The next powerful and strategic chapter for one of Wellington’s most important cultural sites.
Building long-term funding for Futuna Chapel; preserving a space to be enjoyed for generations to come.
A space for silence, reflection and connection
As rainbow coloured light streams through Futuna Chapel’s perspex windows, it enlivens the dark, mottled concrete walls inside. This space, revered for its meeting of Pakeha and Māori architectural sensibilities, is characterised by incredible contrasts. Dark, quiet corners, softly slipping into light, open spaces, the pull and push of acoustic echoes, rational mondrian-esque grid windows juxtaposing rough cast concrete walls and enduring intersections of old and new.
Commissioned by the Society of Mary as its National spiritual retreat centre in 1958, Futuna Chapel was designed by Hawke’s Bay architect, John Scott. Owing to his Māori, Irish and Scottish heritage, Scott’s design seamlessly intertwined indigenous and European modernist influences; a contrast that can be observed where the extended wharenui-like eaves meet the perspex windows. It is now regarded as one of the most significant buildings in New Zealand’s architectural history and is listed as a Category 1 Heritage Place by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga as well as being listed on, and protected by, the Wellington City Council Heritage Schedule.
“Futuna Chapel has always been an incredible example of forward-thinking design and modernity,” says Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust Chair and architect, Nick Bevin.
In what would become a common thread in the Chapel’s story, Futuna’s construction was propelled by the hands of building volunteers; Brothers from the Society of Mary. As the concrete was poured and long timber beams were pointed towards the sky, and prominent New Zealand sculptor, Jim Allen’s wooden crucifix was installed behind the altar, the space took shape.
Coinciding with the feast of St. Joseph, the Chapel was opened in March 1961 by then Archbishop of Wellington, Peter McKeefry. As the Otaki Māori choir’s soulful waita hung from the eaves, undulating between the green serpentine flagstone floors, the stations of the cross and the rough red granite altar, over 2000 visitors stood admiring what is often referred to as one of the very few examples of a truly indigenous New Zealand architecture.
Over 60 years, many more visitors would visit to sit, pray, listen and soak in sacred opportunities for silence, reflection and connection.
Saved by the love of volunteers
By 2001, the Society no longer had a use for the Chapel or the land, making the decision to sell to a property development firm with the understanding that the Chapel would remain intact. However, the developer wanted the land the chapel stood on but not the building. The potential demolition of the chapel was prevented by the signing of an urgent Environment Court Protection Order in 2003. During the development of Futuna Close was built up around it. However, primarily used as a storage facility with little care or respect accorded to it.
Enlivened by a sense of responsibility, the Trust mobilised to preserve the Chapel and the important place it was seen to occupy in New Zealand’s architectural, religious, artistic and social history. Made up of passionate locals and architecture lovers, The Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust was established in 2003 and negotiated the purchase of the Chapel to make sure it could continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The Trust’s vision has always been to preserve and enhance the Chapel so the space can be enjoyed by our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” says Nick.
While the first chapter of the Trust was dedicated to repairing and refurbishing the building and introducing basic amenities such as heating, an accessible toilet and theatre lighting, the second focused on bringing life into the building, ensuring that the Chapel remained at the heart of our City’s cultural heritage and creating new and compelling ways for visitors to engage with the space. In addition, the final major maintenance has been planned and a re-roofing project is to be undertaken in 2024, funds permitting.
Over the years, the Chapel has hosted rousing concerts; made magical by brilliant acoustics, architectural lectures series, choirs and events, and hosts an open day on the first Sunday of every month to share the space with fascinated visitors.
Securing the next chapter of Futuna
With the Chapel alive with activity, the Trust began to think about what the next chapter of Futuna could look like. The trustees wanted to make sure that they could maximise their fundraising efforts, build a long-term source of funding and create a sustainable future for the Chapel. The Futuna Chapel Fund was established with Nikau Foundation in 2023.
“Futuna Chapel has been enjoyed by Wellingtonians for over 60-years. By establishing the Futuna Chapel Fund, the Trust is ensuring that the Chapel will continue to remain an important part of Wellington’s story long into the future,” says Trust Patron, Chris Cochran.
All donations given to the Futuna Chapel Fund will be invested and grown to support Futuna Chapel and preservation of the heritage created by John Scott and Jim Allen long-term.
For 60+ years, Futuna Chapel’s story has been propelled by the passionate actions of volunteers. From the Society of Mary’s volunteer Brothers, who built John Scott’s vision from the ground up, to the volunteer trustees, who saved the building from ruin at the start of the new millennium and made it what it is today. The establishment of the Futuna Chapel Fund represents another powerful chapter driven by volunteers; one that will ensure the Chapel remains a vibrant part of our city’s cultural fabric, forever.
Donate to the Futuna Chapel Fund
To be part of the next chapter of Futuna Chapel, you can donate to the Futuna Chapel Fund via internet banking, donating online or leave a gift in your will. Please click on the icons below to find out more.
Internet Banking:
Westpac - Lambton Quay - 03 0502 0163248 001
Once you have set up the payment with the reference ‘Futuna’, please let the Nikau Foundation team know by emailing accounts@nikaufoundation.nz with your name, address and noting that you would like to support the Futuna Chapel Fund.
