Christ Church , Russell / Te Whare Karakia o Kororareka is New Zealand’s oldest existing church and possibly the oldest building still used for its original purpose. Its beginnings go back to the earliest years of Maori European contact in the Bay of Islands when missionaries from across the harbour at the Paihia mission station rowed across to take services in private homes. You can find out more of its history, by clicking on the ‘History’ tab.
From 1998 local people have taken over the role of a visiting priest, forming a Local Shared Ministry team that encourages the ministry of all.