Minister Robyn McPhail said the new building, called Cornerstone or Whare Karakia o Manako, had been designed not to look like a traditional church. The previous building was more of a "people space" than a traditional church and Cornerstone would take that a step further.
"Our policy is that any event can happen in here, faith or no faith, as long as it doesn't disrespect our beliefs," she said.
The church, hall and fully-equipped kitchen were available for funerals, weddings, hui, meetings and other events.
Yoga and tai chi groups had booked already. It would fill a niche missing in Kerikeri, Rev McPhail said.
The project took longer than expected due to bureaucratic delays and the need to go back to the drawing board when the original design came in over budget.
"We cut our cloth accordingly but we're very proud of it. It's hard not to get excited when friends who aren't even church-goers are excited."
The sale of the Butler Rd land had to not only cover the cost of the new church but also set up a "financial foundation" to continue the church's mission.
Waimate North weaver Toi Te Rito Maihi had designed the main etched glass window; sculptor Chris Booth and ceramic artist Richard Parker were hatching plans for a peace garden.
The old church was built in 1979 and demolished in 2010. Since then about 40 parishioners met weekly in the chapel at Kerikeri Retirement Village.
