On 27 October, seven recently arrived missionaries serving in parishes across the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington gathered at Pukekaraka for a day of welcome and orientation to Te Ao Māori. The visit formed part of Landing the Waka (LTW), a cultural integration programme for newly arrived migrant priests, which has been running since 2011.
The event was organised with the support of the Marist Educational Trust, through Tim Gordon as project facilitator. He was joined by Fr Phil Cody SM and Fr Peter Healy SM of the Marist Fathers, together with members of the local iwi, Ngāti Kapu.
The day began with a warm pōwhiri led by Urutakai Cooper, principal of Hato Petera Kaniera (St Peter Chanel School), alongside the school’s students. Community leaders Mike and Debbie McAsey generously provided the kai. Responses on behalf of the manuhiri were led by Fr Alfred Tong and Fr Gerard Burns.
Participants were then given a tour of Pukekaraka Marae and the surrounding hill, followed by a facilitated kōrero exploring the history of the Church, the significance of Pukekaraka, and key perspectives within Te Ao Māori.
Those taking part were Fr Jacob Kuman CP and Deacon Tuan Joseph CP from Te Whetū o Te Moana Parish; Fr Bill Burt SVD and Fr Satheesh Voora SVD from Te Awakairangi Parish; Fr John Le SVD from Te Wairua Tapu Parish; Fr Christian Marave from St Mary of the Angels; Fr Bibin Thomas from Wellington South Parish; and Fr Beniata Bakatete MSC from St Joseph’s (Levin) and St Mary’s (Ōtaki).
More than an orientation programme, the day provided an opportunity for learning, relationship-building, prayerful reflection, and a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand as these missionaries begin their ministry within the Archdiocese.
