Suzanne Aubert’s resting place given historic place status

The decision of the Heritage New Zealand Board recognises that the chapel and resting place hold sufficient significance to be entered onto the New Zealand Heritage List. The listing will take effect on May 12, 2025.

In its decision, Heritage New Zealand considered a range of criteria, evaluating the architectural, social, spiritual, aesthetic and historical significance of the site.

“The Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion and the Resting Place of Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert have outstanding historical and spiritual significance for their direct association with the Catholic nun, nurse and social worker Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert, who founded the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion (Sisters of Compassion),” it reads.

Heritage New Zealand also recognised the further historical significance of the chapel through its association with Ross Brown, award-winning architect of the Structon Group, and John Drawbridge, an artist of national standing. Opened in 1990, the design of the chapel is the result of collaboration between these two highly-respected figures in their fields.

“The building has a unique form, and its interior is visually arresting. The result is a unique and extraordinary space which, with the addition of the resting place, has significant rarity value.”

The resting place, designed by Hugh Tennent of Tennent Brown Architect and featuring John Drawbridge’s “Resurrection” stained-glass window, opened in 2017.

Sister Margaret Anne Mills, congregational leader of the Sisters of Compassion, welcomed the decision.

“It recognises the importance of this place in the life Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert and her wider contribution to New Zealand society,” she said.

“We want to acknowledge Historic Places Wellington, who made the initial nomination, and to thank Heritage New Zealand for this recognition.”

Suzanne Aubert’s work and contribution to this country is already acknowledged on the New Zealand Heritage List with the inclusion of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Pakipaki, St Joseph’s Church and Convent at Hiruhārama/Jerusalem and the former crèche in Wellington.

FULL STORY

Home of Compassion Chapel and Resting Place Listed as Historic Place – compassion.org.nz (Sisters of Compassion)