Taking a closer look

Three people are lifted into position by mobile crane to undertake a preventive maintenance inspection of First Church, Dunedin, yesterday.

Church minister the Rev Tokerau Joseph said some further earthquake-strengthening work had been undertaken inside the church earlier this year, and yesterday’s activity was focused on the exterior, to ensure that it remained safe. 

Dr Joseph said all churches needed regular preventive maintenance, and the mobile crane had been used to help with the checks because "safety is very important". 

"We’re doing our best to maintain the church," he said.