Two well-loved, historic Far North churches have dubious futures as the The Anglican Diocese of Auckland discuss their sale.
St Catherine’s at Okaihau and St Stephen the Martyr’s in Kaikohe may get new owners if the decision goes ahead.
Anglican manager Kevin Third says the diocese is concerned about declining congregation numbers and the cost of keeping the churches open.
But member of Pakaraka Holy Trinity Anne Herbert is against selling them.
“All these churches are without debt, they are in good order because we’ve kept them so. We’re not quite sure what’s behind the thinking there.”
“I dont want the church hall and the church closed down. We have an op shop there that’ll be affected and the church also caters to the stockyard.
“So it means we’re not helping the community. Kaikohe is a community that needs help.”