Catholic Church confirms its purchase of Ascension Winery

The Catholic Church’s purchase of the former Ascension Wine Estate has gone unconditional, after a consultation process found 85 per cent support among Warkworth parishioners who responded.

The 6.23 hectare property at 480 Matakana Road will become the new home of the Holy Name Catholic Parish, whose Alnwick Street and other local sites will be put up for sale in the coming months.

Settlement on the purchase will take place no earlier than November 29, the beginning of the church’s new liturgical year.

The Catholic Diocese of Auckland has not disclosed the price paid, although the Sotheby’s listing for the landmark winery, which was on the market for almost two years, was $7.5 million. In its consultation document, the parish said the cost of the purchase would be split between the parish and the diocese, with the parish share set at $3,083,584.

The document also said that the estimated value, based on CV, of the Alnwick Street property and vacant land next to the tiny Catholic cemetery near the Pukerito roundabout was $3.4 million.

The diocese said that during consultation, parishioners had opportunities to visit the site early last month, attend a forum a week later, and complete a survey which found 85 per cent of respondents in favour of the move.

“The winery property offers a wedding hall that will be adapted and used as a church with parking, good accessibility, and the capability to become a destination for Catholic weddings,” it said. “Under the proposal, the existing restaurant will be repurposed to provide hospitality for parish events, day retreats, community hire and as a space for both church and local groups to gather.”

The land now under vines will be set aside for future pastoral use, such as the building of a Catholic primary school – although that was not likely for at least 10 years, depending on Warkworth’s growth.

The parish’s consultation document noted that its Mass count had grown from 178 in 2003, to 218 in 2013 and 232 in 2023, and cited Auckland Council projections that the town’s population could rise from 5000 to 25,000 by 2048.

Bishop of Auckland Steve Lowe, who took part in last month’s parish meeting and site visit, said it was heartening to hear parishioners looking positively to the future.

“Their bold decision to purchase the property gives them an exciting facility for the parish’s future needs and outreach.”

The diocese statement quoted Pope Francis, in declaring 2025 a Jubilee Year of Prayer, as saying: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”

The purchase of the former winery was an opportunity for Warkworth’s Catholic community to be “renewed in hope, trust and vision”, it added.