The history of freemasonry in New Zealand goes back to the 1830’s and includes members such as Sir George Grey , former Prime Minister William Ferguson Massey , Sir Peter Buck and Sir Mason Durie . Now 100 years of local and international Masonic history is available to view on a CD-ROM containing Auckland’s United Masters Lodge No. 167 Transactions periodical, 1909-2009, revealing a detailed picture of Freemasons’ ethics, ceremonies and symbols. Several items document early Freemasons activities in Auckland including the first recorded meeting at which members were present - the laying of the foundation stone of St Paul’s Anglican Church, then in Emily Place, in 1841. Ref: Excerpt from Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 231, 27 September 1895, p.5. The first Lodge in Auckland to build its own meeting place, Ara Lodge, held their meetings in the Exchange Motel, Shortland Street, before moving in February 1844 to the Royal Hotel, where the Northern Club now stands. In 1