A Māori Christmas?

This post is based on some of my memories of Christmas during the 1960's and 1970's, and a bit of history. Is there a traditional Māori Christmas? In my opinion, there isn't. Christmas was introduced to New Zealand with Christianity.

The first Christmas sermon was delivered at Hohi (Oihi), Bay of Islands in 1814 by Samuel Marsden, a Church of England priest, and a member of the Church Missionary Society. Marsden believed that because Māori were experienced in trade they were perfect candidates for conversion to Christianity. Marsden explained that as Māori understood trade, this was a ‘key aspect in terms of accepting European ideals and beliefs’.

The natives of New Zealand are far advanced in civilisation and apparently prepared for receiving the knowledge of Christianity more than any savage nations I have seen. Their habits of industry are very strong; and their thirst for knowledge great, they only want the means. The more I see of these people, the more pleased I am with…they appear like a superior race of men”

Claudia Orange, The story of a treaty, p. 14

Marsden's first sermon however didn’t seem to captivate Maori who were, “clearly in a position of strength, so there seemed little reason for them to heed the new message”. This service marked the beginnings of the Christian mission to New Zealand, but there is a question over whether it was the first Christmas service.

Samuel Marsden preaching at Oihi Bay, Christmas 1814, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 7-A1818.

Clark, Russell Stuart Cedric, 1905-1966. Clark, Russell Stuart 1905-1966 :Samuel Marsden's first service in New Zealand. The Gospel of Jesus Christ first proclaimed on these shores by the Rev. Samuel Marsden at Oihi, Bay of Islands, Christmas Day, 1814 [Christchurch] N.Z. Church Missionary Society [1964]. Ref: B-077-006. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

My Māori Christmas 

The fondest memory I have around Christmas time is hearing dad saying, "the Pohutukawa is blooming, time to get some kina (sea urchins)". The Pohutukawa tree is also known as the 'Settlers Christmas Tree'. It's bright red blooms are not only visually stunning but have been mentioned as being used by Ngāpuhi leader, Eruera Patuone as part of the table decorations at a feast he hosted. Another staple of Christmas was the preparation of and enjoying a hāngi. Sir Peter Buck describes a hāngi as an earth oven with heated stones and a covering of earth. I remember that the meat cooked in the hāngi was tender, the vegetables tasty and the pudding delicious. Christmas was a time where I enjoyed helping in the preparation of food, watching my father make the hāngi, shell the kina and spending time with my whānau. Okay it was slightly about the presents as well but that's another story.

Image: Melanie Lovell-Smith, Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand 

This post was written by Ani Sharland with thanks to New Zealand History Online, Te Ara: the encyclopedia of New Zealand, The Coming of the Māori by Sir Peter Buck and The Alexander Turnbull Library.

Christmas in Japan

Christmas is a western tradition that has developed in Japan and gained popularity over the past few decades.

In Japan, Christmas is more about spreading happiness rather than recognising the religious aspects of the holiday.

Christmas Eve is a special occasion when couples spend time together and exchange presents - looking at the Christmas lights and having a meal at a restaurant are popular ways to spend the evening. Christmas Eve in Japan is often seen to as the Japanese version of Valentine's Day.

The western custom of sending and receiving Christmas cards is a tradition adopted in Japan. It is not surprising for a country that is known for its beautiful origami paper art, to have designed some of the most beautiful Christmas cards as well.

A selection of Japanese Christmas cards on display
at Te Aka Mauri Rotorua Library, Christmas 2019

Tokyo Disneyland is a popular destination for families to visit during the festive season to experience a Disney-style Christmas.

Another American corporation that is associated with Christmas is KFC. Fried chicken is often eaten on Christmas Day. KFC is a popular choice, following a successful advertising campaign in the 1970s. People will preorder meals KFC weeks in advance.

A traditional Christmas food is kurisumasu keki, a Japanese Christmas cake. This sponge cake is decorated with strawberries, frosting, and whipped cream. The red, white, and circular shape shares the same symbolism as the Japanese flag - the crimson red symbolising the sun and representing a prosperous future for Japan. The white background symbolises purity, honesty and integrity of the Japanese people.

Japanese Christmas Cake. Source: Flickr,
Attribution-NoDervis 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

As many of the Christmas traditions in Japan have western origins many Japanese living in New Zealand will continue to enjoy the same Christmas traditions here.

To learn more about how Japan and other cultures celebrate Christmas visit whychristmas.com 

Meri Kurisumasu!


This blog post was written by Graeme.

Christmas in the Netherlands

Vrolijk Kersfeest!

Midwinter Hoornblazen

Rural eastern areas of the country celebrate different Christmas traditions in the Netherlands. In addition to Sinterklaas Avond celebrations, this area is well known for the midwinter hoornblazen, or midwinter horn blowing. Handmade horns, three- or four-foot horns carved from birch or elder saplings, are blown over wells to announce Advent and herald the birth of Christ. The low tone produced from these horns resonating over the wells can be heard for several miles, and it is not unusual for several farms to seem to call to one another with their horns.

In some areas, these horns may be blown each day of Advent, or they may be reserved for the first or last days of the spiritual celebration

Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day

December 25, known as Eerste Kerstdag, is still a holiday in the Netherlands. But since most gift-giving is done on Sinterklaas Avond, this day is a time for quiet church services and traditional family meals. Christmas Day is a time for family gatherings and delicious meals, including special breakfasts and formal dinners that include the food gourmetten. Santa Claus (Kerstman) is believed to come from Finland on Christmas Eve and deliver small gifts (but most of the major gift-giving has already been done on St. Nicholas Eve).

Food : A key element of many holiday celebrations, including Christmas in the Netherlands. Candy wreaths often decorate trees, and small treats may be given with gifts. Lavish dinners on Sinterklaas Avond typically include venison or roast goose, roast pork, vegetables, and homemade breads. Boiled chestnuts, fruit, an almond paste bread (kerststol) similar to marzipan, and cookies are also popular. Many families bake letter cakes shaped like the first letter of each family member's name to add a personal and tasty dish to the holiday fare. Currant buns and rich breads with fruit and nuts (stollen) are also popular.

From : https://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Christmas_Traditions_in_the_Netherlands

Christmas in the Netherlands Fact #5 – While most Europeans begin celebrating Christmas on December 1st, the Dutch begin the first Saturday after November 11th when Sinterklaas arrives on a boat from Spain. 

Christmas in the Netherlands Fact #7 – Instead of a sleigh pulled by reindeer, Sinterklaas rides a white horse named Amerigo.

Dutch Christmas Fact #13 – Nearly everyone receives a large, chocolate letter of their first initial in their wooden shoes from Sinterklaas.

Dutch Christmas Fact #16 – A thick, brandy-spiked variation of eggnog called Advocaat is often served over the holidays.

From : https://everydaywanderer.com/christmas-in-the-netherlands

From : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas

A very scrummy treat to try : 

From  https://www.weekendbakery.com/posts/our-perfect-christmas-stollen/

Ingredients for Stollen

Makes 1 stollen of about 800 g

250 g all purpose flour (we use French type 55)

135 g lukewarm milk*

7 g instant yeast or 21 g fresh yeast

5.5 g salt

1 egg yolk

40 g butter, softened

15 g ‘sweetener'(orange and lemon zest sugar)

180 g dried fruits equal parts, raisins, currants, cranberries, soaked and dried

150 g almond paste combined with 1/2 a small egg or one egg yolk 

melted butter for brushing

icing sugar for dusting

I have bought this treat for several years from the supermarket so it's also available for those who are domestically challenged ( i.e. Can't cook that is :))

Here in Rotorua the "Netherlands Society" celebrates Sinterklaas Avond together every year at the beginning of December. To see how our Dutch community makes Christmas special follow them on their Facebook page 

The society has been running here in Rotorua for over 50 years Netherlands Society

You can also read about the Netherlands in a Lonely Planet Guide by Nicola Williams. This book can be found on the 1st Floor Adult Non-Fiction Collection, at 949.2 TRA 2019

or you could read some newsletters published by the local society "Geyser News" which is found in the Don Stafford Room on the 2nd Floor.

Our Christmas Display on the 2nd Floor has items loaned to us by Abbey one of our lovely staff members who has shared some of her own items from the Netherlands.

This Post compiled by Alison

Christmas in the Czech Republic

New Zealand is inhabited with people from cultures all around the world, and inevitably traditions from "home" will be brought to the new land. Often the traditions are altered to become a fusion of Kiwi culture and what was celebrated back "home".

One of the staff at Te Aka Mauri originates from the Czech Republic, and she has kindly shared how Christmas was celebrated as she grew up. She has been fortunate in being able to take her children back to the  Czech Republic to experience Christmas there and so shares this plus what she's brought to this new land.

The first Sunday in December is the beginning of Advent and the first candle on the Advent wreath is lit. Each Sunday in December another candle is lit so by Christmas Day, the candles are all at different lengths. This is one tradition she has brought to New Zealand.

Throughout the month of December mums get busy baking, not just a Christmas cake but as many variety of vanocni cukovi (small sweet treats) as they can. In fact it can be a bit of a competition. Because it is so cold, they are often stored in boxes out on the balcony until Christmas Day.

On the 5th Dec, there is a knock at the door and St Mikulas appears at the door to discuss the children's behaviour. He is accompanied by a devil and an angel. The devil often "threatens" the children but the angel intervenes. Those who've been good receive chocolate, those who've been naughty, are given a potato. The family used to visit the Czech school in Tauranga to participate in this day.

St Mikulas with an angel and the devil check children's behaviour

Christmas markets also begin on the first Sunday in Advent. Often a life-size nativity is set up in the town square where the markets occur. As the month progresses Nativity plays are also performed, along with music and choir events.

The Nativity set up in the town square where the markets take place.

The outdoor Nativity play

The fisherman begin to arrive with their big barrels of carp to sell at the markets as well. About two days before Christmas, the carp is selected by the family, brought home and placed in the bath! This will be a central part of the Christmas Day menu.

The carp in the bath!

Christmas Day is celebrated on 24th December. First thing Christmas morning the carp is killed and turned into steaks and fish soup. No one has breakfast.  Along with creating a fish soup, furniture is re-arranged with tables joined together so everyone will be able to sit together for the mid-day meal. The family then heads off for the Christmas morning church service. Something they still do here in New Zealand.

The menu begins with a small plate of lentils. Hidden under each plate is a fish scale, which is popped in your wallet to signify you'll have money in the New Year. Next comes the fish soup, a light garlicky soup made from the head, bones and internal organs of the carp. Battered or crumbed carp steaks are then served with homemade potato salad.

Fish soup. Note the Advent wreath in the centre of the table

Here in New Zealand, the menu is still fish and home-made potato salad, with all the family around joined-together tables.

Modified Czech Christmas Day lunch for the New Zealand summer

At this point there's a break. Children may perform a concert or recital for grandparents, but often the children are also taken outside.

Afternoon ice-skating

 It could be to go ice-skating, playing in the snow, building snowmen or a visit to the nearby woods to decorate trees with carrots and apples for the animals.

Decorating a tree for the animals

While this is going on, other adults in the family are moving a decorated Christmas Tree and the presents into the living room. When a bell rings, everyone can enter. Now is when the mothers, grandmothers and aunties special sweet treats come out.

Vanocni cukovi (small sweet treats)

Finally the day finishes with everyone attending Midnight Mass.

Twelve days after Christmas, the Three Kings visit and write on each door with chalk their initials K+M+B (Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar) and the year, e.g.2020. At this point the Christmas Tree is taken down and thrown out. Christmas is over for another year.

This blog is written by Trish with thanks to Kristina and her family for sharing their memories and photos.

Book reviews - celebrating Rotorua's history

This week we review some gems in our collection, which celebrate Rotorua's history and people.

100 years of Rotorua / by Ian Rockel

This book was published in 1979 by then Rotorua Museum director Ian Rockel, ahead of the 1980 Rotorua Centenary.

Rockel divides the book into sections looking at various aspects of Rotorua's history including growth, tourism, industry, forestry, people, construction, transport, government, farming, church, and the district's founding settlers.

The book also features over 150 photographs illustrating the history of Rotorua's first 100 years.

This book can be found on the 1st Floor,
NZ History / Travel and 2nd Floor Rotorua Heritage at 993.423Z ONE

This book review was written by Graeme


The Parish of Rotorua, 1889-1989: 100 years by St Luke's Church, Rotorua

This book was published to celebrate 100 years of St Luke's Anglican Church in Rotorua. The cover shows the original St Luke's (circa. 1905) and the replacement St Luke's which opened in 1975.

Beginning with  a brief history of early missionaries in Rotorua, the book then contains snapshots of events and meeting minutes, celebrating the years. Photographs illustrate throughout.

Features of the "new" church are described, along with a list of the vicars who had served over the 100 years.

The book concludes with a look to the future, and the centennial programme for the for the week long celebrations.

This book can be found on the 2nd Floor, in the Don Stafford Room
 in the Rotorua Heritage Collection at 289.93 PAR

This book review was written by Trish

City of Rotorua Museum and Arts Centre / published by Rotorua City Council c.1969?

This booklet was published to showcase the new museum which opened officially on the 1^st November 1969.

Their aims for this museum were ‘to reflect the background and perhaps foretell the future of this vibrant district’

‘It has been established and is supported entirely by the Rotorua City Council in the belief that such an institution is a pre-requisite to the cultural maturity of a growing city’

The booklet shows the grandeur of the Bath House in black & white photographs and describes the very first exhibitions.  At this time the Art Gallery was in a small corner of the museum and was managed by the Rotorua Society of Arts.

Don Stafford, here pictured as curator of the Museum : With thanks to the Daily Post
for this article published in 'Picture Post' July 1969 pg. 15

The Government Gardens / Philip Andrews c2005

This colourful and informative book was written by local historian Mr Phil Andrews. His introduction sets the scene with this description of the land before it became the Government Gardens that we know and love today.  It was described as “dreary, swampy, scrubby place… a howling wilderness”

The Fenton Agreement which was signed in 1880 was debated and negotiated between the Te Komiti Nui o Rotorua (The Great Committee) and Judge Fenton on behalf of the government of the day. 

Phil gives us a readable history of each of the many features and buildings of the gardens and throughout this book there are photographs of what it once was and how it was in c2005 as photographed mostly by John Wheadon. 

The older photographs and postcards were supplied from various sources as noted with each image.  Phil includes aerial photographs which show the location of each historical feature in the gardens and also the wider Sanatorium Reserve Sites.

A number of the features, buildings and memorials have been restored to their original pristine state, with the Bath House still awaiting earthquake strengthening and upgrade of the buildings most historic features. 

Photo by Alison Leigh 2013

These book reviews written by Alison

The Pride of a Century: the Daily Post centennial issue, August 28, 1980

Stories are amazing and can instil in the listener or reader a sense of tradition and history. For this writer, my imagination was stimulated. I was able to see through the lens of story-telling the pride that local people have in their place, their town, their city. The issue is more the development of a township with its history of tourism and unique thermal attractions. The stories reflect a sense of pride in the people and events that shaped this place, Rotorua. Some highlights include a historical timeline spanning 630 years from the discoveries of Ihenga to the amalgamated local government body, The Rotorua District Council. One of my favourites I have to stay are the stories of the development of transport from the horse drawn to horse powered. There was one advertisement that brought back memories of the 80s and the 'big hair' fashion trend. Thank you to the "Hair Shop and Rodneys Hairdressing Salons".

Features of the issue:

• Thermal nurseries - garden centre
• Two Miss New Zealand's - Maureen Waaka 1962, Linda Ritchie 1971
• The creation of the township of Rotorua and local government
• Memories of how the town has changed through the eyese of local people
• Notable people in Rotorua's history: Rotohiko Haupapa, Guide Rangi, Roger Dansey
• Advertisements such as, "Aunt Janet's Prize Baking Flour"
• The land wars
• The growth at Ohinemutu
• Introducing electricity
• Congratulations from local businesses
• Te Arawa Maori Trust Board created as a result of the Tamihana Korokai vs The Solicitor General case
• Sports
• One of Rotorua's oldest drapery firms, The Gardner Group
• Tourism - unique thermal attractions i.e. pink & white terraces, thermal pools, geysers
• Mokoia Island history
• Whakarewarewa
• Transport
• The eruption
• The world wars
• Services - police
• My favourite - The Hair Shop and Rodneys Hairdressing Salons

Advertisement, The Hair Shop and Rodneys

This centennial issue of The Daily Post can be found in
 the Don Stafford Room at 993.423Z PRI OVERSIZE

The book review was written by Ani

The Gardeners Cottage

Known simply as the Gardener’s Cottage, this heritage building is located in one of the most beautiful gardens in New Zealand, the Rotorua Government Gardens. This late Victorian villa was built in 1898 with two bedrooms and a lounge. Today the cottage has three bedrooms.

Front of the cottage 2019
Photograph by Ani Sharland

The cottage was originally intended as the head gardener’s house. However, the cottage has had many residents other than the head gardener. The list includes, employees of the bath house, a head attendant and a masseur, Mr J. Redward. Pat Johnston also lived in the cottage for 16 years and at that time the cottage had three bedrooms. Pat recalls people sitting on the front porch eating lunch, weddings take place in the front garden and watching marathons and the annual Anzac parade. Often gardeners who cared for the gardens dropped in and had a coffee with her.

Side view of the cottage from the carpark 2019
Photograph by Ani Sharland

The gardens of the cottage provided produce for the Te Runanga tea kiosk, the sanatorium and Waimangu House. 

The rear garden 2019
Photograph by Ani Sharland

The front garden was added in 2000 with cobblestone areas, a fountain and paved pathways.

The front garden 2019
Photograph by Ani Sharland

The cottage was the only building in the present Government Garden area until the 1900’s when a later series of developments followed. The cottage is the oldest surviving building in the government gardens. Upgrades over the years have included new interior and exterior paint and fixing the scullery roof.

Architectural feature 2019
Photograph by Ani Sharland

This post was written by Ani Sharland with thanks to Philip Andrews book, "The Government Gardens" and articles from the Daily Post.

Kaitao Intermediate - 50 Years

This morning Kaitao Intermediate will be celebrating its 50th birthday.

Kaitao Intermediate opened in February 1969. The Government had decided that a third intermediate school was needed in Rotorua. The school cost $282,000 and at the time had 15 classrooms and 22 teaching staff.

Kaitao Intermediate students on their first day of school. Source: Daily Post, Tuesday 4 February 1969, p. 1.

Sunset Intermediate principal Mr. Graves took up the position as the new school's principal. He invited Sunset Intermediate staff to apply for jobs. One teacher who joined him was Mirth Solomon, who retired in 2004 as the school celebrated its 35th anniversary. At her retirement Solomon had been the deputy principal for 15 years.

Kaitao Intermediate did not have its official opening until eight months later on Monday 3rd November. The opening ceremony in the school's hall was attended by parents, guests and the 600 students.

Rotorua M.P. Mr. H. R. Lapwood officially opened the school. Other guests included Mayor, A. M. Linton and Mrs Linton, the chairman of the South Auckland Education Board Mr. L. A Lorrigan, and Chairman of the Arawa Trust Board Mr. M. Bennett.

At the opening ceremony head girl Davina Davy spoke and head boy Mervyn Robb unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening.

Rotorua Photo News, 22 November 1969, p. 57.

The school had a special event with invited guests a few months prior when it celebrated its first Arbor Day.

The Mayor attended alongside senior forester Mr. G. Leggat, and other members of the school committee, P.T.A. and South Auckland Education Board.

 Mervin Robb and  Davina Davey place a tree in position.
 Source Rotorua Photo News, 30 August 1969, p. 42.

This blog post was written by Graeme. With thanks to the Don Stafford collection, Rotorua Daily Post, and Rotorua Photo News.

Happy 50th Birthday to the Rotorua Museum

Fifty Years in the Bath House 

The building : a few facts

• Bath House designed by Arthur S Wohlmann. Inspector of Works Mr. B.S. Corlett., J.W. Wrigley (Rotorua Architect) and W.J. Trigg (Draughtsman) were responsible for the plans c.1903

• Building commenced January 1906; Official opening 13 August 1908 by Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward. The extra wings originally on the plan were not added at this time.

• In 1912 the first south wing extension is opened.

Photo taken by Alison Leigh 2013.

• The building was not kept in its original state due to lack of funding and eventually by the late 1940s the ‘Bath House’ was in a very bad state and the local Borough Council lobbied the Department of Health to do something about it. BAY OF PLENTY BEACON, VOLUME 12, ISSUE 98, 22 SEPTEMBER 1948 click this link to see what was being said.

From : Rotorua Photo News, 6 June 1964, p.2

• Health Department handover to Rotorua City Council would eventually include 2.5 acres to build the Sportsdrome on and a sum of £60,000 to be spread over 3 years from 1963.
• In 1964 the Sportsdrome was built and connected to the Bath House via an elevated walkway.

The Museum

• The City Engineer reports that the south wing is structurally sound and suitable for a Museum.
• https://www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz/visit-us/taking-the-cure/a-brief-chronology/
• The name “Tudor Towers” is adopted for the building. c.1964 

• In April 1967 Council approved the plan to convert the South Wing into a Museum.
• Mostyn Thompson was invited to be the Museum’s establishing curator/preparator with Don Stafford appointed permanently to that position September 1968. The Museum was officially opened 1st November 1969. A mezzanine floor was introduced a this time and is where the “Colonial Display Rooms” were staged.
• Don Stafford resigns as curator and Ian Rockel is appointed as his replacement. DP 14^th July 1970. 
• Named “City of Rotorua Museum & Arts Centre” 1970 
• New Art Gallery opens in the north wing October 1977. 
• Renamed “The Rotorua Museum & Art Gallery” 1979. 


• In 1980 the recreated basement mud bath was closed due to vandalism. 
• An extension of the ‘Tudor Towers’ building is approved in 1981.  DP 27^th May 1981. 
• In 1982 the ‘South Centennial Wing’ is recommended. After many alterations and replacements later the exterior extension was completed 1983. Official opening/naming DP 23 May 1983. 
• The name ‘Tudor Towers’ to be dropped in favour of “The Bath House Art & History Museum” DP 21 June 1983. 
• The Centennial Wing is redesigned and named the Te Arawa Wing. DP 29 May 1987. 


• The Tudor Towers lease expires 2 Sept 1990, this presented an opportunity to redevelop the Bath House. 
• In 1992 ‘The legacy of Houmaitawhiti’ exhibition is opened. 
• In 1993 a Conservation Plan for the Bath House is commissioned. 
• In 1994  a new name is adopted “The Rotorua Art & History Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa”


• In 2006 The Centennial Project Stage I is completed with the reopening of the viewing platform.
• In 2008 The Centennial Project Stage II is completed with the north wing extension opened.
• In Sept 2011 The Centennial Project Stage III is completed and named the Don Stafford Wing. DP 3 Sept 2011.

• ‘Rotorua Museum to remain closed following detailed assessment’ DP 7 July 2017
• “A comprehensive assessment of Rotorua Museum has shown it falls well below earthquake safety standards and will need to remain closed for the foreseeable future.
• The good news is that it can be fixed. How that happens, how long it will take and how much it will cost now needs to be determined.”


The Future :



Proposed structural strengthening  : Rotorua Museum website image

Sources

1. ‘Bath House, Rotorua: conservation plan’ by Works Consultancy Services Ltd. c.1993
2. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
3. 'Taking the waters: early spas in NZ' / Ian Rockel c.1986
4. 'Rotorua Museum: Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa: Strengthening, restoration and redevelopment'
5. 'Rotorua Daily Post' 

This Blog post is by Alison.

St Luke's Anglican Church celebrates 130 years in Rotorua

St Luke's Anglican Church today.
Postcard supplied by Rev. Alex Czerwonka

Rev. F.H. Spencer, son of Rev Seymour Mills Spencer the missionary stationed at Lake Tarawera, was appointed vicar for the parish of Rotorua in 1889. (St Faith's church at Ohinemutu had been built in 1885 owing to the efforts of local Maori.) From 1892 weekly services for local Europeans and tourists appear to have been held at the Sanatorium, as road conditions to St Faith's were often unpassable. 

It was not until 1881 that the township of Rotorua was established, separate to the village of Ohinemutu. By May 1896, the vestry felt it was the right time to take steps to building St Luke's. It was reported in the Hot Lakes Chronicle of 9 September 1896 that the building fund for the new English (Anglican) church was slowly growing. Advertisements appeared in the paper advising that a "Grand Concert" , with an admission fee of 2 shillings and 1 shilling, would be held at Pukeroa Hall in aid of the building fund.

Hot Lakes Chronicle 16 September 1896

The newspaper of 23 September 1896 contained a full account of the evening, declaring it a "decided success....."

In July 1897 land in Haupapa Street was offered for auction by the Crown and the vestry secured this for an annual rental of 8 pounds on a 99-year lease. Unfortunately there is no record of the cost to build the wooden church.

St Luke's Anglican Church, about 1905, from The Parish of Rotorua, 1889-1989 

On Sunday 5 November 1899, the new church, St Luke's was consecrated by Bishop W.L. Williams of Waiapu, who also preached at both the morning and evening services. Two days later the first confirmation service was held. (Rev S. Ingle was now vicar)

In 1901 Rev H.C. Blackburne became vicar, replaced by Rev C.A. Tisdall in 1904.

By 1902 the chancel had been added to the eastern end of the building, and between 1902 and 1906 the belfry and parish hall had been completed. By 1909, a vicarage had been erected as well on the corner of Amohia & Hinemoa Streets. Six vicars and their families were to reside here over the next six decades.

The vicarage, 1969 from The Parish of Rotorua 1889-1989

According to the Bay of Plenty Times, Bishop Sedgwick inducted Rev K. McLean as vicar on 29 October 1914. Ten years later, in July 1924 the first ordination of a priest took place, and  Bishop Sedgwick of Waiapu inducted Rev W.S.G. Cameron.

By 1933 the decision was made that the church really did need to be enlarged. So plans were drawn up to cut the church in half, move one half 20 ft to the west, thus adding 20 ft to the size of the church. On 19 November, 1933 Bishop H.W. Williams consecrated the new enlarged church, which incidentally opened free of debt!

From The Anglican Church in the Hot Lakes District by R.G.Webb

11 Nov 1938  a new pipe organ was installed in the church at a cost of 485 pounds. At Evensong the organ was dedicated.

Rotorua Morning Post, Saturday 12 November 1938 

In 1946 a new free-standing belfry was built to accommodate the new 600 lb bell, bought to replace the small one atop the church which had been in use for over 40 years.

From The Anglican Church in the Hot Lakes District by R.G. Webb

Reports from a church meeting on 7 June 1956 list the concerns and thinking about planning for a new church building:

• present church becoming too small. 
• within 10 years will have reached end of effective life
• in 10 years vicarage need demolishing
• make use of vicarage site?
• make church out of permanent materials
• add community centre with youth hall

On Friday 27 September 1957 the amount raised for the new building through a campaign for pledges was reported in the Daily Post.  

Daily Post Friday 27 September 1957, p 6

Over the next few years discussions were held as to where the new church should be built. Initially it was intended that the vicarage be demolished and a new church centre be built on that site.

In 1968 the Church and land in Haupapa Street was sold to the Rotorua City Council although the congregation continued meeting there till 1973. The decision was made that the new church centre would be built on the corner of Amohia and Pukuatua Streets. This new centre would be made of permanent materials, incorporating a place for worship along with space for counselling, and office, kitchen and youth areas.

Rev J. Greenway standing near the church altar the day before
 the church is closed. Daily Post Saturday 10 November 1973

On the 11 November 1973, St Luke's, Haupapa Street closed officially during the morning service. After everyone had filed out, the Bishop boarded up the door, deconsecrating the church.

The congregation then formed a procession, filing up Ranolf Street to Malfroy Road where the service was completed in All Saints' Church Hall. This became the congregations' home till the new church and centre opened on 11 October 1975, being opened and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Paul Reeves, Bishop of Waiapu.

Daily Post Monday 12 November 1973, p 1

As well as the main auditorium, a side chapel sanctuary was built.Two stained glass windows from the old St Luke's were installed here, both dedicated to the memory of parishioners.

Stain glass window dedicated to memory of 

Beatrice Betty Bertram. 

Photo by Trish Brown

Window dedicated to memory of Flight Sgt 

Aubrey Lewis & Edward Campbell Lewis.

Photo by Trish Brown

The Side Chapel Sanctuary. Photo by Trish Brown

 A new rough sawn unadorned Redwood cross was installed in the church, along with a plain, unadorned altar.

The interior of the church today. Photo by Trish Brown

In 1979 a new pipe organ was installed. This is used weekly for services and has been the centre of many musical recitals and events at St Luke's over the years.

It was decided in 1987 to extend the church again. This extension was consecrated on Sunday 22 February, 1988 by Bishop Peter Atkins, Bishop of Waiapu.

Today, St Luke's offers two services on a Sunday morning, a Wednesday morning Communion service and Messy Church, once a month on a Sunday afternoon which caters especially for families. A healing service is held monthly.

The weekend of 26 & 27 October 2019, St Luke's held a celebration dinner on the Saturday night and services on the Sunday, with Tony Gerritsen, present Principal of St John's Theological College who was Vicar  at St Luke's from 1992-1994, as the guest speaker.

Vicars  and priests who've served at St Lukes: Rev. Tony Gerritsen, 1992-1994, 

Rev. Dorothy Brooker, 1995-2004, Rev. Jenny Chalmers 2004-2007,
Rev. Christine Scott, 2006/2007, Rev.  Alex Czerwonka, 2007- present day
 with the 130th birthday cake. Photo by Trish Brown

This blog was written by Trish using newspapers and books from the DSR collections. With thanks to Daily Post and Rev Alex Czerwonka, Vicar of St Luke's, Rotorua.