We met at The Devon Hotel for a Christmas lunch and had Jay Ruka, Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral as our guest speaker. St. Mary's is undergoing major changes with a relocation on the site of the vicarage, a new building TUIA TE MUKA TANGATA - WEAVING PEOPLE TOGETHER and earthquake strengthening of the Cathedral. A $20million plus project.
New Zealand's oldest stone church, built in 1846, will be strengthened and the stories embedded in the historic site will be shared using exhibitions, tours, events and digital resources. Sensitive developments will transform the site into a significant heritage, education and visitor destination. It will be a catalyst for peace and reconciliation, community building and collaboration in the heart of New Plymouth.
The essence of a cathedral is that it belongs to the community and mirrors whatever makes that community rejoice or sorrow. God requires that of us." - Sir Paul Reeves 2010