Development

In recent years the community has been steadily working towards producing a master plan for a monastic complex that would do justice to the founding vision of the pioneers of Southern Star Abbey and their leader, Fr. Basil Hayes.

To achieve this we have:

  • set up an Advisory Board of generous lay people. Initially their expertise assisted us in the restructuring of our finances and the development of our farm, now managed by lay workers. Currently they continue to monitor progress and provide sound advice for us;
  • articulated a Vision for the Future;
  • discerned with care where this might lead us;
  • engaged a consultant to assist us with developing a statement of our concepts and the necessary spaces required for the future building of the monastery;
  • initiated processes that led to the appointment of Hugh Tennent as our design architect and Catherine Alington as our site architect;
  • arrived at the completion of the initial stage of the design with a model, a computer visualisation, a brochure for a fund raising campaign, and a pamphlet for those interested in the project;
  • approached Trusts within the Cistercian Order for grants;
  • commenced a publicity campaign followed by a fund-raising venture.

    • The Design:
    Architect Hugh Tennent has designed a master plan that can be realised in stages without compromising the life of the community or its ability to offer hospitality. Hugh's web site www.hta-arch.co.nz provides an outline of his response to our brief.

    Stage I of the building program will meet the community's most pressing need, more flexible and generous hospitality. The Rule of St. Benedict reminds the brothers that the greatest care should be exhibited in the reception of the poor and pilgrims, for Christ is more especially received in them.

    Careful attention to the needs of those who continue to visit the monastery has led to provision for the following features:

    The Welcome Centre is the front door of the monastery, where visitors are greeted and welcomed in the reception lounge (pictured left). A comfortable hall with supporting amenities provides an effective venue for the needs of various groups during the day and offers Marae style accommodation for 20 persons at night.

    The Administration Block, being part of the community's connection with society, is located within the Welcome Centre as is the Porter's Lodge.

    The Guest House caters for a variety of needs as at present. Six rooms capable of twin share and a common room with kitchen and lounge are situated close to the Church.

    The Silent Retreat House provides accommodation for four people and offers greater seclusion.

    The Family Centre offers a retreat for families. The present Guest House will be relocated for this purpose.

    Co-Workers and Long Staying Guests are provided with self-contained dwellings sitting within the grounds of the monastery.

    The Hermitage, already existing, is situated in the gorge of the Manawatu River behind the monastery. It accommodates one person seeking solitude.

    In undertaking this building program, the community is making an act of faith in God, their Tradition and the people they serve. The project has the support of Bishop John Bluck of Napier, Bishop Peter Cullinane of Palmerston North and friends. The community is grateful for their support and encouragement.

    (The Church seen from the Welcome Centre.)