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 Seaplane on Tairua Harbour |
On
March 14, 1919, Bishop Cleary of Auckland made the first episcopal visit
by air in New Zealand - and possibly the first in the world! - when he
landed on Tairua Harbour. Nursing painful memories of the mud and slush encountered by his recent visitation of the "roadless north", the bishop decided he would take to the air. |
The bishop wrote: Tairua and Hikuai hold thin and tenuous communication with the world by a rugged bridle-track in one direction and by a wreck-strewn bar in another.
The Church of St Columcille
The first church at Tairua was transported from Kuaotunu by barge in 1954 (unknown to the bishop!). It had been built by goldminers in 1893.
It was re-erected on a small section of land at Tairua that had been donated by a non-Catholic, Mr George Nisbet. A sacristry was added in late 1979.
The Church of St Mary, Mother of the Church
As Tairua developed, St Columcille's became inadequate for the large holiday congregations. In 1985 the parishioners were given the opportunity of purchasing a three acre block of land. Tenders for the new church were called in 1986, and the new church was officially opened and blessed by Bishop Pat Dunn on 27 April, 1997.
Church Furnishings
Altar Table: This is made of Coromandel granite, crafted by Firth Industries. The altar pedestal is of Tairua andesite stone donated by Mr Dave Robb of Tairua Quarries, and crafted by Tretheway Granite and Marble of Auckland.
Leadlight Window: This is designed and made by Father Bennett. It has a local flavour with scenes of Paku and Pauanui, and kauri and pohutukawa trees.
Tapestry: This depicts the Risen Christ. It was designed by Father Bennett who was aiding in the weaving of it by Mrs Gladys Isaac and Mrs Catherine Maguire.
Tabernacle: This was a gift from the Sisters of St Joseph of Nazareth, Mairangi Bay. The decorative backing for the tabernacle is made of kauri from one of the pews from the old church.
Stations of the Cross: Seven of the stations came from the Sisters of St Joseph, Mission Bay. The other seven have been carved from Southland beech by Brother Laurence Bennett FMS.
Chandeliers: The ten chandeliers were crafted from Tairua kauri by Father Bennett, assisted by Mr Joe Tomlin and Mr Ernie Bax.
Fonts: These are of terrazzo and made and donated by Fred and Steve Giacon of Modtezz Tile and Paving of Auckland.
Organ: This was donated by Mr and Mrs Easdon of Pauanui.
Father Francis Bennett
The existence of the new church building at Tairua is due to a large extent to the enthusiam of Father Bennett. He retired to Tairua in 1974 after a life time of service to the Dunedin Diocese.
Tairua, a part of the Thames parish, had never had a resident priest. Father Bennett served the needs of the district for 22 years. He died in 1999.
Father Frank Bennett
