Two well-loved, historic Far North churches have dubious futures as the The Anglican Diocese of Auckland discuss their sale.<\/p>\n
St Catherine’s at Okaihau and St Stephen the Martyr’s in Kaikohe may get new owners if the decision goes ahead.<\/p>\n
Anglican manager Kevin Third says the diocese is concerned about declining congregation numbers and the cost of keeping the churches open.<\/p>\n
But member of Pakaraka Holy Trinity Anne Herbert is against selling them.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“So it means we’re not helping the community. Kaikohe is a community that needs help.”<\/p>\n