Uncertain future
A large group of Taumarere Valley residents are fighting to keep the Saint Andrews Church in the area.
Around 30 locals have met with Elizabeth Ludbrook who is spearheading a request to move the church to Paihia.
Ludbrook, who is part of the Paihia Haven of History Charitable Trust, has put in a request to the Te Tai Tokerau Pastorate to move the church from its current site at Taumarere near Kawakawa to the Paihia Mission Village.
Ludbrook is a descendant of Henry Williams who built the church in 1874, originally in Paihia.
It was floated by barge and assembled where it now sits in 1925.
It was gifted to the people of Taumarere, which was once a bustling village.
Robert Goodhue’s great grandfather Charles S Goodhue was involved with the transportation of the building.
He says the church was gifted to the Goodhue’s and to the area and it can not be taken back.
Saint Andrews gets used for services and special occasions and the site is maintained by local residents, Robert says.
‘‘My own view is that the church is part of the community.
‘‘I realise congregations are getting smaller but there is a huge love for the church and it needs to be preserved in its community.’’
Resident Melanie Uren has written a letter to the bishop on behalf of Taumarere Valley and Kawakawa.
‘‘It’s such a huge part of the community’s history and to see it uplifted would be devastating for most people.’’
Anglican Minister Bill Cherrington says the church is a landmark and an ‘‘icon’’ of the valley.
Elizabeth Ludbrook says she
‘‘My own view is that the church is part of the community’’
Robert Goodhue
doesn’t know the future of the church as that decision lies with Te Tai Tokerau Pastorate.
‘‘I understand their pain and when you have people’s hearts involved it’s an added thing.’’
Paihia Haven of History Charitable Trust President Anna Wilson says Saint Andrews is one of many buildings they have asked to have at their Paihia site.
‘‘We have nothing to gain, it’s just an idea and it’s very dear to our hearts.’’
A petition has been launched. Visit https://www.change.org
❚ Where do you think the church should be located? Email jenny.ling@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or have your say on Neighbourly.