Grant
ROBERTSON
Labour Deputy Leader
Labour Spokesperson for Arts Culture and Heritage

5 April 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Public have an important role in cathedral decision

Cantabrians need to know that their opinions will count in any decision made regarding the future of the city’s cathedral, says Labour’s Arts Culture and Heritage spokesperson Grant Robertson.

Anglican leaders have vowed to listen very carefully to people’s opinions, although the ultimate decision will rest with the church.

“The most important thing is that Cantabrians are involved and have their say,” Grant Robertson said.

“Along with Labour’s Christchurch MPs I support the heritage value of restoring and rebuilding the cathedral.

“We respect the Anglican Church as the owner of the cathedral, but urge them to consider calls that the cathedral in its original form plays an important role in the well-being, identity and culture of the city.

“It is becoming clearer as time goes on that structural reasons for not considering restoration do not stack up.

“While the traditional restoration option may well be more expensive than the alternatives, the cultural, historic and heritage values of the building warrant those costs being met,” Grant Robertson said.

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