St Paul's Memorial Church, Putiki

St Paul's Memorial Church at Putiki, across the river from the city centre, has one of the most remarkable interiors of any church in New Zealand. The exterior is a modest wooden building; the interior is completely covered with Māori carving and tukutuku panels (woven reed panels), creating an overwhelming effect of pattern and colour.

The church was built in 1937 and the carvings are by local Whanganui iwi artists. It is still an active Anglican parish church. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours. The short drive or cycle across the Dublin Street Bridge to reach it is part of the pleasure.

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A story
The interior of St Paul's at Putiki is one of the most completely carved and painted Māori churches in New Zealand. The entire interior — roof beams, walls, panels — is covered in traditional Whanganui iwi carving and painted tukutuku panels, created by local carvers in the early 20th century. The result is a building that is simultaneously Anglican and entirely Māori in character.

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