Our Lady Star
of the Sea Parish
Newsletter No. 2 – March 2025
Welcome to the second edition of the Parish Centre Renovation Appeal newsletter.
We have much news to report on our progress with this very important Parish project.
The story so far ………….
A Moving Target
When Fr John launched the Appeal in September 2024 the target for funding the renovation project was $350,000 – this figure was based on professional technical advice received from the original architect. Naturally that had to be our focus and was the figure on which we based our appeal for donations and the approval submission to the Diocese. By the end of November, the fundraising appeal had built to $373,000 – including donations and pledges from 150 parishioners, three bequests totalling $45,000 and a surprise bonus – the sale of a small, unused strip of land owned by the parish – an unusable space, 1.83 metres wide adjacent to the Presbytery and adjoining 1 and 3 Walter MacDonald Street. It took nearly a year to negotiate our way through the process of negotiation and final sale of this strip of land ($75,000) but it was a pleasing result for the time and effort to get the sale and purchase over the line.
We would also like to acknowledge the donations received from Our Lady Star of the Sea School, The Good Shepherd Sisters, Howick Funeral Home and The Heartstrings music group (proceeds from their very successful 30th Anniversary Concert).
A 21st Century Parish Centre – a project for the whole Parish
In early December our Quantity Surveyors confirmed a revised costing estimate - $385,000 plus a contingency of $50,000 - concept engineering investigations had revealed the complexity and extent of potential problems of turning a 60-year-old modified house into a 21st century Parish Centre along with all the necessary building standards and compliance regulations (e.g. substructures and fire compliance). Unfazed we approved the revised estimates and adjusted our plans accordingly. Generous support continued to arrive and we are very pleased to confirm that the current fund stands at $391,000 (and counting). Thank you so much for your continuing generous support.
The Final Planning Stages
- Dec/Feb – Committee approved revised budget estimates. Plans submitted to Auckland Council.
Building consents approved. Diocese approves revised budget. - Watershed recommends four companies to participate in the tender process.
List approved by the committee and the process closed on March 7. - Tenders reviewed by Watershed who will recommend their choice to lead the renovation side of the project.
The selected company will be interviewed to discuss construction. processes and costs.
Continued liaison with the Diocese as appropriate following upon the Bishop’s approval of our revised budget estimate. - Agreed contract approved and timetable for construction confirmed.
Our Lady Star
of the Sea Parish
Timetable
Unfortunately, a definitive start date cannot be announced until the contract has been confirmed. The committee and Watershed are confident that work will commence by May 2025. The existing Parish Office and staff along with important records will be transferred to office space being generously made available at Our Lady Star of the Sea School – for the duration of the renovations. Full contact details will be available soon.
Access
There has been considerable interest in the likely access restrictions during the construction period. We have been reliably informed that the area that would be cordoned off is the bottom of the carpark up to the end of the Parish Centre, this effectively closes the carpark. We also envisage that there will be large skip bins for demolition there as well as trucks coming through with supplies.
Sponsorship
It was very pleasing to note that some of our parishioners responded to the invitation to sponsor some of the essential kitchen white wear. There are still items unsponsored – call the Parish Office for details.
Finally let’s not forget
We cannot overlook the fact that the building is 65 years old – for the past 38 years the Parish has used the former presbytery as the sole social gathering space for parishioners and visitors, for children’s liturgies, Baptism and Sacramental Programmes and the many post-funeral functions (Fr John recently commented that he had buried over 200 parishioners since his arrival in 2017). More importantly it has housed the Parish ‘engine room’’ – the working offices for the priests as well as catering for the 16 parish organisations who use the space regularly. Along the way it has been managed and staffed by a group of wonderful women who have supported our Parish Priests and indeed the whole Parish so well. Thank you Ladies.
We all have treasured memories of 
occasions spent with our families and other parishioners in the Parish Centre – occasions like the bi-annual luncheon arranged for sick and elderly parishioners (see November 2023 luncheon setup).
Now the Centre is about to receive a much needed spruce up and it is the time to anticipate the future as the key renovation planning details are firmly put in place. Many parishioners will see this project as the catalyst for leaving their legacy – for future generations to enjoy. It’s been a long time coming but the wait will have been worthwhile.
Our Lady Star
of the Sea Parish
The images below of the new Parish Centre design are an artist’s impression only
Watch for further news in our next renovation update newsletter.
In the meantime, thank you for your continued support.
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
Note: All donations to the Parish Centre Renovation Appeal are tax deductible within the allowance set out in the current NZ tax legislation. For most donors this will result in a 33% refund.
ACTION:
Fill in the form above; it will be automatically sent to the Office and they will respond as soon as possible
or
Download the form here, print it out, and hand deliver or send it to the Parish Office.
Donations can be direct credited to the Parish Bank Account: BNZ, Auckland Branch, RC Bishop of Auckland.
Account No: 02-0108-0706005-000. Ensure your surname is included in the 'particulars' section and the word 'Centre' in the reference section of the online payment form. All donations will be acknowledged.
ALTERNATIVELY:
Phone the Parish Office or a member of the Appeal Committee (numbers are in the brochure) who will arrange to collect the form and/or answer any questions.
Our Lady Star
of the Sea Parish