Mike Pero Urges Cantabrians to Unite to Save Christchurch Cathedral

For immediate release: Wednesday 16th May

Christchurch-based entrepreneur Mike Pero is appealing to all Cantabrians and those from further afield to make a stand against the destruction of Christchurch Cathedral.

Pero, who was born and bred in Christchurch and lives here with his family, says now is the time for Cantabrians to have a say in major decisions that are being made in relation to the city’s rebuild.

“The ongoing saga in relation to restoring Christchurch Cathedral is exactly that – a saga. It is absolutely ludicrous that the pulling down of our city icon isn’t being stopped immediately, whilst time is taken to actually make some long-term decisions, without needless loss. How any business, organisation, religious group or other can go ahead with such destruction when quite clearly the building could be saved is beyond belief,” exclaims Pero.

Like many fellow Cantabrians, and in fact people throughout New Zealand and the world, Pero sees the restoration of Christchurch Cathedral as the key project to restoring the heart of Christchurch, giving people hope and creating a renewed symbol of courage and vision.

“This is New Zealand’s most iconic building, and one that engineering experts pledge is fully feasible to rebuild as safe as any modern building. So why on earth wouldn’t we? Cost is not the issue. The total cost could be between $80 and $90 million, which is only a tenth of the total amount being spent on the Arts Centre, new Convention Centre and a new stadium,” says Pero.

Pero is confident that if the Government, Anglican Church and Christchurch City Council were to jointly fund a $45 million fund towards the Cathedral’s restoration, that the balance could be achieved through fundraising ($4 million of which has already been pledged).

“It’s about being given the chance to give it a shot. Imagine the unification such a fundraising project would bring to Cantabrians – and it’s what people need right now, to feel some sense of belonging to a project as part of the rebuild. Opus International, who are world leading restoration project managers, have offered to be the lead project managers,” says Pero.

Pero is encouraging like-minded Cantabrians, New Zealanders and those from further afield to have their say and act to save Christchurch Cathedral. For details on how you can play a part, visit www.restorechristchurchcathedral.co.nz
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