Kakanui Church Receives Category 1 Heritage Status After Restoration

The former Kakanui Presbyterian Church has achieved Category 1 heritage status, a significant recognition for its historical and cultural value. Owners Michael Simpson and Anna Miles have dedicated years to restoring the modest Carpenter Gothic building, originally designed by the noted architect Robert Arthur Lawson, since purchasing it in 2019.

Situated in the seaside town of Kakanui, the church has been a focal point of the community since its construction in 1870. It served the local population until its final service in November 2019. Simpson and Miles attended that emotional farewell, reflecting the deep connection the church held for residents. “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted. It’s great news,” said Simpson regarding the new heritage status.

Restoration Efforts and Community Support

The couple’s restoration efforts have included replacing structural components, improving drainage, and repainting the interior while preserving original features. They have focused on minimizing waste by using original materials and maintaining elements like the 1884 iron straps that reinforce the church against harsh winds.

“Our goal was to preserve the history of the church,” said Simpson, who has a background in carpentry and heritage restoration. They have also revived the church’s role in the community by hosting events, such as night markets, musical performances, and Christmas carols. “We see ourselves as stewards of the building,” Miles added, emphasizing their commitment to keeping the church alive for future generations.

The couple received substantial support during their restoration process, with overwhelming community engagement leading to the heritage designation. “All these people submitted saying they thought it was a great idea. They all got involved; it was amazing,” said Miles. Simpson noted that the number of public submissions for the historic listing was a “recent record.”

Historical Significance and Future Plans

Lawson, the church’s architect, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the architectural landscape of New Zealand, including well-known buildings in Oamaru. The church, originally designed to accommodate 100 worshippers, was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development for the coastal settlement. Although the initial hopes for the port to become a major export hub faded, the church remained integral to community life for nearly 150 years.

Throughout the restoration, the couple has unearthed intriguing discoveries, such as Roman numerals etched into wooden beams, suggesting the church was assembled off-site. “An intern at Heritage NZ discovered through old photos that the bent and forked roof was actually for the rope that went up to the bell on the bell tower,” Simpson explained.

Looking ahead, the couple plans to continue their restoration work and celebrate the church’s newly acquired heritage status with an open day event this spring. “If we have a gin at the end of the day sitting in here and looking at the ceiling and thinking how lovely it is, well, what else could you want?” Simpson said, reflecting their passion for the project.

As they navigate their restoration journey, Simpson and Miles remain committed to preserving the church’s legacy and enhancing its role within the Kakanui community.