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Registration Type
Historic Place Category 1
Register Number
99
Date Registered
2-Jul-1987
Legal Description
Lots 1-2 DP 184578 (CTs NA115B/292, NA115B/293), North Auckland Land District
Extent of Registration
Extent includes the land described as Lots 1-2 DP 184578 (CTs NA115B/292, NA115B/293), North Auckland Land District, and the building known as St-Matthew's-in-the-City Church (Anglican) thereon, and its fittings and fixtures. Registration excludes a large car parking building on the site but includes the land beneath it.
City/District Council
Auckland Council (Auckland City Council)
Region
Auckland Region
Historical Significance
The present St Matthew's is the third church on the site. The church has for many years ministered to the needs of inner city Auckland. The church which can hold 1200 people is noted for its music, notably the St Matthew's Bach Cantata Choir and the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra. As its name suggests, the church acts as a week-day church serving the needs of many different people living and working in the centre of cosmopolitan Auckland.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
St Matthew's-in-the-City is one of the finest Gothic Revival stone churches in New Zealand and is situated on an elevated site at the intersection of two important inner city streets. The building was designed by a famous firm of English architects and is notable for its magnificent stone interior with vaulted ceiling. The latter is regarded as the finest example of stone vaulting in New Zealand.
TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE
The massive proportions and soaring lines of the church help give it prominence on its elevated central city site. The tower of the church is a familiar landmark for many Aucklanders.
Construction Professionals
Notable Features
A stone from the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury is placed in the north west pillar near the transept. The 1300 year old stone has the cross of St Andrew carved on it. Another feature is a peal of eight bells from Bishops' Court, Parnell which had been presented to Bishop Selwyn.
Construction Dates
- Original Construction: 1905 (circa)
Construction Details
Oamaru stone
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.
Information on
this page is correct to the best of the Trust's knowledge. If you have any additional
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