Menu
Previous ImageNext Image
Image 1
- Image 1
- Image 2
- Image 3
- Image 4
- Image 5
- Image 6
- Image 7
- Image 8
- Image 9
- Image 10
- Image 11
- Image 12
- Image 13
- Image 14
- Image 15
- Image 16
- Image 17
- Image 18
- Image 19
- Image 20
- Image 21
ALBUM - St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
Expand/collapse
About this image
DescriptionPosting as requested.
With permission, I was privileged to be able to photograph St Mary's Church in Hokitika. Closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk, it offers splendid views of Hokitika from on high. Many thanks to the powers that be who allowed me access (at my own risk) to capture these images.Map[1] ContributorPaul Razz
With permission, I was privileged to be able to photograph St Mary's Church in Hokitika. Closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk, it offers splendid views of Hokitika from on high. Many thanks to the powers that be who allowed me access (at my own risk) to capture these images.Map[1] ContributorPaul Razz
Shown in this image
Location (city or town)Hokitika Organisation (eg business)St Mary's Church
Category Information
Category Tagchurch
From Facebook
Date Created8th August 2025CommentsRosalie Rogers
If you were allowed in at your own risk, why can’t we all just sign a waiver and take on that responsibility and pay a donation to go towards the cost of strengthening it? This is often seen in tourist spots overseas .
Marcy Robertson
Thanks for sharing. You csn see why they built it there, such a shame its been left to decay, why can they not restore it. I understand it would cost a lot, but it history and a heritage building.
Brendon Williams
My last time inside was Craig Bradley's funeral. So many memories.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Debbie James
Looks better from the outside ?
What happened to all the pews.
Thoughts of Liz Davidson &
Barbara Condon playing the organ. Sad to see such a lovely building wasted.
Michelle Cliff
Is there a fund raiser to rebuild or strengthen the beautiful building
Di Henderson
Our father, Reg Cadigan's funeral was held there in May 2012. One of the last ones before it closed. Beautiful building ❤️
Geoffrey Irvine
Mass every Wednesday morning 1968 - 70 whilst at High School at St Mary’s
Nice Old Schools Hymns that one could sing !
Chris Boyd
This has to be saved
Nic Adele Prendergast
Oh gosh this made me emotional.having attended St Mary’s and learning the piano from sister Veronica and the many hrs I spent there either with nana or kids activities etc.thanks for these pics!!!
Colin Skates
wow 13 years gone by and it hasn't fallen down yet. I ask you
Reefer Finch
Many times I have been in there and it is sad to see the church so bare , I have seen it so full of people it was standing room outside even.
Amy Glass
Interesting photos, thanks ! I've never seen that view of my old family home, our neighbours' house, and my grandad's old pensioner flat ❤
Linda Gardyne
Agreed.
Helen Cain
Sad to see much a beautiful church to go to
Sheryl Iraia
Thank you for sharing.
Leslie Whitiskie
Should never have closed
Doreen Thomson
Thank your for the info I spent a lot of time that church as my grandmother was a house keeper there in the fifties and I started school next door and had lunch with her every day then I attended high school as a boarder at the convent across the street and was part of the choir so spent a lot of time there
Teresa Eden
How very sad this lovely church is not being used ? thanks for the photos
Khan Shearer
I'd be ringing that bell
Patricia August
I hope if it's ever demolished those wonderful windows and anisters and stairs and things of historical interest are saved.
Jeanette Cardwell
It seems a shame as the Catholic Church overall is meant to be quite well off. Seems like the powers of the church dont want it back for worship
Cecily Woolhouse
Makes me cry to see this beautiful, historical piece of architecture going to waste.
I was baptised here, made my first communion and was confirmed here and hoped one day to be buried from here but that is now a dream, ??❤️
So many wonderful memories of church school and friendships from here.
?
Heather Newby
https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/35061 Laura Mills Detlaff
St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
WESTCOAST.RECOLLECT.CO.NZ
St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
Kay Slattery
Pauline Henderson ,
Wayne Andrews
Kevin John Wall
Surely with the Governments new slant towards risk assessment this may qualify for lower cost to make safe
Such a shame , beautiful building
18h
Joe Mason
Thank you for sharing
Chris Mathieson
Awesome capture. A big part of HOKITIKAs history and mine. Thankyou
Marg Blackburn
Nothing bloody wrong with it. Overzealous, scaremongering in light of Canterbury earthquake. Has it moved or any structural damage happened since it closed - probably not!!! Could have been used all these years. I dont know all the politics, regulations or discussions that has happened, but just seems wrong.?
Alan Thomas
Thank You for the posting Paul. I found a very interesting report on Google relating to the background put out by the "Press" for readers out of town so to speak.
Pauline Polly Minehan
My hubby went to this church a lot as he attended St.Marys School. Surely the Vatican can cough up a few billion out of their petty cash tin to strengthen this beautiful church.
Shona Wyber-Clark
That is so wasteful.
Stacey Rochford
I talked to an elderly man outside St Mary’s school (right next door) just after it had been closed and in his words: “if I am in church when there is a bloody earthquake and I get hurt or killed then I guess that was what was intended for me wouldn’t be any greater honour than in gods house. I would have thought they could make you sign a waver or something to go in at your own risk so no one is liable. I would be more concerned for the oldies over the road or the little people in the school if it was to collapse well they would be right in line of it.”
I don’t think he is wrong at all.
Was/is such a beautiful church shame it can’t be reopened.
Thanks for risking your life for the photos Razz ?
Mary Hood
Absolutely fabulous. I spent some time there in the late sixties
Sheri Wright
These made me cry. Such a big place in the heart of our childhood and adult life. Absolute disgrace this beautiful dame is in this condition because of bureaucracy.
Jenny Haines
Sad waste.
Liz Hay
It has always been a landmark building in Hokitika. I remember it well, growing up in the 50s, even though I'm not a Catholic. It needs some creative, co-operative thinking, accompanied by $, to bring it back to life.
Pauline Naylor
Wonderful photos of a beautiful building, such stunning views.
Maria Bickley
That's awesome.... But what a waste!!
Jan Sowman
Thanks for sharing these photos of a beautiful old church. So sad to see it in this condition. Brilliant views over Hokitika and beyond.
Carolyne Teasdale Jones
How very sad that this beautiful building is just sitting.
Arlene Hutcheon
Lovely photos of the church. I'm so sorry it has left to just rot.
Chris Sinclair
Criminal, it's being allowed to just die.
Joe Kelly
Lovely photos Paul. I feel very sad that it remains closed and will probably never reopen.
Jeanette Cardwell
It seems a shame as the Catholic Church overall is meant to be quite well off. Seems like the powers of the church dont want it back for worship
Glenys Breeze
Signing wavers is a crock of s .t. We signed a waiver to go onto White Island 2 weeks before it blew. We were well aware of the risk involved, yet they prosecuted them anyway. Beggars belief.?
Shelley Lock
Now that is a church I would love to live in ?
Esther Edwards
Awesome photos,was born in Greymouth,now live in Hamilton,havent been home for many years,thanks for the photos brought back memories??
Sara Fitialo
So sad, something needs to be done. Beautiful piece of history and so many memories. Every Sunday we were there growing up in the 80s. Mum Mary Stott played the organ and looked down at us kids being naughty ? remember sitting upstairs at Christmas time in the choir. Fr Grounds and Fr Middleton.
Amy Glass
Interesting photos, thanks ! I've never seen that view of my old family home, our neighbours' house, and my grandad's old pensioner flat ❤
Stella Grigg
Thank you for sharing and your inchitave to go in now. Those views and the history in that church, just beautiful ?
Karen Beaumont
Such a sad waste of a beautiful building with such history. Doesnt look too damaged to me. Not even any cracks on the outside plaster
Doreen Thomson
Thank your for the info I spent a lot of time that church as my grandmother was a house keeper there in the fifties and I started school next door and had lunch with her every day then I attended high school as a boarder at the convent across the street and was part of the choir so spent a lot of time there
Debbie James
Looks better from the outside ?
What happened to all the pews.
Thoughts of Liz Davidson &
Barbara Condon playing the organ. Sad to see such a lovely building wasted.
Ange Murtha
Many Saturday night mases sitting with Dor and Bill in the back row, me counting the ceiling tiles (they look different now than when i was a kid) and Billy trying to stay awake. Eily sitting furthur up. Was very blessed to be brought up in faith.
Carolyn Vasta
Such a beautiful church.so remember it as a child living in Hoki back in the lat
If you were allowed in at your own risk, why can’t we all just sign a waiver and take on that responsibility and pay a donation to go towards the cost of strengthening it? This is often seen in tourist spots overseas .
Marcy Robertson
Thanks for sharing. You csn see why they built it there, such a shame its been left to decay, why can they not restore it. I understand it would cost a lot, but it history and a heritage building.
Brendon Williams
My last time inside was Craig Bradley's funeral. So many memories.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Debbie James
Looks better from the outside ?
What happened to all the pews.
Thoughts of Liz Davidson &
Barbara Condon playing the organ. Sad to see such a lovely building wasted.
Michelle Cliff
Is there a fund raiser to rebuild or strengthen the beautiful building
Di Henderson
Our father, Reg Cadigan's funeral was held there in May 2012. One of the last ones before it closed. Beautiful building ❤️
Geoffrey Irvine
Mass every Wednesday morning 1968 - 70 whilst at High School at St Mary’s
Nice Old Schools Hymns that one could sing !
Chris Boyd
This has to be saved
Nic Adele Prendergast
Oh gosh this made me emotional.having attended St Mary’s and learning the piano from sister Veronica and the many hrs I spent there either with nana or kids activities etc.thanks for these pics!!!
Colin Skates
wow 13 years gone by and it hasn't fallen down yet. I ask you
Reefer Finch
Many times I have been in there and it is sad to see the church so bare , I have seen it so full of people it was standing room outside even.
Amy Glass
Interesting photos, thanks ! I've never seen that view of my old family home, our neighbours' house, and my grandad's old pensioner flat ❤
Linda Gardyne
Agreed.
Helen Cain
Sad to see much a beautiful church to go to
Sheryl Iraia
Thank you for sharing.
Leslie Whitiskie
Should never have closed
Doreen Thomson
Thank your for the info I spent a lot of time that church as my grandmother was a house keeper there in the fifties and I started school next door and had lunch with her every day then I attended high school as a boarder at the convent across the street and was part of the choir so spent a lot of time there
Teresa Eden
How very sad this lovely church is not being used ? thanks for the photos
Khan Shearer
I'd be ringing that bell
Patricia August
I hope if it's ever demolished those wonderful windows and anisters and stairs and things of historical interest are saved.
Jeanette Cardwell
It seems a shame as the Catholic Church overall is meant to be quite well off. Seems like the powers of the church dont want it back for worship
Cecily Woolhouse
Makes me cry to see this beautiful, historical piece of architecture going to waste.
I was baptised here, made my first communion and was confirmed here and hoped one day to be buried from here but that is now a dream, ??❤️
So many wonderful memories of church school and friendships from here.
?
Heather Newby
https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/35061 Laura Mills Detlaff
St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
WESTCOAST.RECOLLECT.CO.NZ
St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.
Kay Slattery
Pauline Henderson ,
Wayne Andrews
Kevin John Wall
Surely with the Governments new slant towards risk assessment this may qualify for lower cost to make safe
Such a shame , beautiful building
18h
Joe Mason
Thank you for sharing
Chris Mathieson
Awesome capture. A big part of HOKITIKAs history and mine. Thankyou
Marg Blackburn
Nothing bloody wrong with it. Overzealous, scaremongering in light of Canterbury earthquake. Has it moved or any structural damage happened since it closed - probably not!!! Could have been used all these years. I dont know all the politics, regulations or discussions that has happened, but just seems wrong.?
Alan Thomas
Thank You for the posting Paul. I found a very interesting report on Google relating to the background put out by the "Press" for readers out of town so to speak.
Pauline Polly Minehan
My hubby went to this church a lot as he attended St.Marys School. Surely the Vatican can cough up a few billion out of their petty cash tin to strengthen this beautiful church.
Shona Wyber-Clark
That is so wasteful.
Stacey Rochford
I talked to an elderly man outside St Mary’s school (right next door) just after it had been closed and in his words: “if I am in church when there is a bloody earthquake and I get hurt or killed then I guess that was what was intended for me wouldn’t be any greater honour than in gods house. I would have thought they could make you sign a waver or something to go in at your own risk so no one is liable. I would be more concerned for the oldies over the road or the little people in the school if it was to collapse well they would be right in line of it.”
I don’t think he is wrong at all.
Was/is such a beautiful church shame it can’t be reopened.
Thanks for risking your life for the photos Razz ?
Mary Hood
Absolutely fabulous. I spent some time there in the late sixties
Sheri Wright
These made me cry. Such a big place in the heart of our childhood and adult life. Absolute disgrace this beautiful dame is in this condition because of bureaucracy.
Jenny Haines
Sad waste.
Liz Hay
It has always been a landmark building in Hokitika. I remember it well, growing up in the 50s, even though I'm not a Catholic. It needs some creative, co-operative thinking, accompanied by $, to bring it back to life.
Pauline Naylor
Wonderful photos of a beautiful building, such stunning views.
Maria Bickley
That's awesome.... But what a waste!!
Jan Sowman
Thanks for sharing these photos of a beautiful old church. So sad to see it in this condition. Brilliant views over Hokitika and beyond.
Carolyne Teasdale Jones
How very sad that this beautiful building is just sitting.
Arlene Hutcheon
Lovely photos of the church. I'm so sorry it has left to just rot.
Chris Sinclair
Criminal, it's being allowed to just die.
Joe Kelly
Lovely photos Paul. I feel very sad that it remains closed and will probably never reopen.
Jeanette Cardwell
It seems a shame as the Catholic Church overall is meant to be quite well off. Seems like the powers of the church dont want it back for worship
Glenys Breeze
Signing wavers is a crock of s .t. We signed a waiver to go onto White Island 2 weeks before it blew. We were well aware of the risk involved, yet they prosecuted them anyway. Beggars belief.?
Shelley Lock
Now that is a church I would love to live in ?
Esther Edwards
Awesome photos,was born in Greymouth,now live in Hamilton,havent been home for many years,thanks for the photos brought back memories??
Sara Fitialo
So sad, something needs to be done. Beautiful piece of history and so many memories. Every Sunday we were there growing up in the 80s. Mum Mary Stott played the organ and looked down at us kids being naughty ? remember sitting upstairs at Christmas time in the choir. Fr Grounds and Fr Middleton.
Amy Glass
Interesting photos, thanks ! I've never seen that view of my old family home, our neighbours' house, and my grandad's old pensioner flat ❤
Stella Grigg
Thank you for sharing and your inchitave to go in now. Those views and the history in that church, just beautiful ?
Karen Beaumont
Such a sad waste of a beautiful building with such history. Doesnt look too damaged to me. Not even any cracks on the outside plaster
Doreen Thomson
Thank your for the info I spent a lot of time that church as my grandmother was a house keeper there in the fifties and I started school next door and had lunch with her every day then I attended high school as a boarder at the convent across the street and was part of the choir so spent a lot of time there
Debbie James
Looks better from the outside ?
What happened to all the pews.
Thoughts of Liz Davidson &
Barbara Condon playing the organ. Sad to see such a lovely building wasted.
Ange Murtha
Many Saturday night mases sitting with Dor and Bill in the back row, me counting the ceiling tiles (they look different now than when i was a kid) and Billy trying to stay awake. Eily sitting furthur up. Was very blessed to be brought up in faith.
Carolyn Vasta
Such a beautiful church.so remember it as a child living in Hoki back in the lat
Editing is temporarily disabled
Cancel Edit
Click on the image to add
a tag or press ESC to cancel
a tag or press ESC to cancel
West Coast New Zealand History (11th Aug 2025). ALBUM - St Mary's Church in Hokitika - closed since 2012 due to earthquake risk.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 21st Mar 2026 07:51, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/35061