Piopio Aria Mokau Co-operating Parish

The New Zealand Government established Aria, south of Piopio, as a 'special settlement' in 1902 with the development of the North Island Main Trunk railway line. St Barnabas Anglican Church, Aria, was consecrated in 1924. The church was designed by AJ Palmer, the son of the Archdeacon John Palmer. Arthur Buckman built the church and the church hall. Palmer's older brother, George Palmer was curate of Te Kuiti, and Aria, between 1924 and 1927.

St Barnabas Aria became part of Piopio Aria Mokau Co-operating Parish in 1975. Community efforts prevented its closing in the late 1990s. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga listed St Barnabas as a Catagory 2 historic place in 2020. Last edited by: Andrew Smith

Officiating clergy at the opening and dedication service of the new Piopio Church. Left to right: The Right Rev. B. Davis (Bishop of Waikato), Rev W. Te Whare (Methodist), and the Right Rev. Alister Rae (Moderator).
P-A70.36-85Officiating clergy at the opening and dedication service of the new Piopio Church. Left to right: The Right Rev. B. Davis (Bishop of Waikato), Rev W. Te Whare (Methodist), and the Right Rev. Alister Rae (Moderator).
P-A70.36-85

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Piopio Aria Mokau Co-operating Parish