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Media Release
Holy Name Catholic Church makes decision to purchase and relocate to
Ascension Winery.
Further to our media statement on 30 May 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Auckland and the Holy Name Parish in Warkworth have gone unconditional on the acquisition of 480 Matakana Road.
A consultation process with parishioners ran through June to explore the option of buying the former Ascension Winery at 480 Matakana Road. This resulted in an 85% support for the purchase from the consultation.
Buying the bigger property will allow the relocation of Holy Name Catholic Parish from Alnwick Street in Warkworth to the new site. The winery property offers a wedding hall that will be adapted and used as a church with parking, good accessibility, and the capability to become a destination for Catholic weddings.
Under the proposal, the existing restaurant will be repurposed to provide hospitality for parish events, day retreats, community hire and as a space for both church and local groups to gather.
The land currently occupied by vines will be set aside with the intention of being developed for future pastoral use, such as a primary school in the long term. This second stage of development will likely not happen for at least ten years, depending on the growth of Warkworth.
Bishop of Auckland, Steve Lowe who was at the viewing day and parish meeting, said it was heartening to hear parishioners looking positively to the future. Their bold decision to purchase the property gives them an exciting facility for the parish's future needs and outreach.
Settlement is no earlier than 29 November 2024, the beginning of a new liturgical year for the church. In declaring 2025 a Jubilee Year of Prayer Pope Francis said: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
This purchase is an opportunity for the Catholic community of Warkworth to be renewed in hope, trust and vision. A process to commence sale of the parish’s current sites is expected to begin in the coming months.
 
Current Church and the Proposed New Church
For further enquiries contact:
Eureka Masih
EO to General Manager – Catholic Diocese of Auckland
eurekam@cda.org.nz or
Phone 09 360 3063
2 July 2024
To register an expression of interest in leasing space at 480 Matakana Rd.
please complete & submit the form below:
Expressions of Interest Form |
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