St Mary’s church is located in a very picturesque spot against a backdrop of a grove of tarata (lemonwood) trees and a tall pine plantation.
There are numerous native and exotic specimen trees and shrubs throughout the churchyard. Take time to wander around, and take a seat to pause and reflect. The adjacent graveyard is well tended by the district council and holds many past loyal parishioners and historic local families such as the Hopa’s, Henare’s, Pene’s, Matika’s, Riddell’s, Gower’s, Sainsbury’s, Brigman’s, Shepherd’s, Smith’s, and Kestle’s.
The Komakorau stream meanders past at the bottom of the church yard. The gully and the banks of the stream was once a weed infested wasteland, but has now been cleared and replanted by parishioners with native trees.
There is now a large array of native flora to be found in the gully; harakeke (flaxes), pauhou (five finger), manuka, kanuka, kauri, makomako, titoki, maipi, houhere, totara, ti kouka (cabbage tree), ponga, tarata, kowhai, rimu, miro, akeake, tanekaha, rewarewa, kahikatea, nikau, horoeka (lancewood), matipo, coprosmas, and various pittosporums.
There is an abundant bird life around the church yard and gully, ranging from ducks, pukeko, fantail, kingfisher, silvereye, white faced heron, tui, grey warbler, swallow and morepork. As the native gully planting matures, we hope it encourages more wildlife.