Story: Wellington region

Futuna Chapel (5th of 6)

Futuna Chapel

Futuna Chapel was designed by the Māori architect John Scott for the Society of Mary’s Karori retreat centre. It opened in 1961. Combining Māori and European architectural styles, it is considered by some to be New Zealand’s most important 20th-century building. In the early 2000s the society sold the property to a developer on condition the chapel was retained. The developer used the chapel to store building materials (as shown here), and it was subsequently vandalised. In 2006 a group of concerned citizens formed a trust and bought the chapel. The building has been restored and hosts lectures and performances.

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Private collection
Photograph by Chris Maclean

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How to cite this page:

Chris Maclean, 'Wellington region - Arts and culture', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13391/futuna-chapel (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Chris Maclean, updated 1 Aug 2015