Two Christchurch MPs, from opposite sides of the political spectrum, have backed a proposal to scrap the ratepayer-funded levy for the cathedral now that the project has been mothballed.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger first raised the idea with chrislynchmedia.com saying continuing to collect funds for a stalled project “no longer makes sense.” The $6.50 annual levy, introduced under former mayor Lianne Dalziel’s administration, was designed to help raise $10 million for the restoration of the cathedral.

Ilam MP Hamish Campbell supported the mayor’s proposal, calling it a “sensible” approach given the circumstances. “I would have liked to see the cathedral rebuilt, but I appreciate the challenges around that,” Campbell said. “If the project is going to be mothballed, it seems a little bit ridiculous to keep asking people for money for it.”

He added, “It may only be a small amount, but as the saying goes, if you look after the pennies, the pounds will follow. We need to treat ratepayers and taxpayers with respect and ensure every dollar we collect is spent wisely.”

Dr. Tracey McLellan, a Labour List MP for Banks Peninsula, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability. “The levy was hypothecated for the cathedral, and if that’s not going to happen, then it’s important for ratepayers to know their elected officials will stop unnecessary expenses at the first opportunity,” McLellan said.

She called the proposal a “sensible suggestion” from Mayor Mauger, adding, “Ratepayers shouldn’t have to worry about something strange happening behind the scenes with their money.”

Mauger said  “now that the cathedral’s on pause or mothballed, why are we still collecting money for it?” He proposed stopping the levy immediately and depositing the remaining funds into a bank account to earn interest.