Hāwea Flat’s Presbyterian church, St Ninian’s, has been listed for sale for the first time since its construction before World War II.

The Hāwea congregation has “outgrown” the church, Hāwea minister Reverend Aaron Johnstone said.

“We’re selling St Ninian’s as a part of our process to build a new church within the Longview subdivision [at Lake Hāwea],” he told the Wānaka App.

The church, which is adjacent to the Hāwea Kindergarten and Hāwea Flat School, was built between 1937 and 1938 by the Hāwea community under the guidance of celebrated architect Dr Elmslie. 

“There is a wonderful history of St. Ninian’s evolving with its congregation over the past 90 years,” Aaron said.

“It has been a place of comfort and worship, and today, it continues to thrive as a hub of life and connection.” 

The interior of the church.

Aaron said the local congregation had “lovingly maintained the building over the decades”. The vestry was added in 1956, and in 1959, an agreement with the local school provided water access, enabling the addition of a small kitchen and washroom. 

During the Depression in the 1930s, the church supported workers and their families building the Makarora–Haast road under challenging conditions. 

Evening services continued during the 1950s Ministry of Works efforts to construct the Hāwea Control Dam. 

“Although we’ve outgrown the space, we remain committed to honouring the vision of our founders and continuing to serve the community,” Aaron said. 

The church has a Queenstown Lakes District Council Category 3 Historic Heritage designation, which allows for internal alterations while preserving its exterior.

It is being sold by Century 21 Wānaka.

PHOTOS: Supplied