Ruatara Chapel
A Sacred Place of Peace, Prayer, and Reflection
The Ruatara Chapel stands at the heart of Vaughan Park, a place of spiritual renewal, contemplation, and connection. Designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, the chapel embodies the Anglican Church’s mission of prayer, study, and community.
Worship at Vaughan Park
Join Us in Prayer and Community
We warmly welcome you to join us in prayer and worship at Vaughan Park.
- Daily Prayer: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM
- Holy Communion / Eucharist: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
On Sundays, we encourage worship at St. Mary by the Sea (168 Deep Creek Road, Torbay):
- 8:00 AM – Holy Communion (New Zealand Prayer Book)
- 10:00 AM – Intergenerational service concluding with Holy Communion
Our Chaplain, Rev. Kate Shrigley leads Morning Prayer, and is joined by Vicar of St Mary by the Sea, Rev. Dion Blundell for Eucharist services.
Whether you are seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a deeper connection to faith, you are warmly invited to participate.
For more information or to book a day retreat, please contact us.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vaughan Park—a place of peace, renewal, and spiritual enrichment.
A History Rooted in Faith
While Vaughan Park was established in 1996, plans for the Ruatara Chapel began in 2003, and construction was completed in May 2007. The chapel was envisioned as an integral part of Vaughan Park, symbolising the church’s priorities in a modern world while honouring its deep spiritual and historical foundations.
Rich in symbolism and meaning, the chapel:
- Is built two-thirds underground, reflecting both the incarnation and the historical Church, which began much of its life in underground catacombs. This design also represents a commitment to ecological awareness and sustainability.
- Features a waka-shaped roof, an outrigger pergola, and a defined forecourt, symbolising the three Tikanga (Māori, Polynesia, Pākehā) of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Is dedicated to the Builders of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, with the chapel itself named in honour of Ruatara, a Ngā Puhi chief from the Bay of Islands who assisted the Rev. Samuel Marsden in establishing a Christian mission in Aotearoa in 1814.
The Ruatara Chapel remains a sacred and peaceful space, welcoming all who seek solitude, prayer, and renewal.
The Research & Study Centre
A Sanctuary for Learning, Reflection, and Prayer
Encircling the chapel, the Research and Study Centre symbolises the balance between study and prayer—a core principle of Vaughan Park. Built in memory of the Saints and Martyrs of the Pacific, this space is open to all who seek quiet reading, study, or writing. A small lending library is also available for use.
A Place for Individual Contemplation
The study room offers a hot-desk setup (first-come, first-served) for quiet study and reading.
- Capacity: Seats up to four people at individual desks
- Not suitable for meetings or group discussions (dedicated meeting rooms are available for bookings)
Availability & Cost
- Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Daily rate: $30 per guest (includes lunch)