The City's Cathedral: A Centre for Auckland

It's my privilege to stand before you today in this magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral—a building that embodies the very connection between community, faith, and council that I wish to discuss.

Auckland is truly extraordinary in its diversity. We are a mix of cultures, beliefs, and communities, united by the simple fact that we all call this beautiful city home. As one of the most diverse cities globally—more diverse than Los Angeles—with residents from over one hundred ethnicities, we are a remarkable place in the Southern Hemisphere. Auckland holds the distinction of being the world's largest Polynesian city and on top of that approximately four in ten Aucklanders born overseas.

Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, delivering this talk at a breakfast organised by the Friends of Holy Trinity Cathedral on 22 March 2025.

This diversity represents our greatest strength, though it admittedly presents unique challenges in how we connect and build together. Within this human landscape, faith remains a significant common denominator, with nearly 35% of Auckland's population identifying as Christian according to our latest census. The percentage of people not affiliating with any religion was higher still.

Today, I want to explore two fundamental questions: Why does Auckland need Holy Trinity Cathedral? And why does the Cathedral need Auckland Council? These questions get to the heart of a partnership that has helped shape our city and will continue to be vital as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead.

WHY AUCKLAND NEEDS HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL

Mental and Spiritual Wellbeing

In our increasingly fast-paced and often stressful urban environment, Holy Trinity Cathedral provides something increasingly precious—a sanctuary for reflection, contemplation, and spiritual nourishment. As mental health challenges rise globally, spaces that offer peace and perspective become not merely amenities but necessities for civic wellbeing.

I've spoken with many Aucklanders who, regardless of their religious affiliation, find solace within these walls. A young professional told me recently that she often stops here—not for a service, but simply to sit in silence, gathering her thoughts before returning to work. This cathedral offers a rare commodity in our digital age: sacred space for undistracted presence.

Social Connection and Community Building

Beyond individual reflection, Holy Trinity serves as a crucial social hub in a time when genuine community feels increasingly elusive. Statistics show that despite our hyper-connectivity, loneliness affects approximately one in four New Zealanders. Community spaces like this cathedral directly counter this trend.

From candle lit concerts to the array of food trucks that congregate outside, Holy Trinity provides a space for authentic human connection. These connections aren't merely pleasant—they're vital infrastructure for our city's social cohesion and collective resilience.

Cultural and Artistic Gatherings

This cathedral serves as one of Auckland's premier venues for cultural and artistic expression. Last year alone there was a full calendar of concerts ranging from classical orchestras to contemporary choral arrangements which filled this space with music that transcended the ordinary. For example Wednesdays @ One is Holy Trinity Cathedral's lunchtime recital series supporting the Auckland City Mission, whether you are on your lunchbreak, having a midday stroll you can donate to charity whilst listening to a fantastic concert.

These aren't merely entertaining events—they're experiences that elevate our collective spirit and showcase Auckland's creative talents. They attract visitors from across the country and abroad, contributing to our cultural economy while enriching our shared artistic heritage.

Versatile Community Spaces

The versatility of this space might surprise those who see it solely as a place of worship. Beyond traditional religious services, these grounds and facilities host an impressive variety of community activities.

yoga classes promote physical and mental wellbeing. Food truck festivals transform the cathedral grounds into vibrant celebration of Auckland's culinary diversity. Local schools host their end of year prizegiving’s here , there are school carol services, choral concerts like the Kids Sing, The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra have held concerts in this unique space. It’s a huge list of concerts, events and performances that happen here

This adaptability—this willingness to open doors wide to diverse activities—makes Holy Trinity a true community asset that serves Aucklanders of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Ceremonial Significance

Finally, we must acknowledge the unique ceremonial role this cathedral plays in our civic life. When we gather as a city to mark moments of profound significance—both joyful and sorrowful—we often do so within these walls.

State funerals held here have helped our community process collective grief while honouring remarkable lives. Commemorative services marking historical milestones provide perspective and continuity in our city's ongoing story. These aren't merely events—they're rituals that help us make meaning together, even across our differences.

WHY THE CHURCH NEEDS AUCKLAND COUNCIL

Financial Support Through Strategic Grants

Our partnership flows both ways. While Holy Trinity gives much to Auckland, the Council plays crucial roles in supporting this cathedral's mission and maintaining its physical presence.

Through mechanisms like the Regional Historic Heritage Grant, the Albert-Eden Quick Response Grant, and the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Grant, Council funding has enabled vital preservation work and community programming. These aren't handouts—they're strategic investments in Auckland's cultural, spiritual, and social infrastructure.

In 2013, Council provided a $3 million grant to Holy Trinity help fund its redevelopment. The grant offset the $12 million cost of overhauling the cathedral organ (including removal of the bridge); providing the award winning Bishop Selwyn Chape chapel on the Newmarket end of the cathedral; linking historic St Mary’s and Holy Trinity; improving access to St Mary’s; and repairing the 104-year-old George Croft Organ in St Mary’s. Council's financial contribution helped transform architectural plans into the reality we now enjoy.

Furthermore, looking around us today, we can see evidence of this support. These spectacular stained glass windows received partial funding through Council heritage grants, ensuring their beauty will inspire generations to come. Council's financial contribution helped transform architectural plans into the reality we now enjoy.

However, I would like to highlight that Friends of Holy Trinity Cathedral also donated a significant sum to the Cathedral completion project and without this there would not have been the necessary funds to undertake such an incredible project.

Non-Rateable Status Recognition

The Council's recognition of Holy Trinity's non-rateable status for areas used for religious education and worship represents another crucial form of support. This isn't special treatment—it's acknowledgment of the significant public good generated by these activities.

By directing resources toward community service rather than operational costs, this policy enables Holy Trinity to maximise its positive impact across Auckland. The return on this investment manifests in countless ways: support for vulnerable populations, enrichment programs for youth, community meals that address food insecurity, and spaces for groups that might otherwise lack meeting facilities.

Heritage Preservation Expertise

This cathedral stands as one of Auckland's architectural treasures. As does St Mary’s Church a beautiful building with a Historic Place Category 1 status. Maintaining such a structure requires specialised knowledge that Council's Heritage Advisory Panel provided.

From navigating complex consent processes to offering technical guidance on restoration projects, this partnership ensures proper preservation of our shared heritage. When earthquake strengthening became necessary, Council experts helped balance safety requirements with heritage protection, ensuring this magnificent space would remain both safe and authentic.

Emergency Response Coordination

Recent years have tested Auckland's resilience through multiple crises—from the COVID-19 pandemic to the devastating floods of 2023. Throughout these challenges, Holy Trinity became a vital community support centre, working in close coordination with Auckland Council.

While Council provided supplies and logistical support, it was your volunteers who created the human connection that truly made the difference. When people were at their most vulnerable, they found comfort and practical help within these walls.

This partnership extends beyond crisis response to preparation. Auckland Emergency Management's "Resilient Religious Communities" guide represents a collaborative approach to building community resilience—one that recognises religious leaders as essential partners in both emergency preparedness and response.

SHARED VALUES AND FUTURE COLLABORATION

The connection between Council, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and our wider community rests on fundamental shared values despite our different roles:

· A commitment to service to others

· A vision of holistic community wellbeing

· A responsibility to care for the vulnerable

· A stewardship of both our natural and built environments

· A desire to foster belonging and connection across differences

These values provide the foundation upon which our practical partnerships are built, allowing us to work together effectively even when specific approaches may differ.

CONCLUSION

As Auckland continues to grow and evolve, the relationship between Council and faith communities like Holy Trinity will remain vital. The challenges we face—housing affordability, climate adaptation, social cohesion in an increasingly diverse city—require all of our institutions working in harmony.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the work you do. Your commitment to this community creates the foundation that makes our city work. Council values these partnerships not just for what they accomplish, but for what they represent—people coming together across institutional boundaries to serve the common good.

Together, we're building an Auckland where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone thrives. This magnificent cathedral stands as both symbol and practical manifestation of that shared vision.

Thank you for your attention today, and for your continued partnership in making Auckland the world-class city we all know it can be.

This special place will always have my support.

Desley Simpson

Deputy Mayor of Auckland