Aspiring work

Scaffolding soars at First Church of Otago, Dunedin, yesterday as a Bramwell Scaffolding Ltd crew continues its work.

First Church minister the Rev Dr Tokerau Joseph said some  structural repairs were  undertaken last year, and the latest work was focused on earthquake-strengthening "part of the spire".

It was hoped to complete this by the end of the year.

The church was an "iconic building" highly valued not only by Dunedin people but also by a stream of overseas visitors.

He realised  people were "going to  be wanting to come and appreciate" the church.

"We do want them to be able to do it."

The aim was to protect the church and all of its visitors both now and in the future, he said.