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The former Marist retreat house, described as one of New Zealand’s greatest 20th century buildings now has “middle-class conformist rednecks” as it’s neighbours.
So says Russell Walden, former reader in the history of architecture at Victoria University, Wellington.
In his book, Voices of Silence, Waldon describes Futuna as “an authentic example of indigenous New Zealand architecture a deep expression of peace, silence and inner joy”.
“It still has it,” he says. “My son married in it last week and it was marvellous. Ambience, colour, intimacy it has still got it.
“The houses don’t help. The houses are all about money. The Catholic Church shouldn’t have sold it. Selling it was a major mistake.
“It’s a spiritual place and that’s still important.”
Archbishop John Dew distanced himself from the situation, “the Archdiocese didn’t own it”, he said.
Dew said he didn’t know why it was sold but noted “retreats weren’t happening as much as they used to.”
The Futuna 5oth anniversary celebrations take place on the weekend of 18-20 March.
Futuna was designed by Hawkes Bay architect John Scott and built by the Brothers of the Society of Mary. According to the Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust the Futuna Chapel “became regarded as an architectural masterpiece and perhaps the most complete example of a true modern ‘indigenous’ New Zealand design”.
Sources
Dominion-Post
Friends of Futuna Trust
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News category: New Zealand.
