Articles by Kerry Meadows-Bonner

Symbolising new beginnings and transition, Christchurch’s ‘Cardboard’ Cathedral has stood as a unique and stunning structure since its creation in 2013 following Christchurch’s devastating earthquake in 2011. Christchurch’s original cathedral was a slow process that was on and off for years due to funding until its completion in 1905. It was built by Jamieson and Sons, renowned builders in Christchurch’s early years. With an impressive height…

Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is a city on the Southern shores of Lake Rotorua which it takes its name. As a city that was built in the 1880’s, Rotorua is unusual in that is was neither a port, nor a farming community and has always been a town built for tourists who visited the lakes. · As such, tourism still remains a huge part of Rotorua’s economy both internationally and domestically and is the largest industry in the…

A longstanding historic landmark built over 170 years ago with the hands of over 1000 men with a unique interior of both Maori and European design but also a sad history stands the Rangiatea Church in Otaki on the Kapiti Coast. Formally one of New Zealand’s oldest Maori Anglican churches, Rangiatea church was originally built in 1851 under the leadership of Chief Te Rauparaha and the Anglican missionary Octavius Hadfield (one of the first…

Situated in the far north of the country with beautiful sandy beaches, plenty of history and no shortage of land and water activities sits the popular tourist destination, Paihia. With Waitangi directly to its north, Russell across the shore by ferry and situated only 23 kilometres south-east of Kerikeri (the largest town in Northland) Paihia makes an ideal spot for tourists with plenty of things to see and do. · Its history dates back to 1823…

With stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps on its doorstep sits another of New Zealand’s most photographed churches. The small Anglican church in the south island named The Church of The Good Shepherd. With intent to create a place of worship and as a memorial to the pioneers of Mackenzie Country, a successful appeal for funds was granted in October 1934 and was the church was consecrated August 1935. It was designed by…

With its rich limestone architecture, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from its harbour and most famous for its blue penguin colony sits Oamaru, one of the largest ‘best wee’ towns in North Otago. Oamaru was laid out in 1858 by Otago’s provincial surveyor, John Turnbull Thompson whom named the streets after British rivers. In the 1860s the town discovered riches through livestock production and goldmining, with the latter serving as the…

In the popular sea side town of Russell in the Bay of Islands is one of the country’s most popular and historic landmarks. Nestled amongst its prominent graveyard is home to New Zealand’s oldest surviving building, Christ Church. In the 19th century, Russell, then known as Kororareka was known as a rough sea port, popular with whalers. The land on which Christ Church sits was originally purchased in 1834 from the local chief, Rewa Wharerahi…

Famous for its long keeper onions, former champion rally car driver, Possum Bourne and its sports facility, Park Raceway, Pukekohe is a vibrant town with a rich melting pot of diversity, culture and plenty of things to see and do. Founded in 1880 with large areas of volcanic land, Pukekohe’s main rural activity is market gardening known for its large vegetable growing industry and is one of the only areas in the Auckland region that can grow…

Christmas Parades or Santa Parades as they’re more commonly referred to are parades held worldwide to celebrate the official opening of Christmas season with the arrival of Santa Claus. Typically, these parades include themed floats, dancing, marching groups and bands with accompanying Christmas songs. As moving floats there is usually a starting point as the parade moves through its designated route, typically near its city centre or town.…

Sitting high on a hill in the Awhitu Peninsula overlooking its dramatic backdrop of farmland, Lake Pokorua and the Tasman sea sits an iconic building dubbed by some as New Zealand’s most photogenic church. Kohekohe Church was designed in 1886 by Scottish emigrant, Captain Sir John Makgill, the founder of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Waiuku in the 19th century, and a successful mathematician and engineer with many years of experience…