Skip to main content
News —
Red brick church with prominent spire set against green lawn and trees

 

Coates Memorial Church is a national memorial to Rt Hon Joseph Gordon Coates, Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1925 to 1928.

Now 75 years old, the Church requires essential maintenance to extend its life and ensure it remains a place for the Matakohe and New Zealand community to enjoy.  

The church is cared for by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage with support from the Coates Memorial Church Reserve Board.  

An extensive restoration project will begin on 6 October 2025, and it’s expected to be completed by May 2026.

Restoration update – 17 February 2026

Profile view of church and spire at dusk
Blake Morris, Argon Constructors Ltd
Restored exterior of Coates Memorial Church

The restoration of Coates Memorial Church is now in its fifth month under the guidance of heritage architects Salmond Reed. Argon Constructors Ltd, the lead contractor, has completed all major works on schedule and has now vacated the site. With the scaffolding and fenced compound removed, the public can once again enjoy an uninterrupted view of the church’s exterior, and the significant restoration progress made to date.

Access to the interior of the church remains restricted while the final stages of interior work are completed.

Remaining Work

  • Installation of a new DVS system
  • Restoration of surrounding grassed areas and gardens affected during construction
  • Replacement of carpet and curtains
  • Commemorative plaque polishing
  • Installation of wayfinding signage
  • Fit‑out of interpretive information in the vestry.

The Church is scheduled to reopen to the public on 24 May 2026, with a Sunday service. Further details about this event will be shared in the coming weeks.

Access to the Church

To ensure public safety and minimise disruptions during the project, the Church will be closed to the public until all works are complete. During this period the Church will not be open for visits or services, and it will not be able to take bookings for baptisms, weddings, or funerals. 

Architectural plans showing floorplan and dimensions of church
Auckland University Archives

About Coates and the Church

Born in Northland, Coates was elected to Parliament in 1911. He served in the First World War, rising to the rank of Major and receiving the Military Cross and Bar. Following the death of W.F. Massey, Coates became leader of the Reform Party and Prime Minister in 1925. Though the party lost in 1928, he continued to serve as a respected minister in coalition and wartime governments until his sudden passing on 27 May 1943.

After consultation with the Coates family, the government commissioned this undenominational church as a national memorial to Coates. Designed by architect Horace Lovell Massey, it was officially opened by Prime Minister Sidney Holland on 27 May 1950.

For more information about the Coates Memorial Church, visit NZ History:

Coates Memorial Church, Matakohe (NZ History)