


St Mary's was built in the 1920's at the instigation of Ngati Porou leader Sir Āpirana Ngata. An early example of Ngata's efforts to revive traditional Māori arts and crafts. The church has a Māori architectural design and wonderful carvings and tukutuku (woven panels) inside, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful Māori churches in New Zealand.
This is an active place of worship that is also regarded as one of the icons of the entire East Cape journey.
Image credit: NZ PocketGuide
You may also like
Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour with Wild Stingrays
The Reef Ecology tour allows you the opportunity to walk out at low tide under the guidance of our guides to observe and interact with the Stingrays, Eagle Rays and other marine dwellers of Tatapouri. A must-do activity for anyone visiting Gisborne. Discover More
Tairāwhiti Museum
One of the very best, most innovative regional museums in New Zealand. Discover More
Air Ruatoria
Discover Ngāti Porou - Explore with Air Ruatoria
Air Ruatoria offer scenic flights throughout the region and chartered flights to/from Tairāwhiti from other Aotearoa airports.
Come and enjoy our wonderful cultural landscapes, learn about our taonga, our iwi and the place we call “Paradise”.
Nō reira, nau mai haere mai. Discover More