The Archbishop of New Zealand, Reginald Herbert Owen, declared in 1958: "Every nation needs in its capital city a great church to express its belief in the things of the spirit".

However, the first project came to an end in 1855 after an earthquake hit Wellington, which highlighted the unsuitability of brick buildings in such an area.

[1] In July 1917, the diocesan synod approved preliminary plans drawn up by architect Frank Peck for an elaborate Gothic structure on the site.

After the 1931 Napier earthquake, the decision was made to construct the cathedral primarily out of reinforced concrete,[1] which was deemed to be more earthquake-resistant.

Wood was inspired by the Art Deco architecture of Southern California, and the neo-Byzantine-style of the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral, London.

Designed by the diocesan architect Frederick de Jersey Clere, the chapel was opened on its Paraparaumu site in 1905.

The windows were created by Whitefriars of London and depict figures and scenes such as the conversion of St Paul; Jacob, the patriarch who wrestled with an angel; Moses, the law giver; David the hero King; the nativity of Jesus; and Christ's crucifixion and the resurrection.

[14] The narthex (lobby) is separated from the rest of the nave by a wall consisting of glass panels depicting figures representing angels.

It was designed by Beverley Shore Bennett, a leading New Zealand stained-glass artist, and made by Roy Miller of Dunedin.

[16] Although plans for a military chapel had been abandoned during construction, the cathedral authorities did allow for the installation of three sets of memorial windows in the Sanctuary—allocating two lancets each to the Army, Navy and Air Force.

[17] The four remaining windows were designed by New Zealand artist Howard Malitte and adapted for stained-glass by Brian Thomas.

[17] They stand on either side of the organ loft, with the memorial tablet placed on the wall to the left of the Bishop's cathedra ("The two windows above this tablet were installed by serving and former members of the New Zealand Army to commemorate those who have served in the New Zealand Army at home and abroad since the foundation of our country…").

They were dedicated in memory of the men and women who lost their lives in the navies and merchant services of the Commonwealth during the two world wars.

The centre panel depicts the Risen Christ; the two side sections contain symbols used in historic Christian art.

The base is decorated with four silver panels of cherubim; the cover depicts a dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit which descended on Christ after his baptism.

In October 2018, a replacement digital organ, a Viscount Regent Classic, was installed in place of the old one; it features four manuals, 85 stops and 42 speakers.