Heritage campaigners fear an inner-city Auckland church is in imminent danger of demolition because the building needs considerable renovation to bring it up to earthquake safety standards.
St David's Presbyterian Church needs repair to meet safety standards. Photo: RNZ / Joanna MacKenzie
The group Friends of St David's Presbyterian Church say the building on Khyber Pass Road has national significance but could face demolition by the end of the year.
But the minister and the congregation say they are still exploring various options for the church's future.
Friends of St David's Presbyterian Church spokesperson Paul Baragwanath said not enough investigation had been done into strengthening the 87-year-old church.
He said the building had a special place in Auckland's history and culture and that needed to be preserved.
The minister, Reverend Doug Lendrum, said more information needed to be gathered about the building's safety and what repair work needed to be done before its future could be decided.
"We are aware that this building, being a brick building, after the Christchurch earthquakes, is considered by authorities as being one at possible risk.
"We've yet to determine the level of risk and that will guide our decision as to what path we take."
Mr Lendrum said the congregation was considering various options for the building's future, one of which was demolition.
He said other options were to build a school on the site or sell the land.