Trina Nichols, of Harcourts Marlborough Real Estate, holds the listing with Gavin Nichols. She says she was rapt to get the listing. "There is the family connection, and it's so beautiful. We have already had lots of enquiries.

"A lot of people are keen on it from a commercial perspective. They like the idea of being able to run a café or restaurant.

"But we've also had many people wanting to convert it into a home. Read more

Wellington archdiocese vicar-general Msgr Gerard Burns led the Mass, attended by about 60 people, saying it was a sad occasion.

However, while it was sad for the Sacred Heart church building, it was not the end of the Church or the end of the community in Havelock, he said.

Torrential rain fell outside throughout the Mass, and Msgr Burns said that was a sign of blessing.

"In the Catholic community, we see water as a blessing, at times such as baptism." Read more