeacon Tiki Raumati shines through as people of all races and faiths gather to lay to rest the respected minister and kaumatua. Being buried in the grounds of Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is, in some ways, The Venerable Tikitūterangi (Tiki) Raumati’s final sermon – a silent yet visible, powerful and enduring message of peace and reconciliation, reaffirming his profound connection with Taranaki Cathedral and his commitment to bringing people... read more

Cathedral Kaumatua, the Venerable Tikitūterangi (Tiki) Raumati ONZM passed away on the morning of August 30th after a short illness. read more

Rob Baigent-Ritchie talks to Sarah Foy One cathedral inspired Rob Baigent-Ritchie’s spiritual convictions, now he’s ministering at another cathedral in a different island. Rob, an associate priest at Taranaki Cathedral who is married to Annie Baigent-Ritchie, became a Christian in 1971 at Christchurch Cathedral. He grew up in the city, and as a youngster attending St Barnabas’ church with his parents, remembers loving parables and the stories of the New Testament. “Not just the gospel stories about Jesus but about all... read more