Christchurch's cardboard cathedral

Christchurch has opened a temporary cathedral in a city square, to replace the iconic structure that was lost in the 2011 quake.

The building cost about $7 million and has been put together with cardboard tubes, covered with waterproofing and fire retardants.

A Japanese architect designed the temporary structure, which was inspired by the Japanese tradition of paper houses in earthquake zones.

The new building was opened last night and is expected to be in use for 10 years until the replacement, traditional cathedral is built.