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Welcome to the Change Ringing bells of Aotearoa. In this website I aim to have an informative and interesting page for every ring of bells in the country, including the history, bell details, photos & videos, and information for visitors. In New Zealand we have nine sets of bells hung for change ringing, unfortunately with a disproportionately large amount being unringable (3). There are also a number of single bells hung full-circle.
Head to the TOWERS section to get started! Details regarding ringing times and contact details can be found at the top of each page.
Despite the short history of British occupation and the subsequent lack of towers (only six compared to over 6000 in the United Kingdom!) New Zealand provides a very interesting ringing experience and a rich history. The first set of change ringing bells was installed at the then St Paul's Cathedral (now Old St Paul's) in Wellington in 1866, leading right up the installation of the bells of the new cathedral in 1984. The oldest bells in New Zealand now reside at St Matthew's-in-the-City in Auckland, which were originally cast for the 1862 London Exhibition. The oldest set cast specifically for New Zealand is that of St Peter's Church in Wellington. For information on Bell founders, refer to the BELL FOUNDERS section.
Sadly, in February 2011, we lost the grand 12 of Christchurch Cathedral due to the damage of 2 devastating earthquakes. Amazingly, most of the bells survived however these are in storage awaiting a new tower to be constructed. For more information on the project and others around Aotearoa, refer to the PROJECTS section.
Sadly, in February 2011, we lost the grand 12 of Christchurch Cathedral due to the damage of 2 devastating earthquakes. Amazingly, most of the bells survived however these are in storage awaiting a new tower to be constructed. For more information on the project and others around Aotearoa, refer to the PROJECTS section.
About the author: Dylan Thomas is a ringer at Wellington Cathedral who learnt to ring at age 15, and soon took an interest in the mechanical side of ringing. He is now the Steeple Keeper at Wellington Cathedral and a practice night doesn't go by without some form of work being undertaken! He draws inspiration from his good friend Kye Leaver, who is working on a similar project on the bells of Sussex, England.
We hope you enjoy the website, and find it helpful and informative!
We hope you enjoy the website, and find it helpful and informative!
