Dannevirke's beautiful historic St John the Baptist Anglican Church has always been admired by those travelling along High St, now the sight of the church disappearing under a plastic wrap means even more curious stares.
The shrink-wrapping of the church is the first stage in a $400,000 roof replacement and earthquake strengthening project which will save the church from the vagaries of the weather.
The building work to be carried out by Dannevirke company Morris and Bailey will save the building and its interior from the rain.
Leaks have been a huge problem, the Reverend Jo Crosse the vicar of Southern Hawke's Bay has said.
The current sanctuary and chancel were erected and consecrated in 1935, replacing an 1888 wooden structure, but over the past few years the leaking roof has led to parts of the church interior deteriorating, so the vestry is undertaking a major fundraising effort to pay for the much-needed work.