This Gothic Revival church, designed by Marsden Clarke, was built in 1885. The Clarke family were closely associated with the spreading of Anglican teachings among the Maori people of Northland. The church is thought to be named after Aperahama Te Awa, a prominent Maori churchman who died in 1884 and lies buried in the churchyard. (The first church built in 1837 was visited by Samuel Marsden on his last voyage to New Zealand.)

The church has recently been restored.