After 131 years of accepting patrons from all over the world, this cathedral, set in the central square of Christchurch, is being demolished.
According to Bishop Victoria Matthews, the Victorian-era Gothic-style structure was damaged beyond repair during the February 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people and destroyed thousands of buildings.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH, VICTORIA MATTHEWS, SAYING: (PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT #3)
"What we need to do is to bring the walls down to a safe level. Probably between two and three meters."
The site was once a popular meeting place for Christchurch locals, and a major tourist attraction. One famous resident, known as the Wizard of New Zealand, has been campaigning to save the cathedral, and was shocked by the news.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND ENTERTAINER, IAN BRACKENBURY CHANNELL, SAYING:
"Horrified, because it isn't necessary at all. This need not be done."
For some, the rubble remains a memory to last year's devastating events. They see this as a way to rebuild the city and move on.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT, SAYING:
"I think it should come down. Personally I think it should. I think we should get over it."
The New Zealand Church has reassured people that the demolition will be done with the highest respect to the sanctity of the church.
Without using bulldozers or wrecking balls they plan to build a new structure using the foundation of the old cathedral.
A replica of the original would cost 100 million NZ dollars, while a brand new cathedral, including some features recovered from the rubble, would cost half that amount.
Sarah Wali, Reuters.
