Anglican church leaders have backed a contemporary design to replace the damaged cathedral in Christchurch.
Theor options are: restoring the building, replacing it with a timber building in a similar style, or using a different, more modern design.
Church spokesperson, Reverend Jayson Rhodes, said a synod on Saturday (attended by more than 220 people) gave almost unanimous support for the contemporary option.
That option is likely to cost $74 million.
Bishop Victoria Matthews, asked the synod for a non-binding show of hands.
A few hands were raised for the traditional option, and none for the restoration option which is estimated to cost $220 million.
Mr Rhodes said there have been 1400 online submissions about the proposals and a decision from church trustees is due in the middle of May.
