The building collects and connects two Kapiti parishes and three former churches under one roof with the design showing the parishes' intention to play an inclusive and open role in the Kapiti community.

Themes of openness and connectivity are shown inside where the central gathering space connects directly to both the smaller chapel and larger nave, allowing seamless flexibility.

"The team at DLA were thrilled to have their efforts recognised by receiving the award for Public Architecture," DLA director Glenn Gardiner said.

"It was a splendid project to be involved in and was a huge team effort from the clients, consultants and building contractors, in creating the captivating building outcome for the Our Lady of Kapiti Parish.

Source: NZ Herald

Construction of the new church complex began January 2019, and Cardinal John Dew blessed the church and parish centre on Saturday, May 30.

Organist Dr Kemp English and his partner, renowned violinist Yuka Eguchi​, celebrated the opening with a concert in the church last Sunday.

It was also an opportunity to raise some money from ticket sales.

The couple relocated to the Kapiti coast earlier this year, moving into their rental the day before Level 4 lockdown.

During their walks around the neighbourhood during the lockdown, they would wander from Raumati Beach to Milne Dr, past the new church, by then in its final stages of the build.

English was taken with the place, walking around the exterior and gazing through the windows.

"I said to Yuka every day, 'This is a fantastic place for a concert.' I think she got sick of me saying that."

When lockdown lifted, they volunteered their services, and the church was pleased to sign them on for an opening concert.

English has performed around the world, from Hong Kong to Glasgow, and given masterclasses in the UK, China, and Australia.

He brought his own organ on its bespoke trailer, which he uses to play concerts all over the country.

Eguchi has been concertmaster of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Mozart Players.

She is now assistant concertmaster and first violin of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Both are fresh off the back of a travelling organ tour of rest homes around the country, in conjunction with charity From Us With Aroha.

The current parish was formed by the combining of Our Lady of Fatima in Waikanae with St Patrick's parish Paraparaumu

Source

• stuff.co.nz
• nzcatholic.org.nz
• Image: stuff.co.nz

A site blessing ceremony was held at the land last Friday, with school children, parishioners, and clergy.

Wellington archbishop cardinal John Dew blessed the site, and expressed the hope the project would benefit the parish and wider community.

The first priority in the project is a new full primary school.

The principal Martin Elms said the first classroom foundation slab was laid on the first day of construction on Friday.

The school replaces the 63-year-old St Patrick's School, in Tongariro St, and will be named Our Lady of Kapiti School, after the parish.

Funding of $6 million has been provided by the archdiocese of Wellington, additional to costs that will be covered by the parish as part of the wider building projects.

Elms said The new school will cater to the same number of students as St Patrick's.

The design is for 21st century educational facilities that will provide variable and flexible learning spaces.

It will allowing teachers to teach in a range of ways that will enhance
student learning and engagement.

The 4.2 hectares of land at the Kapiti Rd end of Milne Dr was purchased by the church mid-way through last year.

It is also planned to house a large church, hall, parking and a plaza area.

Parish council chairman Justin du Fresne said the church build was expected to cost about $6 million.

Site designs also include a new access road and two industrial lots, which are currently on the market.

Source

• stuff.co.nz
• Image: stuff.co.nz