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Updates about our church building
Update from Conversation with NZTA - 4th Feb 2026
Updated 5th Feb 2026
Dear All Saints Whānau,
We would like to share an update with you following a meeting that took place on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, between representatives of All Saints and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA / Waka Kotahi).
Heather Miller and Rev Guy Benton met with NZTA officials to discuss the future roading project around State Highway 1 and the tunnel, and to raise concerns and insights that many of you have shared with us over recent months.
What We Discussed
The conversation was wide‑ranging and constructive. Key topics included:
We were grateful to be able to speak directly from the experiences of those who live here and the reflections that you have entrusted to us.
Heritage Concerns
A significant part of the meeting focused on the impact of the project on our heritage site. We expressed concern that it seemed as though the Government wasn't playing well with each other with regard to projects and the impact on Heritage buildings, including ourselves. We named that on one hand the Govt desired a project to get underway as fast as possible, but that at the same time it wants us to preserve our heritage status as a community without any information on how the roading project will impact that Heritage significance. We expressed a desire NOT to be listed as heritage, but given that the Government holds us to that, we desire to know the ramifications of the project on our building. They shared our concern and valued our position. They committed to understanding the impact on us and what would need to be done prior to consent.
Impact on Our Wider Community
We also spoke about how these changes could affect us not only as a church community, but also the wider neighborhood. Guy has been in close communication with Tony Austin, Principal of Kilbirnie School, and it is clear that the school community is sharing many of the same concerns and priorities. The school is also meeting with NZTA in the near future.
Addressing Misinformation
We also took time to clarify some misinformation that has been circulating. In particular, there has been concern that there would be no right‑hand turn from Cobham Drive into Evans Bay Parade. This is not correct. NZTA confirmed that there will be a right‑hand turn when traveling from Miramar onto Evans Bay Parade.
A Positive and Encouraging Meeting
One of the more encouraging aspects of the meeting was meeting the three NZTA staff members involved in this project. They were clearly skilled public servants who have worked across multiple governments and have long experience with projects like this. While this particular approach may feel rushed or new, the project itself and the idea is not new for them. They are at the same time following instructions from the current Government.
The meeting felt like a real success. We felt heard, respected, and able to raise several points that had not previously been considered. That, in itself, was heartening and worthwhile.
We will continue to keep you informed as conversations progress and as further opportunities arise for advocacy, engagement, and prayerful reflection together.
Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes with us. They matter, and they are being carried into these conversations.
Ngā mihi,
Rev Guy Benton
Dear All Saints Whānau,
We would like to share an update with you following a meeting that took place on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, between representatives of All Saints and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA / Waka Kotahi).
Heather Miller and Rev Guy Benton met with NZTA officials to discuss the future roading project around State Highway 1 and the tunnel, and to raise concerns and insights that many of you have shared with us over recent months.
What We Discussed
The conversation was wide‑ranging and constructive. Key topics included:
- Road safety, particularly around our school and church precinct, specifically how do people walk safely and have zebra crossings, etc., been considered?
- Increased traffic volumes on Hamilton Road
- Updated increase in traffic to 47% on Moxham Ave
- The configuration of exits and access points into and out of Haitaitai in the proposed design
- Concerns and ideas expressed by our local and church communities, specifically around traffic volume and its impact on pedestrians.
We were grateful to be able to speak directly from the experiences of those who live here and the reflections that you have entrusted to us.
Heritage Concerns
A significant part of the meeting focused on the impact of the project on our heritage site. We expressed concern that it seemed as though the Government wasn't playing well with each other with regard to projects and the impact on Heritage buildings, including ourselves. We named that on one hand the Govt desired a project to get underway as fast as possible, but that at the same time it wants us to preserve our heritage status as a community without any information on how the roading project will impact that Heritage significance. We expressed a desire NOT to be listed as heritage, but given that the Government holds us to that, we desire to know the ramifications of the project on our building. They shared our concern and valued our position. They committed to understanding the impact on us and what would need to be done prior to consent.
Impact on Our Wider Community
We also spoke about how these changes could affect us not only as a church community, but also the wider neighborhood. Guy has been in close communication with Tony Austin, Principal of Kilbirnie School, and it is clear that the school community is sharing many of the same concerns and priorities. The school is also meeting with NZTA in the near future.
Addressing Misinformation
We also took time to clarify some misinformation that has been circulating. In particular, there has been concern that there would be no right‑hand turn from Cobham Drive into Evans Bay Parade. This is not correct. NZTA confirmed that there will be a right‑hand turn when traveling from Miramar onto Evans Bay Parade.
A Positive and Encouraging Meeting
One of the more encouraging aspects of the meeting was meeting the three NZTA staff members involved in this project. They were clearly skilled public servants who have worked across multiple governments and have long experience with projects like this. While this particular approach may feel rushed or new, the project itself and the idea is not new for them. They are at the same time following instructions from the current Government.
The meeting felt like a real success. We felt heard, respected, and able to raise several points that had not previously been considered. That, in itself, was heartening and worthwhile.
We will continue to keep you informed as conversations progress and as further opportunities arise for advocacy, engagement, and prayerful reflection together.
Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes with us. They matter, and they are being carried into these conversations.
Ngā mihi,
Rev Guy Benton
Nov 2025 Update
Updated 20th Nov 2025
On the 9th of Nov 2025 we held our annual AGM here at All Saints where we voted in our new Parish Council for the next two year cycle. At the following PC meeting held on the 19th of Nov 2025 we committed to quarterly newsletter updates about any building updates (even if it seems there aren't any) by way of being as transparent as we can about where we are up to with the building.
Currently we are waiting on the finalization of the Conservation report as talked about below.
From there the path is a little unknown. PC are committed to working towards the goals set out in our Building consultation process as mentioned above.
We are committed to doing all we can for our building for the sake of the next generation but a gentle reminder that this is A thing that we are having to do, NOT THE THING, that is preaching Christs goodness to those around us.
On the 9th of Nov 2025 we held our annual AGM here at All Saints where we voted in our new Parish Council for the next two year cycle. At the following PC meeting held on the 19th of Nov 2025 we committed to quarterly newsletter updates about any building updates (even if it seems there aren't any) by way of being as transparent as we can about where we are up to with the building.
Currently we are waiting on the finalization of the Conservation report as talked about below.
From there the path is a little unknown. PC are committed to working towards the goals set out in our Building consultation process as mentioned above.
We are committed to doing all we can for our building for the sake of the next generation but a gentle reminder that this is A thing that we are having to do, NOT THE THING, that is preaching Christs goodness to those around us.
Notice to parish about Conservation Report
Updated 13th July 2025
Corinna Lines, Jonathan Peacey and Dan Sim gave this notice at the 9am and 10.30 gatherings.
Last year we had three parish consultation sessions, where we considered the options for the brick church. After these, Rev Guy met with representatives from Heritage New Zealand, Wellington City Council and the Diocese to find out what had to happen next.
Because the brick church has a category 2 heritage listing, we have to commission a Conservation Report. This will identify which parts of the church are considered to have heritage value. From this we’ll be able to see where we need to factor heritage value into our plans. We may be able to remove items and store them so we can return them after renovations. If heritage aspects are part of the building’s structure, that will help us understand our options more clearly.
The Diocese advised that it is up to us to commission the Conservation Report, so we obtained a quote from Studio Pacific Architecture, who the Dio has a long relationship with (we also obtained other quotes). The report is expensive, costing around $30,000. We applied for a grant from WCC for $10,500, which they have approved. We can cover the balance using funds that are earmarked to be used for property costs only.
We don’t have a choice about getting this done. The Conservation Report is required whatever we do next. But it should be really helpful in telling us where the heritage value is in the brick church.
We’ll be confirming this in the e-news, but we’ll be keeping all updates on the same webpage, under News About the Building. So if anyone asks you what’s happening with the brick church, please tell them to check there. We want everyone to be accessing the same information, rather than speculating or relying on hearsay. We guarantee that nothing will happen in secret and that we are committed to being transparent about this process.
Please email the office with any questions so that Parish Council can answer them. And please continue to pray for this to be a process that is only part of our work for the Kingdom.
Corinna Lines, Jonathan Peacey and Dan Sim gave this notice at the 9am and 10.30 gatherings.
Last year we had three parish consultation sessions, where we considered the options for the brick church. After these, Rev Guy met with representatives from Heritage New Zealand, Wellington City Council and the Diocese to find out what had to happen next.
Because the brick church has a category 2 heritage listing, we have to commission a Conservation Report. This will identify which parts of the church are considered to have heritage value. From this we’ll be able to see where we need to factor heritage value into our plans. We may be able to remove items and store them so we can return them after renovations. If heritage aspects are part of the building’s structure, that will help us understand our options more clearly.
The Diocese advised that it is up to us to commission the Conservation Report, so we obtained a quote from Studio Pacific Architecture, who the Dio has a long relationship with (we also obtained other quotes). The report is expensive, costing around $30,000. We applied for a grant from WCC for $10,500, which they have approved. We can cover the balance using funds that are earmarked to be used for property costs only.
We don’t have a choice about getting this done. The Conservation Report is required whatever we do next. But it should be really helpful in telling us where the heritage value is in the brick church.
We’ll be confirming this in the e-news, but we’ll be keeping all updates on the same webpage, under News About the Building. So if anyone asks you what’s happening with the brick church, please tell them to check there. We want everyone to be accessing the same information, rather than speculating or relying on hearsay. We guarantee that nothing will happen in secret and that we are committed to being transparent about this process.
Please email the office with any questions so that Parish Council can answer them. And please continue to pray for this to be a process that is only part of our work for the Kingdom.
WCC, Heritage, Diocese and All Saints Meeting Update
Updated 4th December 2024
Kia ora All Saints, I just wanted to give you a quick update about my meeting on Wednesday (4th Dec 2024) this week regarding our building process.
The meeting included the Wellington City Council Heritage Department, Heritage New Zealand, the Diocese, and All Saints.
I had with me from All Saints Tony Pettigrew, who, as we know, is a structural engineer. We had Ben (Dio Manager) and Sisi (Dio property) from the Diocese who are amazing and we're in really good relationship with. We had Dean Raymond who is from New Zealand Heritage and he is also a parishioner at St Tom's Newtown and he had his colleague with him. Then we had two people from Wellington City Council who are in the Heritage Department.
The short version is we got an opportunity to lay the platform for where we've been as a parish in terms of our conversations and where we've landed on those things, outlining our process for them, that we've talked a lot about future-proofing this place and our heart behind the building and our struggles with the cost etc.
Dean Raymond spoke from a Heritage NZ aspect about where the value of Heritage is and how that's important to Heritage New Zealand, but ultimately, they just advise in that regard.
I followed that up with the question of who sets the value on that Heritage status and what that's worth.
The Wellington City Council then followed up explaining that there is a piece of the process that's really important to determine that value, which is called a Conservation Report. They said that this report is vital to going forward in this process, it also provides a thorough examination of the Heritage value of the place outside and in and where the value of the Heritage is and what it's found in, for example, stained glass windows or stairs or whatever it is, this helps to determine where Heritage New Zealand and the Council are seeing the value and that status.We also spoke briefly about the need for an updated seismic testing report, which wouldn't require too much since we have had a thorough one done in 2018
The WCC advised us of several possible funding routes to take, which was fantastic, and we will work closely with the Diocese, who will make these applications on our behalf.
This meeting felt holy and ordained in the conversation and the relationship building. Please continue to pray for God to be at work amongst us; remember that this is a thing we have to steward, but it is NOT the main thing that's preaching and living out the Good News of Jesus.
Much love,
Kia ora All Saints, I just wanted to give you a quick update about my meeting on Wednesday (4th Dec 2024) this week regarding our building process.
The meeting included the Wellington City Council Heritage Department, Heritage New Zealand, the Diocese, and All Saints.
I had with me from All Saints Tony Pettigrew, who, as we know, is a structural engineer. We had Ben (Dio Manager) and Sisi (Dio property) from the Diocese who are amazing and we're in really good relationship with. We had Dean Raymond who is from New Zealand Heritage and he is also a parishioner at St Tom's Newtown and he had his colleague with him. Then we had two people from Wellington City Council who are in the Heritage Department.
The short version is we got an opportunity to lay the platform for where we've been as a parish in terms of our conversations and where we've landed on those things, outlining our process for them, that we've talked a lot about future-proofing this place and our heart behind the building and our struggles with the cost etc.
Dean Raymond spoke from a Heritage NZ aspect about where the value of Heritage is and how that's important to Heritage New Zealand, but ultimately, they just advise in that regard.
I followed that up with the question of who sets the value on that Heritage status and what that's worth.
The Wellington City Council then followed up explaining that there is a piece of the process that's really important to determine that value, which is called a Conservation Report. They said that this report is vital to going forward in this process, it also provides a thorough examination of the Heritage value of the place outside and in and where the value of the Heritage is and what it's found in, for example, stained glass windows or stairs or whatever it is, this helps to determine where Heritage New Zealand and the Council are seeing the value and that status.We also spoke briefly about the need for an updated seismic testing report, which wouldn't require too much since we have had a thorough one done in 2018
The WCC advised us of several possible funding routes to take, which was fantastic, and we will work closely with the Diocese, who will make these applications on our behalf.
This meeting felt holy and ordained in the conversation and the relationship building. Please continue to pray for God to be at work amongst us; remember that this is a thing we have to steward, but it is NOT the main thing that's preaching and living out the Good News of Jesus.
Much love,
Third Building Meeting Debrief
Updated 8th September 2024
Parishioners gathered for our third parish conversation workshop. Alongside Denise Church, the Parish Council reviewed the survey results and gave feedback on them.
From there two main options were identified to explore.
Option A: Adaptation
This was a combination of scenario 2 and 3 from our second Conversation: Strengthen and renovate, keeping some of the façade of the brick building and redeveloping inside its footprint.
Option B: New Build
Remove the brick building entirely and build a multi-purpose building for worship and community use.
Alongside the many ideas suggested by the workshop discussion groups, the parish raised questions including: How would the revamped or new building serve the church’s vision and purpose?
The next step will be for the Parish Council to form a building committee that will work on obtaining cost estimates for the two options, as well as the cost of doing nothing (including ongoing maintenance and insurance). These estimates will then be brought to the parish at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
There was a really powerful sense of collective commitment as a parish to future-proofing this resource for future generations, while holding on to some of the sacred elements of a place of worship.
That moment came when we were asked to identify if there was any hesitation in moving forward in this direction, from which it was clear that we were all committed together.
We will provide updates through our newsletters, AGM and website when we have further developments to report.
Parishioners gathered for our third parish conversation workshop. Alongside Denise Church, the Parish Council reviewed the survey results and gave feedback on them.
From there two main options were identified to explore.
Option A: Adaptation
This was a combination of scenario 2 and 3 from our second Conversation: Strengthen and renovate, keeping some of the façade of the brick building and redeveloping inside its footprint.
Option B: New Build
Remove the brick building entirely and build a multi-purpose building for worship and community use.
Alongside the many ideas suggested by the workshop discussion groups, the parish raised questions including: How would the revamped or new building serve the church’s vision and purpose?
The next step will be for the Parish Council to form a building committee that will work on obtaining cost estimates for the two options, as well as the cost of doing nothing (including ongoing maintenance and insurance). These estimates will then be brought to the parish at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
There was a really powerful sense of collective commitment as a parish to future-proofing this resource for future generations, while holding on to some of the sacred elements of a place of worship.
That moment came when we were asked to identify if there was any hesitation in moving forward in this direction, from which it was clear that we were all committed together.
We will provide updates through our newsletters, AGM and website when we have further developments to report.
Second Building Meeting Debrief
Updated 16th June 2024
We met again for our second Building Conversation.
This time Parish Council brought five scenarios for developing our site plus an option that might be available to add to any of the other options.
We spent some time going around all of the stations assessing the options in terms of these four questions:
There was a lot of energy spent, a lot of conversations had and we have now collected all these answers so we can take the next steps.
We are going to be collating all the information so far into a report that we can produce for the Parish.
We are then going to survey all parishioners to help us develop further and then join back together for the third workshop where we are going to try to get a sense of ranking the options so we can explore where we go as a Parish Council. Look out for these coming out in our newssheet.
Our next meeting is the 8th September at 3pm with dinner to follow at 5.30pm.
We met again for our second Building Conversation.
This time Parish Council brought five scenarios for developing our site plus an option that might be available to add to any of the other options.
We spent some time going around all of the stations assessing the options in terms of these four questions:
- What are some strengths about this scenario?
- What are some opportunities about this scenario?
- What are some challenges about this scenario?
- What are some questions about this scenario?
There was a lot of energy spent, a lot of conversations had and we have now collected all these answers so we can take the next steps.
We are going to be collating all the information so far into a report that we can produce for the Parish.
We are then going to survey all parishioners to help us develop further and then join back together for the third workshop where we are going to try to get a sense of ranking the options so we can explore where we go as a Parish Council. Look out for these coming out in our newssheet.
Our next meeting is the 8th September at 3pm with dinner to follow at 5.30pm.
First Building Meeting Debrief
Updated 26th May 2024
We had the first conversation of three as we discussed together the action required for the brick building. It was facilitated by Denise Church, who did a great job getting us all thinking about the kinds of activities we most prioritise in this place, the activities we think will be most active in 2040 and then what types of building criteria might be helpful to facilitate those activities.
The warmth in the room was great, and the conversation was filled with so many great thoughts and contributions from many people. As part of this conversation Rev. Andrew Spence opened up the meeting by saying three things that he expects from these times together.
The next steps are for Parish Council to start a list of options available to us. Then that list and ideas we will discuss togerther at our next meeting on the 16th June at 3pm, dinner to follow at 5.00pm.
Do come join us!
We had the first conversation of three as we discussed together the action required for the brick building. It was facilitated by Denise Church, who did a great job getting us all thinking about the kinds of activities we most prioritise in this place, the activities we think will be most active in 2040 and then what types of building criteria might be helpful to facilitate those activities.
The warmth in the room was great, and the conversation was filled with so many great thoughts and contributions from many people. As part of this conversation Rev. Andrew Spence opened up the meeting by saying three things that he expects from these times together.
- We will be better off as a community for these conversations. So although we may disagree, we will have had the conversation together and shared all our views so the community together is strengthened.
- This is not our church's main thing. It is a helpful and important discussion but not the main priority - Jesus and his kingdom are. We want the gospel to thrive here and so we have to prioritise that.
- We need to trust one another. Everyone coming to these conversations has a care for this place and the people here. Regardless of our opinions about the building we have to trust that we all care for this place. So when someone says something you disagree with then remind yourself its because they care.
The next steps are for Parish Council to start a list of options available to us. Then that list and ideas we will discuss togerther at our next meeting on the 16th June at 3pm, dinner to follow at 5.00pm.
Do come join us!
Updated April 2024
In early 2018, we asked engineers to inspect the building and give us a report on what we would have to do to strengthen the building to bring it up to Earthquake Strength of 67% of the building code, as the Diocese has told us we should be by 2024. Upon completing the inspection the engineers informed us that our building was only at 15% of the code.
In 2022 the council approached us looking for an assessment on the earthquake prone status of our building, we sent them the notice and subsequently we have been officially declared to have an earthquake prone building. This gives us until 4 July 2037 to rectify the instability of the building.
We are grateful for the use of our All Saints Centre, and the provision this is to us as we use it for Sunday services and all of our church events. We are in the process of getting advice and recommendations for the way forward, while praying as a community about how All Saints can continue to be a place of mission and worship.
We appreciate your prayers and support throughout this time.
In early 2018, we asked engineers to inspect the building and give us a report on what we would have to do to strengthen the building to bring it up to Earthquake Strength of 67% of the building code, as the Diocese has told us we should be by 2024. Upon completing the inspection the engineers informed us that our building was only at 15% of the code.
In 2022 the council approached us looking for an assessment on the earthquake prone status of our building, we sent them the notice and subsequently we have been officially declared to have an earthquake prone building. This gives us until 4 July 2037 to rectify the instability of the building.
We are grateful for the use of our All Saints Centre, and the provision this is to us as we use it for Sunday services and all of our church events. We are in the process of getting advice and recommendations for the way forward, while praying as a community about how All Saints can continue to be a place of mission and worship.
We appreciate your prayers and support throughout this time.
Contact90 Hamilton Road, Hataitai, Wellington, New Zealand
You can phone the office on: (04) 971 2142 General enquiries: [email protected] Enquiries about hiring the centre: [email protected] Sign up to our weekly news © 2021 Anglican-Methodist Parish of Hataitai-Kilbirnie
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