The Very Rev'd Julian PerkinsDean
A LITTLE MORE
About
St Peter's is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki, and shares this role with St Mary’s Cathedral in New Plymouth
For more than a century, it has served as a place where people gather to worship, mark life’s milestones, experience music and liturgy, and find space for stillness and reflection.
CENTRAL TO LIFE AND WORSHIP
Music at the Cathedral
Music is central to the life and worship of Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter.
For generations, the Cathedral has been a place where music has enriched worship, inspired the wider community, and offered depth and spiritual expression.
St Peter's
Bellringers
The bells of Waikato Cathedral are part of the Cathedral’s living tradition and public voice.
Bellringing is a craft that marks worship, celebration and special occasions.
FAITH FOR GENERATIONS
A sacred place
Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter stands on the hill of Pukerangiora, a place sacred to the people of Tainui, particularly Ngāti Wairere, and a site of prayer and worship for many years.
The Cathedral’s presence on this land calls us to honour its history.
MEET
Our people
The life of Waikato Cathedral is supported by clergy, staff, musicians, volunteers, and lay leaders who together help shape worship, welcome, and community life.
Our vision
A world where we live in harmony with creation and all people, and where every person is treasured as a beloved child of God and a reflection of God’s good creation.
Our mission
Our Mission is to be a Christian Community seeking and worshipping God together which strives, with all other like-minded groups and people, to achieve this vision.
Our goals
Be a welcoming Christian community and embrace all comers
Give life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ within the context of the Anglican tradition
Be the Mother Church and Spiritual Home for the Waikato Bishopric
Grow our relationship with our sister Tikanga Māori Diocese
Be a community who challenge the comfortable and comfort the afflicted in our society
Provide a supportive community venue for city activities.
Our shield
Saint Peter was the leader among the apostles. His parents named him Simon, Jesus renamed him Peter (Petros) and said, "On this rock (Petra) I will build my church." Jesus went on to say to Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:18-20). The symbol of crossed keys is often used in images of Peter to show that it is indeed Peter.
The upside-down cross is a less familiar symbol. John's gospel indicates that Peter was crucified (John 21:18-19). Tradition has it that Peter said he was not worthy to be crucified the same way up as his Lord. Though there is good evidence that the Romans were creative in the ways they crucified people, there is no record of Peter being crucified in this way before the third century. The story is probably not true. Nonetheless, the upside-down cross has endured as a symbol of Peter's humility despite being the leader of the apostles.
In our east end Te Deum window, a style of window named after an early song of praise, Saint Peter can easily be identified in the central panel by the large key he holds in his hand. Many of the other saints can likewise be identified, or at least guessed at, by the objects they hold.