THE CHRIST CHURCH VISITOR CENTRE
NZ history is to be taught in all NZ schools and kura, and this Visitor Centre will be a place where some of that history can be displayed.
Wellington
The first settlers to come to NZ in an organised group, arrived in five ships on January 20th 1840. the first building of any substance they erected was this Church, built 12 years later. It is the oldest building in the Wellington region.
At present the church has to be heavily protected from vandals since it was nearly destroyed by a deliberately lit fire in the late 1980s. Regular tours are not possible
The new building will provide for a place for visitors to gather and to learn more about the church, and the local history it represents, and also to accommodate volunteer guides who can then provide tours of the church and graveyard. It will also provide space for small functions like weddings, and hospitality for visitors. School student visits will be free of charge .
There are some wonderful stories associated with this tiny church, one of the oldest in New Zealand. Te Rauparaha features in some, as does Honiana Te Puni, and Te Whiti O Rongomai, the Hero of Parihaka.
The settlers were a tough breed, and had to be to survive, but they were offered food, shelter and hospitality by the Tangata Whenua, including the whanau of Chief Manihera Matangi, whose grandfather signed te Tiriti O Waitangi, a staunch Christian and true friend of the early settlers who, with a number of his descendants, is buried in the churchyard.
About us
The Christ Church Taita has set up a trust to provide a Visitor Centre for this heritage taonga, built in 1854 by the first organised group of European settlers to come to NZ, who landed on Petone Beach in January 1840
Use of funds
The estimated cost to establish the Visitor Centre is $320,000.
Half of this sum has already been raised , consultation has taken place with affected parties, the design approved , and a Resource Consent issued by the local Council
Latest update
Update 8 March 2024
We are pleased to report that the Building is up and has been closed in.(see pics)
It has been a long hard road but after 7 years, Stage 1 of the project is at last a reality. It’s fair to say that there have been a few people who declared that it couldn’t be done and that has been a spur to our efforts. Our entire Stage 1 budget has now been spent .
Stage 2, the interior of the building has still to be started. We have exhausted all available funds and are looking for volunteers to continue the inside work
We remain hopeful, however that now the exterior is a visible reality, that potential donors will be to assist with Stage 2 will be found. . We have of course been working hard to this end for some months now. Please give if you are able *
We are particularly keen to reach out to those who would be willing and able to help with interior finishing semi-skilled activities like painting, and plastering, as well as trades work such as plumbing and electrical.**
THE STORY OF THE CHRIST CHURCH TAITA AND ITS TREATY LINKS.
The Secondary Schools curriculum has recently been amended to require the study of NZ history. The first group of European settlers brought to NZ under the auspices of the NZ Company arrived on Petone Beach in January 1840. They were made welcome and sheltered and fed by the people of Te Atiawa who had a pa at Horokiwi. The church was built in the early 1850's and a memorial to that event was erected on Petone beach in 1940, this being The Early Settlers Museum, Te Whare Whai Whakaaro O Pito-one)
The story of that generally amicable interaction deserves to be told. The church was nearly destroyed by a major fire in the early 1990's, thought to have been arson, and subsequent necessary security measures have meant it is not accessible to Visitors. The Centre will allow visitors and students of NZ history to undertake guided tours of the Church and Graveyard where lie numerous distinguished individuals, including Chief Manihera Matangi , who was a strong supporter of the settlers and whose father signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and noted NZ Church architect Frederick de Jersey Clere.
The land has been donated by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. Donors and Sponsors include the Lotteries Commission, the Hutt City Council, The T.G.McCarthy Trust, Pub Charity and a variety of local charitable trusts and generous private individuals.
*If you would care to give, please visit Givealittle.co.nz/the christ church taita visitor centre
**If you are able to help with manual tasks, please contact JOHN DAYSH jddaysh@gmail.com
(ENQUIRIES JOHN TERRIS jterris55@gmail.com)
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