| The United Great Priory in New Zealand |
| Kaitaia Preceptory No. 48 |
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History |
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Unfortunately, little is known of our early history but the Kaitaia Preceptory was founded in 1949 as No.85 under Charter from the Great Priory of Scotland. The first Preceptor was Ven. Frater Leonard Henry Bell, a farmer of Kaitaia and a Past Master of The Mangonui Lodge No.78. |
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The foundation members were probably members of the Northland Preceptory No.71 (now No.12) under the United Great Priory in New Zealand). There is, and always has been, a close relationship between these two Preceptories. |
| It became the Kaitaia Preceptory No.17 on 17th February 1984 when the New Zealand Constitution was formed under the guidance of M.Em.Kt. Jack Glenie, Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master and Em.Kt. Bryce Major, Grand Secretary. |
| Until recently the Preceptory has always met in the Mangonui Lodge building in Kaitaia, but now holds meetings alternative at Kaitaia and Ohaiwai. |
| It has only been recently that the Preceptory finalised a design for a Coat of Arms and had a banner produced in consultation with V.Em.Kt. Peter Shapcott, the design incorporating reference to the far North of New Zealand. |
| The banner was consecrated at the Installation of Ven.Kt. John Fritschi on Saturday 2nd September 2000. |