A Swiss expert on earthquake recovery says the demolition of the Anglican cathedral in Christchurch is a horrendous mistake.
Demolition of the city's most important symbol began three weeks ago after the Anglican Church decided the building was too badly damaged to be repaired.
Global Risk Forum chief scientist David Alexander says the cathedral is a symbol for the whole city and Christchurch risks losing its sense of place and identity if it is demolished.
Professor Alexander says the continuity of historical heritage is extremely important and Canterbury people will regret the cathedral's demolition for generations.
He says the building can be saved and it's in a far better state than others such as one in Venzone, Italy, which was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1976.
He says the 13th Century building was rebuilt stone by stone over 20 years with extra earthquake reinforcing to ensure it was safe.
Professor Alexander says the cathedral's designer, George Gilbert Scott, was the pre-eminent architect in Victorian London, which makes the building a world heritage site.
He has no doubt that money could be raised overseas to help preserve it.
