Putiki is a small riverside community on the south bank of the Whanganui River, closely associated with the local Māori community. It is home to St Paul’s Memorial Church — an unassuming exterior that opens to one of the most remarkable interiors in New Zealand, filled with Māori carvings and tukutuku weaving that record the history of the people and land of this district.
Practical Information
| Location | South bank of the Whanganui River, approximately 1 km from the City Bridge toward the sea |
|---|---|
| Character | Small riverside community with strong Māori identity |
| Key site | St Paul’s Memorial Church (Anglican) — consecrated 1937, significant Māori heritage interior |
| Heritage status | St Paul’s Church and Parish Hall: Heritage New Zealand registered |
| Mission history | Anglican mission established on the site in 1841 |
| Access | Short drive or walk from Whanganui city centre via the City Bridge |
About Putiki
Putiki sits on the river’s south bank, a short distance from the city centre, and has been continuously associated with the Māori community of the Whanganui district since the earliest days of European contact. An Anglican mission was established on the site in 1841, and the current church — the fifth on this location — was consecrated on 5 December 1937 by Bishop F.A. Bennett as a memorial to men and women who had served the Anglican Church from the district’s earliest mission years.
The exterior of St Paul’s Memorial Church in Anaua Street is plain and conventional — easily overlooked. The interior is anything but. The church is filled with intricate Māori carvings and tukutuku weaving panels that record the histories of the people and the land of this area. A framed and hand-lettered memorial cross was unveiled in December 1963 to commemorate both Māori and European servicemen from the Aotea-Kurahaupo district who gave their lives in the two World Wars, with a specific plaque honouring Te Teira and Henare Metekingi, both killed in the First World War.
Putiki is one of Whanganui’s quietest and most historically layered communities — a small riverside locality with a church interior that draws visitors from across New Zealand.
What Visitors Say
“The outside gives no hint of what’s inside. The carvings and weaving are extraordinary — one of the most beautiful church interiors I’ve seen in New Zealand. Quiet, moving, and genuinely special.” — TripAdvisor reviewer
Where to Learn More
Friends of Te Papa — St Paul’s Memorial Church, Putiki has a detailed account of the church’s interior carvings and significance.
NZ History — St Paul’s Church Memorial Cross, Putiki covers the war memorial cross and its dedication to the Aotea-Kurahaupo district servicemen.
Heritage New Zealand — St Paul’s Memorial Church has the official heritage listing and significance assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Putiki?
On the south bank of the Whanganui River, approximately 1 km from the City Bridge heading toward the sea — a short drive or walk from the city centre.
Can you visit St Paul’s Memorial Church?
Yes — the church is open to visitors. The interior with its Māori carvings and tukutuku weaving is the primary draw. Check locally for current opening times as these vary.
Why is St Paul’s Church significant?
The church interior contains exceptional Māori carvings and tukutuku weaving panels recording the history of the people and land of the Whanganui district. It is the fifth church on a site where an Anglican mission has operated since 1841 and is Heritage New Zealand registered.
What is the memorial in the church?
A framed memorial cross unveiled in 1963 commemorates both Māori and European servicemen from the Aotea-Kurahaupo district who died in both World Wars.
Putiki is one of Whanganui’s most historically significant communities. Browse the full Whanganui Suburbs guide for all of the city’s neighbourhoods.