The Bishop of Christchurch has defended the decision to demolish the Anglican Cathedral, saying the church had to ensure the safety of people.
Bishop Matthews announced on Friday afternoon that walls of the Cathedral will be pulled down to two to three metres so heritage items can be saved until a decision is made about a new cathedral.
The building was seriously damaged during the earthquake in February last year and has been cordoned off ever since.
The Bishop says the decision was made after wide consultation and was agreed to by church property trustees.
But the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund says the church is being too hasty.
Chair Anna Crighton says the consultation process should have included the people of Christchurch since the Cathedral is of such importance to the city.
She says some international experts in building conservation offered advice and were turned away.
