Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has recognised the Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion and the Resting Place of Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert as a Category 1 Historic Place, noting their “outstanding historical and spiritual significance for their direct association with the Catholic nun, nurse, and social worker Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert.”

Heritage New Zealand recognised the “extraordinary” design of the Chapel, which opened in 1990, resulting from collaboration between architect Ross Brown, of the Structon Group, and acclaimed local artist John Drawbridge.

Opening in 2017, the award-winning Resting Place, designed by Hugh Tennent of Tennent Brown Architects, is a tranquil and simple space. The focus is Suzanne’s tomb, framed by nature and John Drawbridge’s “Resurrection” stained glass window.

The Chapel and Resting Place serve as a spiritual hub for prayer, worship, retreats, reflection, and religious and social community events, as well as a place of pilgrimage.

Suzanne served “all creeds and none”, and in keeping with this, the Chapel and Resting Place are open to everyone from 8:00am to 4:00pm every day (check our website for public holidays).