Lodge Tawhiri No. 166

Lodge Tawhiri No. 166 is a Freemasons lodge based in Hamilton, New Zealand. The lodge operates under The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand in the Kaimai Region, covering the Waikato and Bay of Plenty districts.

At Lodge Tawhiri, we believe Freemasonry should be both meaningful and enjoyable. We place a strong emphasis on participation, mentorship, and supporting new members as they learn and progress through Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to take part in ritual work, visit other lodges, and become involved in the running of the lodge.

The social side of the lodge is also very important. Lodge dinners, social evenings, and events involving partners and families are a regular part of lodge life. For many members, the friendships built through the lodge are one of the most rewarding parts of Freemasonry.

History of Lodge Tawhiri

Lodge Tawhiri No. 166 was established in November 1909. The lodge was formed after discussions initiated by Worshipful Brother George Barclay, the Frankton Station Master, who recognised the need for a lodge in the growing population of the area. W Bro Barclay, with prior Masonic experience, became the first Master of the lodge.

The lodge, located in Frankton, played a significant and active role in the community. The original lodge room was donated by Worshipful Brother Frank Jolly. In 1948, the lodge room was destroyed by a tornado, but a new meeting place was constructed on the original site in 1952.

Lodge Tawhiri had a close connection with the Railway Craftsmen's Association, reflecting its ties to the railway industry. Special working tools were presented during the 2005 Installation, and a steam train was arranged for the lodge's centennial celebration in 2009.

The name "Tawhiri" was chosen for the lodge, derived from a tree waved to welcome visitors to a Marae and a local stream called Waitawhiriwhiri. The lodge crest features a figure waving a branch of the Tawhiri tree.

Meetings and Activities

Lodge Tawhiri holds regular meetings at the Waikato Masonic Centre, 294 Barton Street, Hamilton, throughout the year.

• First Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM – Regular Lodge Meeting
• Last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM – Business Meeting

In addition to meetings, members take part in social events, visits to other lodges, and charitable and community activities.

Officers of the Lodge (2025/2026)

The Origins of Freemasonry

Freemasonry has its origins in the guilds of stonemasons from the Middle Ages. These guilds regulated the trade, provided support for members, and encouraged moral and ethical behavior. Over time, Freemasonry evolved into a fraternal society focused on personal growth, moral development, and community service.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that promotes personal growth, friendship, and service to the community. Members meet in lodges to participate in ceremonial rituals, learn moral lessons, engage socially, and build lasting friendships.

Freemasonry is not a religion, but belief in a Supreme Being is required. Freemasonry complements personal faith and encourages members to live ethically and responsibly in their personal and professional lives.

Why Become a Freemason?

Freemasons join to develop themselves, build strong friendships, and contribute to their communities. Lodge life provides structure, guidance, leadership opportunities, and mentoring within a supportive and values-driven organisation.

The Values of Freemasonry

The Degrees of Freemasonry

Further Degrees

The Book of Constitution of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand (Rule 71) recognises the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Excellent Master, and the Royal Arch as "pure Antient Freemasonry." Lodge Tawhiri offers the first three degrees, while Tawhiri Royal Arch Chapter No. 47 under the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand offers the next three degrees.

Companion Orders

Many Freemasons choose to join companion or side orders in addition to their Craft Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter. None of the degrees offered in companion orders is considered greater than the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The companion orders available in New Zealand include:

• Cryptic Council
• The Antient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix)
• Knights Templar and the Order of Malta
• The Order of The Secret Monitor
• The Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees
• The Royal Order of Scotland
• The Red Cross of Constantine
• The Operatives
• Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA)
• Order of the Eastern Star

Other Resources

• The Grand Lodge of New Zealand
• Simple Answers to Leading Questions
• Plain English Guide to Freemasonry

Eligibility

To become a Freemason, you must make your decision freely, without improper inducement, and not for personal gain or idle curiosity. You must believe in a Supreme Being, be law-abiding, and be over 18. You must also be willing to complete a criminal conviction check.

We welcome men from all professions, backgrounds, and faiths who are genuinely interested in personal growth, friendship, and service.

How to Join

Joining Lodge Tawhiri is a straightforward and supportive process. Every candidate is guided through each step, and the process may take up to six months. Your proposer or mentor will keep you informed about your progress throughout.

1. Research – Learn about Freemasonry in New Zealand and lodge life by exploring our website, rituals, social events, and community involvement.
2. Get in Touch – Contact us via our website form, email, or Facebook page. A member will arrange an informal meeting to answer your questions.
3. Attend an Informal Catch-Up – Meet a couple of lodge members in a relaxed setting to get to know each other and ask questions.
4. Visit Lodge Tawhiri as a Guest – Attend refectory (dinner or supper) after a lodge meeting to experience the lodge and meet more members.
5. Join – If Freemasonry is right for you, you will be guided through the formal process, beginning with the first degree and supported throughout by experienced members.

Membership Costs

Membership at Lodge Tawhiri involves:

Fee	Amount
Annual Dues (Lodge Subscription)	$180
Capitation Fee (National Office Levy)	$150

Many members choose to pay these contributions in monthly installments for convenience. These contributions support lodge operations, facilities, mentorship, social events, and community activities. Any questions about costs can be discussed confidentially with your proposer or mentor.

Membership Enquiry

Lodge Tawhiri No. 166 is committed to supporting our community through charitable giving, volunteer work, and community involvement.

We work alongside the Freemasons Charity and other lodges to provide charitable support to people and organisations in our local community and across New Zealand.

For Lodge Tawhiri, charity is more than simply giving money. Many of our members give significant amounts of their time to community groups, sports organisations, charities, and not-for-profit organisations. Service to others is one of the core values of Freemasonry, and we believe that supporting the community means contributing time, skills, and effort as well as financial assistance.

Recent Charitable Support

Charity and service are an important part of lodge life, and members of Lodge Tawhiri take pride in supporting our community. If you are part of a community organisation that may benefit from support, you are welcome to contact Lodge Tawhiri to discuss how we may be able to assist.

Lodge Tawhiri meets in a purpose-built lodge room at the Waikato Masonic Centre, located at 294 Barton Street, Hamilton.

Our facilities provide a professional and welcoming environment for meetings, ceremonies, social events, and community gatherings.

The lodge room is operated by Waikato Masonic Properties Ltd, of which Lodge Tawhiri is the majority shareholder. Other shareholders include Lodge Alexandra No. 1188 (EC) and Lodge Beta Waikato No. 12. This partnership ensures that the lodge rooms are maintained to a high standard and are available for the needs of all shareholder lodges.

Facilities

Venue Enquiries

For enquiries about the Waikato Masonic Centre facilities: