As central Auckland became increasingly commercial the population in the parish declined . St Matthew 's took on more of a role as church to the commercial and civic life of the city , a role it continues today . The church 's size , location , style and musical tradition have made it a natural place for civic services to be held . Typical were a memorial service for Prime Minister Richard Seddon and for the silver jubilee of King George V in 1935 . In two world wars , St Matthew 's held services to farewell troops and to offer thanksgiving for their return . In recent years , St Matthew 's has held civic memorial services for the victims of AIDS and the Air New Zealand Flight 901 disaster on Mount Erebus
Air New Zealand Flight 901
Air New Zealand Flight 901
St Matthew's, Auckland