The start of work to build Christchurch's cardboard cathedral has been marked with a sod turning ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
The $5 million structure will be built in Latimer Square as a temporary replacement for the Anglican Cathedral which is being demolished.
Designed by the Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban, the building will be made out of large cardboard tubes, timber beams and structural steel.
Mr Ban marked the start of the project by turning the first sod of soil on the new site.
He says there's nothing temporary about the building which should be strong enough for many generations to come.
Mr Ban says a similar cathedral he designed for the earthquake hit city of Kobe in 1995, is still being used today.
Construction will begin in five weeks.
It's hoped the cathedral will be completed in time for the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, in November.
Work starts to demolish cathedral tower
Work on bringing down the remains of the Christ Church Cathedral tower will be begin on Monday, making it safer for workers to retrieve stained glass windows and other heritage items.
Demolition of the city landmark began a month ago after the Anglican Church decided the cathedral was too badly damaged to repair.
Spokesperson Fiona Somerfield says what's left of the tower is very unsafe and at risk of falling.
She says once it's removed, the building will be reassessed for safety and workers should then be able to reach more of the cathedral's valuable windows.
Ms Somerfield says bringing the tower down is expected to take a week.
