The future of Christchurch's earthquake-wrecked Anglican and Catholic cathedrals is even more uncertain after the decision by the largest insurer of New Zealand churches and heritage buildings to stop offering earthquake cover.
British-owned Ansvar Insurance took a $700m hit in the earthquakes, including losses on both cathedrals and the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Its decision is a new complication for local church authorities.
Catholic diocesan financial administrator Paddy Beban said he would not comment on the implications for local churches and reconstruction of the basilica until he had all the facts "which I don't have at present."
Anglican cathedral Dean Peter Beck also said he could not comment because he did not have enough information.
However, Ansvar's announcement was not a surprise, said local Church of England media officer Philip Baldwin.
Asked if it would mean church closures, Mr Baldwin said decisions had yet to be made and it was going to be a long ongoing process.
British-owned Ansvar Insurance took a $700m hit in the earthquakes, including losses on both cathedrals and the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Its decision is a new complication for local church authorities.
Catholic diocesan financial administrator Paddy Beban said he would not comment on the implications for local churches and reconstruction of the basilica until he had all the facts "which I don't have at present."
Anglican cathedral Dean Peter Beck also said he could not comment because he did not have enough information.
However, Ansvar's announcement was not a surprise, said local Church of England media officer Philip Baldwin.
Asked if it would mean church closures, Mr Baldwin said decisions had yet to be made and it was going to be a long ongoing process.
It had began in the last week and a half with design guideline workshops - the beginning of a consultation process started by the diocese's architects Warren and Mahoney and project manager RCP - but it would not come to a quick conclusion.
Happier, at least for the time being, are the Presbyterians.
Christchurch Moderator Martin Stewart said his church had just renewed its cover with Ansvar to August 1 next year.
However, not every church building was taking the earthquake cover because premiums had increased by as much as 300 to 500 per cent.
Five Presbyterian churches have had to be demolished since the earthquake, and another seven or eight have moderate to serious damage.
For the time being, and it might change in time, earthquake cover was going to be a luxury, "and a very expensive luxury if we do manage to achieve it," he said.
Happier, at least for the time being, are the Presbyterians.
Christchurch Moderator Martin Stewart said his church had just renewed its cover with Ansvar to August 1 next year.
However, not every church building was taking the earthquake cover because premiums had increased by as much as 300 to 500 per cent.
Five Presbyterian churches have had to be demolished since the earthquake, and another seven or eight have moderate to serious damage.
For the time being, and it might change in time, earthquake cover was going to be a luxury, "and a very expensive luxury if we do manage to achieve it," he said.