Coates Memorial Church Matakohe

22/07/2026

🌿 Weekend plans sorted! Visit Matakohe this weekend.

⛪ Coates Memorial Church: Open daily, 8am-5pm
🏛️ The Kauri Museum: Open daily, 9am-5pm
☕ The Gumdiggers Café Matakohe: Coffee brewing and ready to welcome visitors

Want to visit Ruatuna, Gordon Coates' childhood home overlooking the Kaipara Harbour? Email [email protected] to enquire about an appointment.

✅ Free entry to Coates Memorial Church
❤️ Donations are appreciated and help support the ongoing care and operation of the church.

14/07/2026

💍Planning a wedding?

Coates Memorial Church is taking bookings!

With seating for up to 120 guests, it’s a popular venue for weddings - offering a unique and memorable backdrop for your special day.

For more information visit: https://www.mch.govt.nz/.../gra.../coates-memorial-church...

📷 by Salmond Reed Architects

04/07/2026

There will be an Anglican Holy Communion held at Coates Memorial Church 11am 12 July. All welcome 🤗

30/06/2026

Mōhio rānei koe (Did you know)…

Inside Coates Memorial Church there’s a stunning stained glass window of Joseph Gordon Coates - shown as a knight in armour, holding a sword and a book. Across the glass are the words:

“In war strong, in counsel wise.”

Beneath it sits a bronze plaque honouring Coates’ extraordinary service to Aotearoa:

A decorated soldier of the First World War, long serving MP for Kaipara from 1911 until his passing in 1943, Prime Minister from 1925–1928, Minister of the Crown across multiple governments, and a member of the Second World War Cabinet until his death.

We are open:

October–March: 8am–7pm
April–September: 8am–5pm

16/06/2026

11/06/2026

We are hosting Community Church Services on 5th Sundays at 2.30pm - All welcome.
Upcoming dates - August 30, November 29, January 31.

11/06/2026

ABOUT THE CHURCH; Coates Memorial Church, located within Matakohe Cemetery, is a handsome brick building set in a peaceful and reflective environment. This non-denominational church is a National Memorial to Joseph Gordon Coates (1878 - 1943) and is the only church in New Zealand dedicated to a politician.

TYPES OF SERVICES WE HOST; Coates Memorial Church is an operational church. Weddings, funerals, and baptisms are welcomed by arrangement.

AVAILBILITY AND TIMING; Wedding, funeral and baptism services can be booked by arrangement and are subject to church availability. Where possible, every effort will be made to provide access to the church on the day prior and the day after the service to allow for ease of setup and pack down.

CLERGY, CELEBRANTS AND OFFICIANTS; Families may arrange thier own minister or celebrant, subject to approval.

MUSIC AND AUDIO; The church organ is available for use. All other audio equipment must be arranged by the booking party.

WIFI; Wi-Fi is available for those booking the venue.

DECORATIONS AND FLOWERS; Flowers are welcome. However, adhesives, nails and candles are not permitted.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING; Photography and filming are permitted before and after services. Photography is not permitted within the burial areas of the cemetery.

GUESTS AND SEATING; The church has seating capacity for 120 people. Please note that the church is not wheelchair accessible.

PARKING AND ACCESS; Limited parking may be available for the wedding or funeral party vehicle. All other guests are asked to park on Church Road.

FEES AND BOOKINGS; Church bookings are by donation. Donations contribute to the operating costs of the church, including power, organ servicing, internet and cleaning.

Suggested donation rates are as follows:
- Wedding; $250
- Funeral; $100
- Baptism; $100

Suggested donations are offered as a guide only. If cost is barrier, any donation is appreciated.

Eftpos is available on site to make this donation.

CONTACT; Penny Weber, Coates Memorial Church Board
[email protected] or 0211528506