"We've tried some of the noisier rock groups but they didn't really fit and we can only cater for 200."
The concert was opened by local musician Chris Smart. Tickets cost $25 for non-members.
"That's pretty good for three hours live entertainment," said Mr Cox.
"What does it cost to go to the movies these days?"
Mr Jones was born in London, to a Yorkshire mother and a Nigerian father, and has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades. In the late 1980s, he moved to New Zealand with his family and is well known to audiences on both islands.
The gravelly-voiced singer, who is known for his unfettered acoustic style, has recorded seven albums.
He is a regular at jazz, blues and folk festivals around the world and has opened concerts for the likes of Bob Dylan and Patti Smith. He has also played with popular artists including Crowded House and Norah Jones.
