The New Zealand Cornerstone
Supporting Young and New Freemasons on their Masonic Journey
Education, Fraternity, and Community for Craft Lodge Members Across New Zealand
Discover Where We're MeetingWelcome to The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479
Our Mission
The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 is a special purpose lodge dedicated to supporting young and new Freemasons in New Zealand. We provide education, fraternity, and community for members from Craft Lodges across the country who are on their Masonic journey.
Learn Our Story →We Come to You
Our lodge has a peripatetic charter, meaning we travel throughout New Zealand to meet our members where they are. Rather than members traveling to us, The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 journeys to support Masons in their home regions.
See Our Schedule →For Craft Lodge Members
Membership in The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 is exclusively for members in good standing of a New Zealand Craft Lodge. If you're a young or newer Mason looking for education and community, we're here for you.
Membership Info →Why NZCL No. 479?
🎓 Masonic Education
Structured learning opportunities focused on deepening understanding of the Craft and its teachings.
🤝 Community & Fraternity
Connect with young and newer Masons from across New Zealand. Build meaningful friendships within the Craft.
🗺️ We Come to You
Our peripatetic charter means we meet in different regions across NZ, making it easier for members to attend.
📈 Support Your Journey
Whether you're 5 months or 5 years into Freemasonry, NZCL No. 479 is here to support your continued growth.
Latest Updates
About The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479
Our Story
The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 was chartered on October 23, 2025, making it the newest lodge in New Zealand. Founded by 479 petitioning brothers, we are the largest lodge in the Southern Hemisphere and operate as a Special Purpose Lodge under The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand.
Our founding principles reflect a commitment to supporting the next generation of Freemasons in New Zealand. We believe that young and newer Masons deserve dedicated support, education, and community as they develop their understanding of the Craft.
What Makes Us Different
- Members-Only: The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 is exclusively for members in good standing of a New Zealand Craft Lodge. This ensures our community is composed of experienced Masons committed to the Craft.
- No Initiations: We do not perform initiations. Instead, we welcome Masons from other lodges and provide additional degree work when requested by their home lodge.
- Peripatetic Charter: Rather than meeting in one location, NZCL No. 479 travels throughout New Zealand. We meet in different regions, bringing our lodge to our members rather than requiring them to travel to us.
- Educational Focus: Our primary mission is Masonic education. We provide structured learning opportunities and fraternal support for young and newer Masons.
Our Leadership (2025-2026)
Worshipful Master
W Bro Gareth Far
Deputy Master
W Bro Jonathan Brunton
Senior Warden
W Bro Patrick Rowlinson
Junior Warden
Bro Brady Whale
Treasurer
W Bro Lawrence Levine
Secretary
Bro Elliot Tuck
Director of Ceremonies
W Bro Samuel Hack
Tyler
W Bro Scott Kempster
Membership
Who Can Join?
NZCL No. 479 welcomes members who are:
- In good standing with a New Zealand Craft Lodge
- Interested in Masonic education and fraternal community
- Committed to supporting their fellow Masons
- Available to travel or meet at various locations across New Zealand
Maintaining Membership
Members of The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 must maintain their good standing with their home Craft Lodge. If a member ceases to be in good standing with their lodge, they automatically cease to be a member of The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479.
Our Grand Lodge
The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 is chartered under The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. For more information about Freemasonry in New Zealand, visit freemasonsnz.org.
Meet NZCL No. 479
NZCL No. 479 travels throughout New Zealand. Below is our schedule for upcoming meetings and degrees.
Upcoming Meetings & Gatherings
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How to Attend
NZCL No. 479 members should check the schedule regularly for locations and dates. Most meetings require advance notice to coordinate logistics. Contact the Secretary for RSVP and accommodation inquiries.
As a peripatetic lodge, we also welcome visiting brethren from other lodges. If you're interested in visiting, please contact us in advance.
Masonic Education
Our Educational Mission
The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 is dedicated to advancing Masonic education. We provide structured learning opportunities for young and newer Masons to deepen their understanding of the Craft, its teachings, and its principles.
What We Offer
Degree Work
Upon request from a member's home lodge, The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 can confer the Fellowcraft or Master Mason degrees for candidates from other lodges.
Structured Study
Organized educational sessions covering Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, and principles of the Craft.
Mentorship
Connection with experienced Masons who can guide younger and newer members through their Masonic journey.
Community Learning
Collaborative learning environment where Masons from across New Zealand can share knowledge and perspectives.
The Three Degrees
Freemasonry is structured around three principal degrees. The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 can help members progress through the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees:
- Entered Apprentice: Conferred by your home lodge. This degree introduces the foundational principles of Freemasonry.
- Fellowcraft: The second degree, emphasizing knowledge and understanding of the Craft. Can be conferred by The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 upon request.
- Master Mason: The third and final degree. Completes the fundamental degrees of Freemasonry. Can be conferred by The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 upon request.
What is Freemasonry?
An Ancient Fraternity
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest fraternal organizations, with roots dating back to the medieval stonemasons of Europe. Modern Freemasonry was formally organized in 1717 with the founding of the Grand Lodge of England.
Core Values
Integrity
We believe in honesty, moral uprightness, and ethical conduct in all our dealings.
Friendship
Freemasonry creates lasting bonds of brotherly love and support among men of different backgrounds.
Respect
We respect the beliefs, cultures, and perspectives of all people, regardless of background.
Service
We are committed to charitable work and making positive contributions to our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry is not a religion, but it is a fraternal organization that brings men together based on shared values and principles. Members of all faiths are welcome.
What do Freemasons believe is secret?
Freemasonry is not a secret society, but a society with secrets. The rituals and modes of recognition are private to members, but Freemasonry's teachings and activities are well-documented and public.
How do I become a Freemason?
To become a Freemason in New Zealand, you should contact your local Craft Lodge or visit freemasonsnz.org/join to express your interest.
What are the costs of membership?
Costs vary by lodge. For information about NZCL No. 479 membership dues or degree costs, please contact us.
Can women be Freemasons?
Craft Freemasonry (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason) is for men only. However, there are women-only Masonic organizations and co-masonic lodges. Learn more at freemasonsnz.org.
Want to Learn More?
If you're interested in becoming a Freemason, visit The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand - Expression of Interest.
Blog & Updates
Contact Us
Find Us on Facebook
The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge on Facebook
For inquiries about membership, meetings, or education opportunities, reach out to us on Facebook.
Lodge Status
Charter Date: October 23, 2025
Lodge Number: 479
Grand Lodge: The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand
For New Masons
If you're interested in becoming a Freemason, visit freemasonsnz.org/join
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