History - Who are we?

  • Friendship House, He Whare Tangata ; A place for people in the heart of Manukau
  • Established by partnership of six church denominations
  • A response to health and community development issues identified in the early 1970’s

Friendship House is a gift to the community from the six founding churches:

Anglican Church
Roman Catholic Church
Baptist Church
Presbyterian Church
The Salvation Army
Methodist Church

 

FRIENDSHIP HOUSE TIMELINE

(This list records some significant events in the life of Friendship House.)

12 December 1976: The temporary ‘Friendship House’, with volunteers and part-time staff, was opened in two re-locatable Lockwood houses, near where the permanent building was later erected.

13 December 1977: An agreement was signed by the Anglican General Trust Board which committed the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches to purchase Lot 43, and to build a Centre on the site.

13 April 1978: The land was blessed by mana whenua of Pukaki Marae.

31 May 1978: Legal possession was taken of Lot 43.

30 November 1978: A plaque was laid to mark the commencement of work on the new building. Representatives of the seven Churches involved in the planning to date were present.

17 June 1979: The official opening of the permanent ‘Friendship House’ took place.

7 June 1984: The Friendship House Operating Agreement was signed by the Heads of six Churches: Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and The Salvation Army.

1997: Major refit of the building.

2010: Refurbishment of foyers and utility areas.

For an expanded history of Friendship House: (PDF loaded – The Early Years – Earle Howe)

Annual Reports

View our annual reports below:

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