16 Miriama Road, Pakipaki, Hastings

Te Whakaāhuatanga Harakoretanga o Mēri Takakau Tapu—The Immaculate Conception Church, established in 1880, has long served the Catholic Māori community of Pakipaki. The church was built on land gifted to the Catholic Church by Urupene Puhara, son of Ngāti Te Whatuiāpiti rangatira Puhara Hawaikirangi, reflecting the deep relationship between the local iwi and the early Catholic mission in Hawke’s Bay.

The original church was built under Father Christophe Soulas and supported by local benefactor Mēri Hōhepa. Venerable Suzanne Aubert (Mēri Hōhepa), who later founded the Sisters of Compassion, also worked closely with the Pakipaki community and played an important role in supporting and strengthening the Māori Catholic mission.

The present church, designed by architect John Scott, was consecrated on 28 April 1968. Nearby, the Memorial Grotto of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception commemorates the beginnings of the Māori Catholic mission in Hawke’s Bay and honours its early missionaries.