DEIRDRE TOHILL: LANDMARK BUILDINGS
The higher thought temple This small brick temple on the corner of Union Street and Warimu Place is very rare and possibly the only example of a Higher Thought church in New Zealand. It reflects the development of alternative religious philosophies that became prominent here after European colonisation, and has value as a place of study and spiritual healing continued by the building’s current owners. The Craig Brothers built the temple in1928 to Henry Robinson’s design - they had all been involved in the construction of the Theosophical Society Hall in Queen Street. They were also adherents of a spiritualist movement, Builders of the Adytum, which believes in the power of conscious thought’s ability to solve day-to-day problems. The Higher Thought Temple was given to the Builders of the Adytum in the 1970s and has a category 11 Historic Places Trust rating. As well as historical significance, it has considerable aesthetic value for its simple, dignified design, and intact interior that incorporates a timbered vestibule, decorative glasswork and a light, spacious hall. It also has a George Croft organ. Croft came from England to New Zealand as an infant but returned there to learn his craft. When he came back he established a substantial business, George Croft & Son and built or rebuilt a large number of instruments in both islands. The Adytum (the inner sanctuary of an ancient Greek temple) is related to the Qabalah which is an ancient Jewish interpretation of the Bible, and believers often wear a red string bracelet to ward off the Evil Eye. Qabalahists believe tarot cards are keys to the Tree of Life as do the Higher Thought Temple adherents who meet several times a month for healing sessions and meditation. As a point of interest, both Madonna and Britney Spears are Qabalah followers. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F PN
A TRIBUTE TO IVAN MERCEP Ponsonby News pays homage to outstanding Auckland architect, Ivan Mercep, a long time resident of Herne Bay who passed away 18 April this year. He was born in Taumarunui in 1930 to Croatian parents who ran the prosperous local fish shop, but during the World War 2 years the family moved to Auckland and settled in New Lynn. His father took over a fish shop and restaurant at the foot of Queen Street. The move enabled Ivan to attend Sacred Heart College on Richmond Road in 1946 and later to study architecture at Auckland University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1954. Overseas travel followed and he gained experience with an established architect in London then in 1960 returned to New Zealand and settled in Herne Bay with his wife, Halina whom he met and married in Montreal, Canada. At about that time Stephen Jelicich set up a group of architects and planners, the Architects Planning Group, which sought to influence planning issues that affected Auckland. Ivan joined and assisted in setting up exhibitions, organising meetings, and rallying public interest through the media. Meanwhile Stephen, who had been running a small practice on Symonds Street, considered expanding. He was approached by Graham Smith, one of the Planning Group, about joining forces. Graham had already talked to Ivan and the upshot was an informal meeting that included John Austin and architect-planner, Rod Davies. When discussions were finalised, the company JAZMaD Group Ltd was formed. The firm took off successfully from the start with university and hotel work and a range of commercial projects. In 1989 it was restructured with retirements and the introduction of new partners with a name change to JAZMAX, now one of the country’s largest and most successful architectural practices. Ivan was the team leader behind JAZMAX’s design of the national museum, Te Papa, but a great deal of his work can be found in Auckland’s inner city. He designed Samoa House in Karangahape Road, the Recreation Centre and Faculty of Arts complex at Auckland University, and the University’s marvellous Waipapa marae and Fale Pasifica. In fact he worked a great deal with Maori and Pacific communities and was one of the first pakeha architects to design a marae complex, the Hoani Waititi facility that opened in West Auckland in 1980. In 1997 Ivan was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to architecture, and in 2008 he received a gold medal from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, in recognition of his 50 years service as an architect. Ivan’s son Simon says his father was a passionate architect, dedicated to his craft, and to mentoring younger architects. He continued working practically full time until he fell ill at the age of 83. His last project was the new iwi headquarters for Tuhoe in the Bay of Plenty, the country’s first so called ‘living building’. Simon goes on to say that his father was also committed to his local community. He joined the community based Ponsonby Plan in the 1980s, a group intent on preserving Ponsonby’s cultural and architectural heritage. He later served on the Auckland Urban Design Panel. Ivan’s funeral service was held at the All Saints Church in Three Lamps. Stephen Jelicich, the only one of the original group left standing, gave a moving eulogy. It was a fitting location as the church community hall was a frequent meeting place for the Ponsonby Plan group. The church was a poignant setting because it was designed by Professor PN Richard Toy who had lectured Ivan at the University of Auckland. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F
26 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2014
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)