Built in 1859, the Melanesian Mission was originally part of St Andrew's College. Melanesia, an island group in the Western Pacific, was initially part of the Anglican Diocese of New Zealand. Constructed of basalt from nearby Rangitoto Island, the L-shaped building provided a dining hall, kitchen, and storehouse for the college. It was part of a larger complex of buildings, including a church and schoolhouse, which were arranged in a quadrangle.