Te Waka o Hāto Petera Wāwāhi Ara Appointments

17 December 2025 

Te Waka o Hāto Petera Wāwāhi Ara* 

“Ko Petera koe, ā ka hanga e ahau taku hāhi ki runga ki tēnei kamaka;
e kore anō e taea taua hāhi e ngā kuwaha o te reinga.” Matiu 16:18 

 Bishop Steve Lowe and the Kahui Kaumātua o Hāto Petera are pleased to announce the following appointments to Te Waka o Hāto Petera Wāwāhi Ara: 

 Wallace Haumaha
Geremy Hema
Susan Huria
Jenny Solomon
Helen Te Hira
Emily Vaka’uta
James van Schie 

 (Brief biographies of each member can be viewed here) 

 They have been appointed for a term of three years. Their mahi will be to work together with the Bishop and Kahui Kaumātua to restore the mauri of the Hāto Petera site and realising the vision:  

  • To provide education for all, consistent with the intent of the 1850 Crown Grant. 
  • To strengthen the relationship between Māori and the Catholic Church. 
  • To educate within a Māori Katorika framework.

We entrust them and their work to the intercession of Hāto Petera, and wish them every success and blessing. 

Welcoming Mika into the Catholic Church

On Saturday, 13 December, we joyfully welcomed Mika into the Catholic Church and whānau through the sacrament of baptism—a beautiful sign of new life in Christ and belonging to the faith community. It was a wonderful celebration with the regular Hāto Petera Miha congregation alongside Mika’s whānau and friends. Both Manuel and Pa Mark Bond assured Mika that this now means two birthdays each year (and yes, double the presents!).
(Photos shared with permission of Mika’s family).

Community Dinners at Hāto Petera

Each Wednesday evening a free hot nutritious meal is served for those in the Northcote area by Life Community volunteers.  We have made the hall at Hāto Petera available for these dinners.   Last night was a special ‘Christmas Dinner’ with entertainment, games for the tamariki and even Santa made an appearance with bags of lollies!  The first dinner for 2026 will be on Wednesday 12 January.  All are welcome.

Msgr David Bennett RIP

Sad to hear of the passing of Monsignior David Bennett. Many may have heard already.
Te Arawa, a respected member of the Bennet whānau. He was their genealogist for years.
A great friend of Bishop Māriu and Pa Henare.
First Māori to be elevated to the Monsigniori.
Third (possibly fourth) Māori ordained priest in 1968. First mass celebrated at Te Unga Waka, and regular visitor to Hāto Petera.
Closely connected to Te Kiingitanga.
Moe mai rā e Pā.

Waitangi Day

All are welcome to join on Waitangi Day – more details on the poster.