Hamilton Freemasons
A guide to Hamilton’s Masonic lodges
Freemasonry has been part of Hamilton since 1865. Today, five Craft lodges meet across the city under the New Zealand and English Constitutions. This independent local guide brings together their histories, meeting places and public information in one place.
A Brief History of Hamilton’s Masonic Lodges
Hamilton’s Masonic history began only a short time after the establishment of the modern settlement.The Beta-Waikato Lodge was constituted in 1865, followed by Alexandra Lodge in 1866 at Alexandra, now Pirongia. As Hamilton and the surrounding settlements developed, further lodges followed. Lodge Tawhiri was constituted at Frankton in 1909, with close early links to the railway community, while Lodge Pukemiro was established in the northern Waikato coalfields in 1930.Hamilton’s newest present Craft lodge, Lodge Waikato No. 475, was constituted in 2017, bringing together members of three earlier Hamilton lodges.Freemasonry in Hamilton has also been shaped by cooperation between its lodges. Members of The Beta-Waikato Lodge assisted in the establishment of Lodge Tawhiri in 1909, and Tawhiri later supported the development of lodges that would eventually form part of the story of Lodge Waikato.That tradition continues today. Hamilton’s lodges retain their own histories, identities and traditions, while their members regularly visit and support one another as part of the wider Masonic community.Together, they represent a local Masonic tradition stretching back more than 160 years.
Two Constitutions
Four of Hamilton’s five Craft lodges work under the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand, usually referred to as the New Zealand Constitution or NZC.Alexandra Lodge No. 1188 works under the United Grand Lodge of England, usually referred to locally as the English Constitution or EC.There are differences in administration, terminology and aspects of ceremony, but both belong to the wider tradition of regular Freemasonry, and members regularly visit between recognised lodges.For someone considering Freemasonry for the first time, the similarities are far more important than the differences.
Masonic Lodges in Hamilton
The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12
New Zealand Constitution · Established 1865
The Beta-Waikato Lodge is Hamilton’s oldest surviving Craft lodge.Originally established under the Irish Constitution, its early membership reflected Hamilton’s beginnings as a military settlement. The Lodge later became part of the New Zealand Constitution.Meets on the second Monday of each month
Tyling at 7.30 pm · Visitors from 8.00 pm
Waikato Masonic Centre · 294 Barton Street, Hamilton
Lodge Tawhiri No. 166
New Zealand Constitution · Established 1909
Lodge Tawhiri was constituted at Frankton in 1909.Its first Master, George Barclay, was Frankton’s Station Master, and the Lodge developed strong early links with the railway community. Its original lodge room was destroyed in the 1948 Frankton tornado.Meets on the first Tuesday of each month
Tyling at 7.30 pm · Visitors from 8.00 pm
Waikato Masonic Centre · 294 Barton Street, Hamilton
Lodge Pukemiro No. 301
New Zealand Constitution · Established 1930
Lodge Pukemiro was established in 1930 and originally met in the northern Waikato coal-mining settlement of Pukemiro.The Lodge later moved to Hamilton and is distinctive among Hamilton’s lodges in operating as a daylight lodge.Meets on the second Monday in March, May, July, September and November
Meeting time varies
Hamilton East Masonic Centre · 285 Grey Street, Hamilton East
Lodge Waikato No. 475
New Zealand Constitution · Established 2017
Lodge Waikato was constituted in 2017, bringing together members of three established Hamilton lodges: Te Marama, Hillcrest and Hamutana.Although comparatively new, the Lodge carries forward the histories and traditions of those earlier lodges.Meets on the third Thursday of each month
Tyling at 7.00 pm · Visitors from 7.30 pm
Hamilton East Masonic Centre · 285 Grey Street, Hamilton East
The Alexandra Lodge No. 1188 (EC)
English Constitution · Established 1866
Alexandra Lodge was established in 1866 at Alexandra, now Pirongia, and received its English Constitution charter the following year.The Lodge relocated to Hamilton in 1918 and continues to work under the United Grand Lodge of England, following the Emulation tradition of English Freemasonry.Meets on the first Thursday of each month, except January and February
Tyling at 7.30 pm
Waikato Masonic Centre · 294 Barton Street, Hamilton
Specialist & Travelling Lodges
Hamilton’s Masonic community also includes specialist and travelling lodges operating alongside the city’s local Craft lodges.The Waikato Lodge of Research No. 445 serves Freemasons across the wider district, meeting at different locations to promote Masonic research, education, discussion and the presentation of papers.The New Zealand Cornerstone Lodge No. 479 is a national Special Purpose Lodge supporting new and young Freemasons. It travels throughout New Zealand, holding meetings and events in different centres, including Hamilton. The charter of the Lodge hangs in the Waikato Masonic Centre.Membership of these lodges requires a Freemason to already belong to another Craft lodge. Men interested in becoming Freemasons should therefore contact one of Hamilton’s local lodges listed above.
Which Lodge Should I Contact?
Hamilton has several recognised Craft lodges, and there is no single lodge that will suit everyone.Meeting times differ, as do traditions, membership, atmosphere and the way individual lodges approach Masonic life. It is worth looking around before making any decision.Read about the lodges above, follow their links and explore the information they make publicly available. If one appeals to you, contact its secretary and have a conversation.You are also welcome to speak with more than one lodge before deciding where you might feel most at home. Making an enquiry does not commit you to joining.
Where Hamilton Freemasons Meet
Hamilton's Masonic lodges meet at two principal Masonic centres: the Waikato Masonic Centre in Barton Street and the Hamilton East Masonic Centre in Grey Street.Each centre is home to several Masonic lodges and related Masonic orders.
Contacting a Lodge
Interested in learning more?Each Hamilton lodge manages its own enquiries. Use the Contact Secretary button for the lodge you are interested in and your email will go directly to its secretary.Hamilton Freemasons will also receive a copy of your initial enquiry so we can acknowledge it and help ensure you have reached the right person.You will receive an automated acknowledgement shortly after sending your message. From there, the lodge secretary will contact you directly.Making an enquiry does not commit you to joining, and you are welcome to contact more than one lodge before deciding what feels right for you.
Hamilton Freemasons is an independent local guide to Freemasonry in Hamilton, New Zealand.It is not operated by or on behalf of any Grand Lodge or individual lodge.Privacy | © Hamilton Freemasons 2026