A gate latch assembly comprising: (a) a biased latchbolt repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (b) a latchbolt catch to receive the latchbolt; and (c) a two-stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position including a first stage mechanism having a clutch for selectively engaging the latchbolt, and a second stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position while the clutch is engaged, where the second stage mechanism is repositionable independent of the latchbolt when the clutch is not engaged.