Situated close to the CBD of Hastings, St Matthew’s has been involved in the life of Hastings city for over 100 years. 

One of Hastings’ oldest buildings, St Matthew’s Church holds a Category One designation from the NZ Historic Places Trust.

At the heart of the parish’s witness and activity is the historic church whose wooden nave was built in 1886 with the reinforced concrete additions added in 1915.  Damage was sustained in the 1931 earthquake but restoration was undertaken, and the tower rebuilt to a reduced height.  More recent modifications provide an effective setting for liturgy and a frequently used venue for concerts and recitals.  

Within such a beautiful building, regular worship services are held on Sundays and weekdays.  Our style has a dignity appropriate to the setting but is, we trust, warm and welcoming to both visitors and regulars.

The historic St Matthew’s Church shares its central city site with several other buildings used by the Parish and others.  St Matthew’s Primary School, established in 1995, is a co-educational integrated school of over 130 pupils, from new entrant to Year 8.  St Matthew’s Early Childhood Centre provides preschool education in the nearby Canon Drake Hall.  In the large Parish Hall are located the Parish Office, an Opportunity Shop and venues for art and craft groups, a preschool music group and many other activities run by various organisations.

St Matthew’s welcomes visitors and sightseers.  The church is usually open most weekday mornings, for Sunday Services and at other times by arrangement.

Read the Conservation Project Update

Work on the subfloor has been completed and the next stages of the project are underway, including roof repairs and concrete injection.  Work on the leadlights will also start soon.

The Conservation Fundraising Committee has been overwhelmed with the support received from parishioners, the wider community, charitable trusts, and the Lotteries Commission... Read More

An invitation to assist with the conservation of historic St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Hastings

“St Matthew’s is synonymous with faith, a place where spirituality is nurtured; with civic life a place where people have come to enjoy music, the arts, and much more; and education, a place where the young, and perhaps not-so-young receive instruction and learn and grow.” The Right Reverend David Rice, Bishop of Waiapu

“One of the most important religious and civic centrepoints in our community – a unique architectural landmark.”  Lawrence Yule, Mayor of Hastings District

“A fine example of late 19th and early 20th century New Zealand architecture deserving further restoration work of the highest order.”  Guy Natusch, Architectural Heritage Advisor