Nestled in the heart of Ponsonby, St Mary’s Old Convent Chapel has stood as a quiet but powerful symbol of faith, craftsmanship, and community since 1866. Originally built to serve the Sisters of Mercy, the chapel forms part of one of Auckland’s most significant historic Catholic sites, closely tied to the early development of the city and its faith-based education and care.

Over more than 150 years, the building has endured the effects of time and weather, making careful restoration essential to preserve its character for future generations.

A Collaborative Approach to Heritage Restoration

Matassa Property Services was proud to work alongside Salmond Reed Architects on the full restoration of this remarkable building. With a shared focus on heritage preservation, the project required a high level of care, attention to detail, and respect for the chapel’s original materials and craftsmanship.

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Every element of the restoration was approached with this in mind. From repairing weathered timber to restoring intricate architectural features and preserving the character of the stained glass, the goal was not just to repair, but to honour the building’s history.

Heritage projects like this demand more than standard construction practices. They require patience, specialist knowledge, and a deep understanding of how to balance modern techniques with traditional materials.

Bringing the Building Back to Life

The restoration works carried out by Matassa Property Services included detailed building repairs, surface preparation, and a full repaint using carefully selected coatings from Resene. Colour selection played an important role in maintaining historical accuracy while also enhancing the building’s presence within the Ponsonby landscape.

Working closely with Salmond Reed Architects and Resene, the team ensured that every finish complemented the chapel’s original design and architectural intent.

Recognised for Excellence

We are proud to share that the project has been recognised with two prestigious awards:

Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Auckland Branch Heritage Award
Resene Colour Award

These awards acknowledge not only the quality of the workmanship, but also the collaborative effort involved in restoring an important piece of Auckland’s heritage.

Preserving the Past for the Future

Projects like St Mary’s Old Convent Chapel are a reminder of the importance of preserving our built heritage. These buildings tell the stories of our communities, our faith, and our shared history.

At Matassa Property Services, we take great pride in being trusted to carry out this type of work. Our approach is always grounded in care, respect, and a commitment to doing things properly, ensuring these spaces can continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

We extend our thanks to Salmond Reed Architects, Resene, and all those involved in bringing this project to life.