[2] In 1904, William Harrop, a prominent Dunedin businessman, died and left the bulk of his estate to fund a new cathedral.

The first in a series of plans and modifications were submitted by Sedding and Wheatly, an architectural company based in England.

Huge foundations, large piers and a tremendous vaulted ceiling, the only one in stone in New Zealand, rose from the ground, forming the new cathedral's nave.

[2] Social work featured prominently at this time, with the synodsmen, vestry and church leaders all publicly opposed to the government's Depression policies.

Shortly after the Second World War, St Paul's suffered the loss of Dean Cruickshank, who moved to the Diocese of Waiapu, and of Victor Galway.

In the 1950s the vestry made the important, though difficult, decision that it wouldn't complete the cathedral to its original design.

The dean suggested that ways be examined to link an extension to the existing structure, and the vestry agreed to investigate the possibilities.

On 11 August 2020 a fire broke out in the roof of the new chancel[3] causing substantial damage to the apse and the Raphael Hall beneath.

Work on the restoration of the roof, along with the reinstatement of the sanctuary, and the installation of a new organ console, is underway and expected to be completed in 2023, as the first part of a wider redevelopment plan to make the Cathedral more welcoming and accessible to worshippers and visitors.

St Paul's sits within the Liberal Anglo-Catholic tradition, with the observance of festivals often including the use of incense, the practice of the seven sacraments of the Church, full and colorful celebrations of Holy Week, Easter and Christmas, a Requiem Mass for the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed at All Souls, and services of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

"[8] In 2020, the Dean was a signatory to the Global Interfaith Commission declaration on LGBTQ+ lives,[9] and in 2022, the Cathedral hosted the Dunedin Pride Church Service.

[10] St Paul's Cathedral has a notable history of church music and the choir is known for its high performance standards and wide repertoire.

The choir also takes part in concerts and tours throughout the year, and has featured on broadcasts for Radio New Zealand alongside recordings for both national and local television.

St Paul's Cathedral's organ was built in 1919 by Henry Willis III in London and was installed the following year.