Christchurch City Councillors say they were blindsided by news of a $400,000 restoration project for the Chalice sculpture in Cathedral Square, with some calling the cost “outrageous” and “impossible” to justify during a cost-of-living crisis.
The 18-metre artwork, designed by Neil Dawson to mark the Millennium and the 150th anniversary of Canterbury, is undergoing its first full makeover since being installed in 2001.
The work includes a complete repaint, repairs to corrosion, and upgraded lighting, and scaffolding, as restoration gets underway.
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Chrislynchmedia.com has asked for a breakdown of costs. Several elected members have questioned both the price tag and the timing.
Harewood Councillor Aaron Keown said he was unaware the Chalice needed any restoration.
Harewood Councillor Aaron Keown
“It looks the same as always to me. Spending $400,000 on this is a nice-to-have. To be honest, $200 worth of Wet & Forget and a hose once a year should do the job. I found out about the project through Chris Lynch Media,” Keown said.
Current Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter
Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter said “I note that this figure includes the cost of works required to do the repairs like scaffolding, which we know is not cheap, and the dismantling of some of the sculpture for repair off site, ( and of course re assembly).
“Costs also include changing the spotlighting to LED lighting ( which will reduce operational costs going forward). There is always a cost to Art installations, and the whole of life cost would have been factored into signing off the Chalis at the time of approval so there will be no impact on future rates.”
Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt said “I was unaware of the project and while I support the restoration project – it’s hard to justify the spend.
“I wouldn’t support it being taken down as it’s a part of the city – but a staged approach (like we do with many projects) would be more pragmatic considering the current economic climate the city is navigating. 400k seems exorbitant to restore the piece and we will be getting more details on the breakdown soon and I look forward to seeing it.”
Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt
Christchurch Central Councillor Jake McLellan
Halswell Councillor Andrei Moore
Fendalton Councillor James Gough said Absolutely not. Spending up to $400,000 on a repaint and refurbishment is completely unjustifiable – especially when ratepayers are already struggling with unsustainable rate increases in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” Gough said.
“This is the definition of a ‘nice to have’ – and an outrageously expensive one at that. I appreciate the Chalice is iconic, but let’s not pretend repainting it belongs anywhere near the top of the priority list right now. Ratepayers have every right to be furious.”
Fendalton Ward Councillor James Gough
Gough said he first became aware of the project costs through a Christchurch City Council Facebook post.
“How anyone managed to write that with a straight face is beyond me. This decision completely misses the mark for what the priorities for the city should be.”
Banks Peninsular Councillor Tyrone Fields was also unaware of the costings until approached by chrislynchmedia.com.
“First I’ve heard of it. Not a priority for me, but do we let it rust, or what? It’s not really the elephant in the Square anyway. I’m keen for a working bee,” Fields said.
Councillor Tyrone Fields
Richmond Community advocate Hayley Guglietta said “What I would like to understand is why the (Christchurch City Council) communications team haven’t read the room? Why put this story out in the first place when the sentiment currently is rates are too high and also putting the poor artist in such an uncomfortable position.”
Waimari Councillor Sam MacDonald said “the cost seems excessive in a time where ratepayers are facing massive pressures.
“I have asked for a full breakdown of the costs. This sadly is a reflection on the reality that Mayor Phil Mauger does not have the numbers around the table, when we have attempted to request line by line cost saving reviews we have been voted down since 2022.”
City Councillor Sam MacDonald
Christchurch East MP Reuben Davidson said, “I think it does seem like a lot on first glance, but when you look at the fact that it’s restoration for the first time in 25 years, and also that there’s additional and better contemporary lighting being added, I think that… I mean, I wouldn’t want to see this much being spent on it every year, but if it’s another 25 years until we need to spend that kind of money, I think it’s good for us to have some good public art, and it’s good to have something in the Square restored and looking good.”
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said, “I’m quite surprised. I think it’s bordering on a bit tone deaf. Considering the Christchurch City Council is struggling to keep its rates increase less than double figures, and I think most people will look at this, and maybe on its own, and I understand Reuben’s point, but they’ll start to look at this like a lightning rod moment to say, well, if you’re going to spend almost half a million dollars on cleaning up this art sculpture, what else is going on within the Budget, and what else has been spent on these nice-to-haves?
“Because really the councils do need to get back to basics, and people want to see their rates kept to an absolute minimum, as you point out, in a cost-of-living crisis. The real concern from ratepayers is if they’re going to fork out half a million for this, what else are they spending on that maybe shouldn’t be spent at this point in time?” Doocey said.
Former Christchurch City Councillor Claudia Reid, who served from 2007 to 2013 and was involved in various community and heritage projects, said, “Public art, like public roads, public parks, and even public stadiums, needs to be maintained.”
Despite the criticism, Christchurch City Council said the restoration work is necessary to preserve the structure, which has required minimal maintenance over the past two decades.
The project is expected to be completed by July 2025.
