saint mary's church

For the non-outdoorsy types there not a lot to see in this area so this beautiful little church is a must, even for the non-religious. While the outside is nothing unusual the inside is superb with lovely stained glass windows and superb Maori carvings and panel work throughout. It's clearly a much loved building and a credit to the local Ngati Porou people. Also of interest outside is the memorial to Sir Apirana Ngata and the war memorial just above the church. Well worth a ten minute stop for anyone driving through.

If you are driving the East Coast Highway, around the East Cape, this stop is a MUST. The church sits above the town, and from the outside it appears quite ordinary (seen one church - seen them all). But don't be fooled. Inside is the most amazing Maori decorations - wood carvings, woven wall panels, stained glass with Maori motives (one with a war services theme)and lots of hand made cushions on the pews. Entry is by gold coin donation inside the church. On Pukemaire Hill above the church is a statue, the Ngatiporou Maori Batallion Memorial. Very impressive. Nearby is the "Returned Services Association & Takeaway" where you can get a great toasted sandwich.

From the outside this appears to be a simple church however the carved entrance gate and memorial on the hill overlooking it provide indicators of it’s Maori origins. It's built on the site of an old Pa (or fort). We were met by some locals as we pulled into the side of the road outside and they indicated that the church was open in anticipation of a tour bus which was due to arrive for a visit and that we should feel free to go in. It’s an active place of worship but we weren’t sure of access so this was a piece of good fortune. Entry is free however donations are welcomed for its upkeep.Inside in contrast to the outside there is a tremendous amount of detail in the carvings and woven panels which are apparently amongst the finest examples of this type of work in New Zealand. There is also a stained glass window depicting two Maori soldiers looking up at Christ on the cross. The church was built in the 1920’s as a memorial to Maori soldiers who died during World War I (their names and those locals who died during World War II are recorded inside the church on a plaque). By chance we met the newly appointed pastor who was kind enough to explain some of the history of the church and about these decorative works to enable us to appreciate their meaning and significance to the Maori people.Outside we walked a little up the road and gained access to a very overgrown grass track on the left which leads up to the soldiers memorial overlooking the church itself and providing a great view of the surrounding area. Fortunately we were able to return to the car prior to the arrival of the tour group and completed our visit in the best of circumstances.http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/3306

I hadn't previously thought that churches in NZ were particularly interesting compared to Europe but this church is just amazing. There are intricately carved Maori carvings and taonga inside. There's a monument commemorating Sir Apirana Ngata out the front. A true 'nz' church and definitely worth a visit.