Queenstown residents Brett and Hollis Giddens - the soon-to-be owners of historic Hāwea Flat church St Ninians - are interested in community ideas for how the church should be used.

Brett told the Wānaka App he and his family are “incredibly grateful to become the next caretakers of such a special local landmark”. 

“At this stage, we haven’t settled on any plans beyond exploring some landscaping ideas to beautify the grounds,” he said.

“We've got a lot to work through at this point and don’t take ownership until the end of the year, but we're keen to get input from the community about possible uses.”

Brett said he and Hollis are “not new to heritage buildings - or churches for that matter”.

The couple has restored the Waikākā Church and Hazelnut Cottage at the base of Coronet Peak, as well as bar and restaurant, gin gin, on New Regent Street in Christchurch.

A group of Hāwea residents looked at ideas for the community to buy the church when it came up for sale in November 2024. Ideas for the church included a music venue, a cafe, art space, a venue to host courses and other events, as well as a museum.

Read more: Community hopes for church

The 87-year-old church was listed for sale because the Hāwea congregation had “outgrown” it, according to minister Reverend Aaron Johnstone. 

Hollis and Brett Giddens 

The congregation plans to build a new church within the Longview subdivision at Lake Hāwea.

PHOTOS: Supplied