The Grand Lodge of New Zealand (NZGL) is the governing body for the freemasons within New Zealand under that constitution. Its full name is "The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand". The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was constituted on 30 April 1890,[1] however Freemasonry operated in New Zealand since at least 1837 under the older English, Irish, and Scottish constitutions.
Early History
In 1890 there were approximately 151 lodges under the various constitutions and upon constituting the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 65 lodges joined.
The New Zealand Grand Lodge was constituted on 30 April in 1890 in the St. Augustine Hall located in Christchurch. Official positions occupied for the evening were as follows:[1]
Grandmaster, R.W. Brother K. T. Gillon, Wellington;