Registration Type
Historic Place Category 1
Register Number
3306
Date Registered
28-Jun-1990
Legal Description
Tikitiki A18 Blk VI Waiapu SD
City/District Council
Gisborne District
Region
Gisborne Region
Summary
DESCRIPTION:
St Mary's Church, which was dedicated in 1926 is a memorial to the Maori soldiers of the East Coast who fell during the First World War. It is of great spiritual and historical significance to the people of Ngati Porou.
The church also commemorates the establishment of Christianity in Waiapu and the East Coast. Taumata-a-Kura of Ngati Porou had been captured in the early [1820s] by a Ngapuhi war party and taken by them in enslavement to the Bay of Islands. After several years he escaped and came under the protection of the Missionaries, by whom he was taught to read and write, and was introduced to Christianity. In 1834 he returned to Waiapu and introduced the Christian gospel to his people. It was not until after this that William Williams formally established a mission on the East Coast.
St Mary's is one of the great decorated buildings of Ngati Porou whose building was inspired and directed by Apirana T. Ngata, as part of his endeavours to restore knowledge of traditional arts and crafts and traditional values to his people. Ngata was a dynamic and revered leader of the Maori people, and especially of his Ngati Porou people, throughout the first half of the twentieth century.
The foundation stone of St Mary's was laid in 1924 and the building was dedicated in 1926.
Historical Significance
St Mary's Church is one of such great significance to the Ngati Porou people that it is referred to as their Cathedral. It commemorates the establishment of Christianity on the East Coast, it is a memorial to the local Maori dead of World War I and it is a personal tribute to Sir Apirana Ngata.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY:
The exterior of St Mary's Church is relatively simple in design although the entry porch has received special attention. In contrast, the interior of the church is one of the most elaborate and ornate Maori carved buildings in New Zealand. The decorative kowhaiwhai and tukutuku artwork is executed in traditional materials to traditional design, and the designs are carried over to the new medium of glass in the windows. The quality and innovative use of stained glass is one of the glories of the church.
TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK VALUE:
The church stands on a hillside overlooking State highway 35. It has considerable landmark qualities in its setting on its prominent elevated site.
Construction Professionals
Notable Features
Registration covers the entire building, its fixtures and finishes. It also includes recent modifications.
The carving and decoration of the interior.
Construction Dates
- Other:
- Original Construction: 1924 (circa) - 1926 (circa)
- Modification: 1989 (circa)
- Modification: 2001 (circa) - 2002 (circa)
Construction Details
Concrete piles and foundation wall; timber framing with lapped weatherboards; roof of corrugated galvanised iron.
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.
Report Written By
Martin Jones
Report Completed
2-Feb-2002
Information on
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