Te Rangimārie: Catholic Māori Mission Centre in Christchurch

Schnoor, C., & McClay, S. (2024, February 16). Te Rangimārie: Catholic Māori Mission Centre in Christchurch [Paper presentation] Symposium 'This is Modernism', AASA Modernism Collaborative, Architecture Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6577

Abstract

The first Catholic Māori Mission centre in the South Island was designed by Christchurch-based modernist architect Paul Pascoe. Te Rangimārie opened in Christchurch 1969. It is still in use today, even if it is in need of repair. Little, however, has been documented of the building’s coming into being. Te Rangimārie was built during an era that was not yet entirely sympathetic to Māori-based projects; thus it raises questions why and how Pascoe was commissioned for this project. It appears unusual that, as a Pākehā (New Zealander of European descent), Pascoe became involved in designing a building for the Māori community. Were there any existing relationships that led to his appointment as architect, and how did the cultural context influence the design of the project? Literature on Paul Pascoe is sparse. Robyn Ussher’s thesis “The Modern Movement: The Architecture of Paul Pascoe” of 1986 gives insights into Pascoe’s career and his influence on the modernist movement in New Zealand. Her discussion includes Her discussion includes other religious buildings by Pascoe which predate Te Rangimārie. This helps to establish some of the circumstances of the commission, yet it does not delve into information about the building in question. This paper analyses published works by Pascoe and makes use of archival records held at the Macmillan Brown Library in Christchurch, in order to understand how the relationship between Pascoe and the Māori community of Christchurch came to be. These documents help to evaluate how Pascoe worked collaboratively with Māori to integrate both cultures and create a purpose-made space. Newspaper articles help gain a perspective on the cultural climate in the South Island at the time, demonstrating the necessity for a place like Te Rangimārie. Ways in which this history shaped and directed the design process are examined to appreciate the complex journey to the completed project. Paul Pascoe (1908–1976) – and student research in Christchurch, 2023 Te Rangimārie Pascoe’s early writings – Making New Zealand, 1940 Pascoe’s early writings – “The Modern House”, in Landfall, 1947 Māori design influence: Arthur’s Pass Chapel (1955) Māori design influence: St Chad’s, Linwood, Christchurch (1959) Council proposal Initial design Final design The façade The hall Eastern and western wing Māori co-design Norman Te Whata “Turangawaewae” – a foothold, or place to call one’s own Opening of Te Rangimārie Te Whata: reflections on Te Rangimārie Ongoing use Te Rangimārie

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