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Press release - Gisborne Presbyterian Parish (St Andrews and Matawhero Churches) have gone through a discernment process and as a result will be looking to close the parish on 30 June 2026.
This is a big decision and made with great reluctance but with a realistic assessment of the ability to maintain the structure of the congregation. In the coming months the parish will consider what will happen with the church buildings at Matawhero and in the city - we are open to community input on how the future midght protect the taonga of our past.
Email: standrewsgisb@xtra.co.nz
Programme
To celebrate the life of the Gisborne Presbyterian Parish and the churches of St Andrew’s and Matawhero
King’s Birthday Weekend Friday 29 May – Monday 1 June 2026
Friday 29 May 5pm - 7pm - St Andrew’s Memorial Hall 176 Cobden St Official Opening
The official opening of the weekend where we will welcome guests and visitors. Photos, memorabilia and documents will be on display, and stories will be shared of what the Presbyterian Churches have meant to us and the community for more than 150 years
Drinks and nibbles will be provided
Saturday 30 May 10:00 – 12:00md - Matawhero Historic Church
Drop in to Matawhero Church, (26 Church Lane, Matawhero) enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and listen to a brief talk about the history of the church. This will be an opportunity to see a display of some of the artifacts found in an archaeological dig in 2003
Take the time to wander about the grounds and prayer garden. Enjoy the sanctuary this very special place offers
12:30- Bushmere Arms at Waerenga-A-Hika (Bushmere Rd/Matawai Rd) to share in a celebratory luncheon. There will be light entertainment and some shared stories
Bar facilities are available at this venue
7:00pm St Andrew’s Church Dramatic Monologue
We have the opportunity to watch a dramatic monologue “Prince’s War” written and performed by the Rev. Peter McKenzie Executive Secretary Presbytery Central.
Peter tells his Great Uncle’s story from a small farm near Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, to the deserts of Egypt and home to his family in NZ. Central to the story is Alex Agnew’s horse “Prince” who joined the thousands of horses sent from NZ to Europe in the First World War. It is a story that echoes the experiences of many Kiwi families from our own history.
Sunday 31 May 10:00am St Andrew’s Church Thanksgiving Service
The Right Rev. Peter Dunn, Moderator Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand along with former ministers and associates of the parish will participate in this special service.
Refreshments to follow in the - St Andrew’s Memorial Hall
Mon 1st June 12:30pm - St Andrew’s Church Piano Extravaganza XVI
This concert has had been done 15 times over a period of years and is always an absolute joy to see and hear such a wide range of talent making so much music on the pianos. We encourage you to attend this last event of our weekend of celebration
We hope you can join us at all or some of these events over King’s Birthday Weekend
Kings Birthday 2026 weekend celebrations registration form - see Calender for the events