While Freemason lodges around New Zealand are closing, membership is on the rise in South Canterbury. He said while some smaller lodges have closed, membership around the South Island has grown. The change of transport and society is why the Masonic Lodge in Temuka closed in recent years. Lodge Mackenzie, the Masonic Lodge in Fairlie, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. Clarke said Lodge Mackenzie has always been a successful lodge in terms of numbers.

Source: Stuff June 10, 2019 03:33 UTC