Last updated July 2026
Pūtiki is a small riverside settlement on the south bank of the Whanganui River, directly across from the Whanganui city centre. It has long been associated with the local Māori community and is best known for St Paul’s Memorial Church, whose plain exterior conceals one of New Zealand’s most remarkable church interiors filled with Māori carvings and tukutuku panels. An Anglican mission has operated on the site since the early 1840s, and the present building is the fifth church constructed there. The church was consecrated on 5 December 1937 and holds Category 1 heritage status with Heritage New Zealand.
Practical Information
| Location | 6 Te Anaua Street, Pūtiki, on the south bank of the Whanganui River |
| Character | Small riverside settlement with strong Māori identity and historic mission connections |
| Key site | St Paul’s Memorial Church (Anglican) — consecrated 5 December 1937, Category 1 heritage place with exceptional Māori interior |
| Heritage status | St Paul’s Memorial Church and Pūtiki Parish Hall: Heritage New Zealand Category 1 |
| Mission history | Anglican mission station formally established on the site in 1840; current church is the fifth on the location |
| Access | Short drive or walk from Whanganui city centre across the City Bridge |
About Pūtiki
Pūtiki lies on the south bank of the Whanganui River, a short distance downstream from the City Bridge. The settlement has maintained continuous links with the Māori people of the Whanganui district since the earliest period of European contact. An Anglican mission station was formally established here in 1840, and successive church buildings have occupied the site ever since.
The present St Paul’s Memorial Church was designed and built as a memorial to the men and women who had served the Anglican Church in the district since the mission’s founding. It was consecrated on 5 December 1937 by Bishop F.A. Bennett. Although the exterior is plain and conventional, the interior features outstanding Māori carvings and tukutuku weaving panels that record the histories of the people and the land of the Whanganui district.
On 22 December 1963 Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson unveiled a framed and hand-lettered memorial cross inside the church. The cross commemorates both Māori and European servicemen from the Aotea-Kurahaupō district who died in the two World Wars, including specific plaques honouring Te Teira and Henare Metekingi.
Pūtiki remains one of Whanganui’s quietest and most historically layered communities. The church continues to serve as a place of worship while attracting visitors drawn by its exceptional cultural and artistic significance.
What Visitors Often Say
The plain exterior gives no hint of the extraordinary interior. The Māori carvings and tukutuku panels are among the most beautiful and moving church features seen in New Zealand, creating a quiet and deeply special atmosphere.
Visitors describe the church as a hidden gem that rewards the short trip across the river. Many note the respectful and welcoming feel of the space and the high quality of the traditional Māori artwork throughout the interior.
Where to Learn More
Heritage New Zealand: Official Category 1 listing and heritage assessment for St Paul’s Memorial Church and Parish Hall.
NZ History: Detailed account of the 1963 memorial cross and the church’s mission history.
Friends of Te Papa: Illustrated description of the church interior, carvings and cultural significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pūtiki?
On the south bank of the Whanganui River, directly across from the city centre and a short distance downstream from the City Bridge.
Can visitors enter St Paul’s Memorial Church?
Yes, the church welcomes visitors to view the interior. Opening times can vary, so it is advisable to check locally or contact the parish in advance.
Why is the church interior significant?
The interior contains exceptional Māori carvings and tukutuku weaving panels that record the history of the people and land of the Whanganui district, making it one of New Zealand’s most notable examples of Māori church art.
When was the current church built and consecrated?
The present building is the fifth church on the mission site and was consecrated on 5 December 1937.
What is the memorial cross inside the church?
A framed memorial cross unveiled on 22 December 1963 by Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson commemorates Māori and European servicemen from the Aotea-Kurahaupō district who died in the two World Wars.
What is the heritage status of the church?
St Paul’s Memorial Church and the adjacent Parish Hall are registered as a Category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand.
Is there parking or other facilities nearby?
Street parking is available in the immediate area. The church is a short walk or drive from Whanganui city centre via the City Bridge.
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