Many of you will be aware of the old church on Mareretu Ave- the only public historic building left in Patumahoe. It has a rich local history, doubled as the first school (on a different site) and was built of swamp kauri milled from a local farm.
Since the Scout Movement (present owners/administrators) has lapsed in Patumahoe, there have been some efforts made by the Patumahoe Emergency Support Charitable Trust (largely because the trust has a protective infrastructure already set up) to negotiate moving the church to a new site so the scouts can deal with the sale of their section.
On 18 December 2006 the scouting Assoc. agreed to gift the church to the above trust .We understand the scouts intend to use the majority of the proceeds to upgrade the camp at Schlaepher Park , thus keeping the money in the local area and using it for community purposes, which continues the spirit of the original congregation/scout negotiation. They have also agreed in principle to contribute some funds towards the removal and re-establishment of the building on Clive Howe Reserve.
In the last few years the school has made use of the church as an extra teaching space, there has been the happy occasion of a wedding, and the school has indicated it would like to continue using the church—keeping in mind this may fit in with some other community activities (such as further weddings!) It is intended that it be registered with the Historic Places Trust.
The use by the school breathes life and value into this old building, and it is great to think children in the 21st century will grow up and say “I was taught in that old church”.
We have a copy of a letter from Greg Lowe, Parks officer dated 25th October 2006 , Ref R600/P03 that the council agreed in principle to the relocation of the building onto the “passive” area of the reserve ,and have had discussions up until very recently with Mark Balle (ex mayor) on the subject.
Whatever the outcome of the present discussions about the proposed school carpark, the placement of the church in this area adjacent to the school needs to be factored in to the satisfaction of interested parties.
We feel this is a community project with considerable legitimacy.
However there are planning, safety and technical issues, discussions and negotiations with council and interested parties still to be made in order to take this project forward. It is time for more of the community to be involved.
For further information, and to register your interest, with a view to an initial meeting in the new year, you are welcome to contact
Kay or Bruce Carter 2363809 0274 366331 carter@ps.gen.nz
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