Mysterious case of disappearing pews These pews disappeared, but were returned in time for the Easter service, pictured. Minister Werner Schroeder is seated in the front pew, far right. The Wainui community was taken by surprise when half the pews in its little historic church disappeared. Parishioners Alan and Rae Penney unlocked the Wainui Settlers Church in Wainui Road on Sunday, March 28 to prepare it for a service that day. Services are usually held monthly but because of lockdowns, there had been no service since January. Imagine the Penneys’ surprise when they found four pews, and the squabs from all eight pews, missing. A note left on the floor said “will return”.