Kete Korero February 2014

ketekorero February 2014 - April 2014 1

2 ketekorero February 2014 - April 2014

As we begin the New Year of 2014 we can continue to rejoice in the amazing impact that Pope Francis is making on us as members of the Catholic Church and on the whole world.

His wisdom and humility have caught the imagination of all of us.Last year Pope Francis published his Apostolic Exultation “Evangelii Gaudium” which

was a compilation of his thoughts and teaching after the Synod on the Word of God. In that document he refers often to the importance of the Word of God in our lives and on the fact that all of us who are baptised are called to allow the Word of God to enrich us. This comes about through prayer and the reading and reflection that we make on the Word of God.

In that document Pope Francis also makes some very wise comments on different aspects of the life of the Church. On the topic of the Eucharist he says “the Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine in nourishment for the weak.” He also has good advice to priests and deacons as they prepare to preach the Word of God at the Sunday Eucharist: “the Lord truly enjoys talking with His people; the preacher should strive to communicate that same enjoyment for his parishioners.”

Pope Francis has also encouraged us to respond to his call for a special synod on the topic of ‘The Family’. I am very appreciative of the responses that many of you have made once the details of the initial document for the Synod were released. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference has compiled a response as our submission to the writing of the working document that should be published within the next few months. Your responses have enabled us to already see that we need to do lots of work on ensuring that the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and the sacredness of the Sacrament is well published and supported by all of us.

As the New Year unfolds, I pray that the Lord will bless you all and I thank you again for your generosity of faith that is an inspiration.

God bless you

Yours sincerely in Christ

V Denis BrowneBISHOP OF HAMILTON

In this issue...Read it online!

www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz

Kete Korero Magazine c-/ 51 Grey St, P.O. Box 4353, Hamilton East 3247

Editor: Michael R. Smith, P.O. Box 6215, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010 Tel: 07 349 4107, [email protected].

Sponsorship and advertising:David Barrowclough, c-/ Chanel Centre 0800 843 233 Fax 07 8567035 or email: [email protected]

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ISSN: (print) 2357-2221 & (online) 2357-223X

The Kete Korero is an official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.

Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 14 April 2014

Bishop’s Message 2Bishop meets Pope 2HEALTH & FAITHLife-changing coma highlights ‘God in action’ 3Faith integral part of health 4Letting go of the sapling 5New Acting Vicar General 6SENIOR PRIZEGIVING 7FEATUREFamilies firm in tiny Kawhia 8PARISH NEWSMarriage encounter thanksgiving celebration 10Are our courses for you? 10Whakatane celebrates Passionist family groups 10New church plans for Morrinsville 11Parish Life - A view from a Seminarian 11Pictorial Snippets 12SCHOOL NEWSSt Pat’s Taumarunui round-up 13Prayer book next on list for Gillian 13YOUTHSacred Heart girls visit Tyburn in Hamilton 13OBITUARYBishop John Mackey 14125 years since Father Reignier’s death 14KETE ARCHIVESFrom paste-up to digital - the story of our mag 15Gabriel’s Presence 15Sponsors 16

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Welcome to our Diocese

Front Cover picture:

Bishop Denis Browne of Hamilton met the newly elected Pope Francis during a visit

to Rome at the end of last year.Bishop Denis was in Rome with the

International Commission for English in the Liturgy, which was celebrating 50 years since it was established to represent English-speaking Catholics from throughout the world.

The 30 of those involved spent about 20 minutes with Pope Francis during an audience, during which he told them: “When you go home, give my blessing and grateful thanks to those that support you and collaborate with you.”

Bishop Denis related this story during a thank you meeting he gave for the sponsors and those involved in Kete Korero, saying he was passing on the Pope’s thanks.

Pope Francis had taken the world by storm, not only in drawing 150,000 people to Mass in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican but also in drawing in people of different ages and backgrounds.

“They see him as a world figure who is calling the church and the whole world to reflect upon the responsibilities that we have.”

As well as his focus on poverty, the Pope keeps emphasising what we must do in looking after our cultures and the environment in which we live.”

Welcome to the new look Kete Korero.Readers of Kete Korero cannot help but

notice a different layout to previous editions. This change has been forced on us due to the previous printer closing down its operation in Wanganui.

We had several options to consider – including shifting printing to the Hawke’s Bay in the same format. However, we have finally opted for this new, tabloid layout and remaining with the same firm but shifting the printing to Auckland. This shift means we have been able to keep the cost of printing Kete Korero consistent with the previous costs. We hope you like the new look.

Bishop Denis meets Pope Francis


HEALTH & FAITH

Life-changing coma highlights

‘God in action’

A simple prick from a rose in her garden on Waitangi day in February 2013 changed life for Kathy Horgan. Although she washed and bandaged the wound, 10 days later, she fell ill and ended up in hospital with a tentative diagnosis of a small stroke.

It was her son David who eventually alerted the medical staff to the probability she was suffering from tetanus, such was the rareness of this extremely serious infection. The doctors listened, agreed and she was then immediately transferred from Rotorua to Waikato Hospital as the classic tetanus symptoms worsened.

As she was about to go into the ambulance for the transfer to Hamilton, Father Mark Field, who was alerted after Mass by husband Gerry, turned up and gave her the Sacrament of the Sick. Kathy felt intensely guilty about not having had a tetanus vaccination, due to a bad reaction to an earlier vaccination. However, she was comforted by the forgiving elements of the Sacrament of the Sick.

In Waikato Hospital, as the muscle stiffness and spasms that give tetanus its more common name of “lockjaw” worsened, Kathy had the terrifying experience of not being able to breathe. She was transferred into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and put into an induced coma. Later, on 26 February 2013, 20 days after being pricked by a rose, she was given a tracheotomy so that the drugs needed to relax her body, particularly her respiratory muscles, could take effect. She was to remain in a coma for more than five weeks – and was eventually discharged from hospital in May.

“The family were told, and knew that this was a life and death situation,” Kathy says.

Her body swelled due to her reactions to the treatment during the coma. Her daughter Miriam,

shocked to see the state of her mother, went to that hospital’s chapel. There she was comforted by a carer, about to go on duty, who asked why she was crying. When told why, the carer said “Oh Mother Mary will look after your mother”. Kathy says perhaps it wasn’t as much the words that were said but the love with which they were said that comforted Miariam.

That love - and with it the care, support, visits and prayers - is one of the things that Kathy now emphasises as so important. The family was amazed (and still is) at the support and love they received. One of the really positive discoveries, says Kathy, was finding what a great bunch of caring family, friends, doctors, hospital staff, chaplains, and prayer groups there are that rallied around at this time.

“This Hamilton Diocese really did/does feel like part of the family - Fr Mark Field, who told parishioners to “‘pray harder”’ when I didn’t seem to be making much progress and was still in the coma, Sr Carmel Horan and Fr Gerard Boyce (the Catholic chaplains to Waikato); in fact the whole Hamilton Diocese and the prayer groups that included me in their intentions were in every sense a real part of my healing – God in action!’”

Kathy says her rehabilitation has been hugely mind-engrossing and energy-sapping. Her brain had to work hard to make sense of the many dreams, nightmares, and experiences associated with the drug-induced coma – some of the pictures in her brain were almost more real than

reality. “After being the receiver of lots of love, care,

patience and encouragement, I am happy to say my brain is back to being as ‘normal’ as ever.

“The rest of my body has been slowly repairing and attempting to get rid of the effects of the tetanus nerve toxin which stopped my muscles from acting – so I had to learn to lift my arms, bend my fingers so that I could hold a knife and fork to eat and eventually to write again.”

Walking was also a challenge but Kathy can now walk for miles on a beach as long as her feet are being bathed in the cool soothing salt water. This alleviates the pain from the nerve damage to her lower legs and feet.

Kathy is looking forward to shortly returning to her role as an ecumenical chaplain assistant at Rotorua Hospital. Her experience has given her a different dimension in relation to life. She is more contemplative – not quite as driven. “In some ways it’s a feeling of trust – greater confidence and greater inner stability – that life is not in our hands – it’s not all up to us!”


Miyoko Hammersley firmly believes that faith is an integral

part of a person’s health.

Miyoko, who is in her sixteenth or seventeenth year as a volunteer chaplain at Rotorua Hospital, was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 2013 for her work. “I was very surprised (to receive the QSM) because I was doing what I have to do.”

Receiving the QSM was more recognition for the work done by chaplaincy services nationally.

“This is a very much unseen ministry – unless you are sick, you don’t see the chaplains. It’s very much like Our Lady.

“When everything’s going well, she’s not there. When it’s night and the moon shines - the moon is to me like her. Very gentle, very unnoticed, but when the need is there, she is there.”

Having to go to hospital for health reasons can be a trying time when a person’s faith can give hope, she says. “It’s like a jolt when all sorts of ailments, death and disaster are thrown at you – do you still have faith?”

She recalls an overseas patient who had had an accident and was in a cast in hospital for over a month. Although she did have support from family, she did need somebody to share her faith and to pray with her.

“That’s where the chaplaincy could help her and help keep her hope going.”

Someone once said to a patient who was really sick and near the end of her life, that every breath you take is a prayer. “She can’t say words and her words are lost in the confusion of medication or whatever, but the breath is certainly God given.”

Miyoko, who was born in Matsusaka City in Japan, came to New Zealand in 1970 after marrying Neil Hammersley at the Franciscan Chapel Centre in Tokyo. After living in Tokoroa for 15 years, where she was active in the parish,

they moved to Rotorua and Miyoko cast about for a role in the parish of St Mary’s of the Cross.

Miyoko is a Catholic chaplain and the ecumenical chaplain is Ray Bloomfield. Being a Catholic means there are some aspects of chaplaincy she can undertake and others she is unable to carry out.

The hospital has 10 assistant chaplains, who must go through police checks and the necessary training before being able to take up their roles. Although she visits Catholic patients coming into the hospital, she also visits and care for other patients regardless of their faith.

Miyoko has been playing a special role in the hospital’s mental health unit since 2010.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, she assists in the unit’s informal morning meeting between 8:30 am and 9:30 am with the diversionary therapists.

“But if I am needed I would stay on until finished. I can be on call for the needs of the patients in this ward also.”

As well, she also helps with their organic vegetable garden.

“I’ve found the important need of patients in this ward is mostly to take time with them and listen to their stories.”

Miyoko takes Holy Communion to Catholic patients and communicates with the parish secretary and the parish priest for the patients.

“I see myself as a sort of a bridge between patients in the hospital and the parish.”

Miyoko says she doesn’t feel any weight of the work she does with the sick and injured. “It is a privilege to be invited into this particular part of their life journey to walk with them and to share with them.”

She is one of the hospital interpreters for Japanese patients, and is usually the duty chaplain on Friday mornings and takes part in the roster when the ecumenical chaplain is away.

The Rotorua Hospital Chapel can hold about 100 people at a time, but it is not unusual for staff members to call in to pray or just to have a quiet time.

HEALTH & FAITH

Faith integral part of health

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HEALTH & FAITH

Letting go of the

sapling

Alison Taylor from St George’s Parish in Te Kuiti tells a good joke about

a guy who fell over a cliff and managed to clutch a sapling.

“There he is, with this little branch threatening to give way at any minute, and he is calling out to God “Please, please, please”.

To his astonishment, God answers and says: “What do you actually want?”

“Please, please save me. Once I’ve got back up there I will be at a Thanksgiving Mass every day, twice on Sunday. I’ll turn my life around and do anything you want, please just save me.”

“Do you really believe that I can save you?” “Yes, yes, God, everyone knows You can do

anything.”“Let go of the branch.” Family circumstances mean Alison has had

cause to reflect on the thinking around that joke over the years.

Having lost her son in a car accident some time ago, Alison has recently been assisting her son-in-law, Nick Field, to provide post-surgical care for the recurrence of heart failure that almost killed her daughter, Nicole, 15 years ago at the age of 28.

The condition means Nicole now has a device implanted permanently to maintain the function of her heart while she awaits a heart transplant. The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump designed to help hearts weakened by heart failure.

The LVAD supports heart function and blood

flow, taking blood from a lower chamber of the heart and pumping it throughout the body and vital organs. Not unlike the heart itself, the device relies on a power source connected to a control unit.

In Nicole’s case, this means she must have the control unit with her at all times, with tubes from the pump system running into the front of her body linking into her heart. As she says, she has effectively had the transplant operation already, but without the new heart.

For somebody like Nicole, the thought of the pain of a future transplant could be overwhelming but that is not her way. Nevertheless, while she awaits the transplants, she must never be unaccompanied or face being in hospital.

Nicole’s husband, Nick Field, operates two bars in Hamilton and is on duty when he gets home from work. Alison comes through from Te Kuiti to stay with Nicole three nights/four days a week. Nicole’s mother-in-law, Sue, from Cambridge Parish, is on duty the other days. A new roster is being worked out for this year.

“It is the one kind of heart ailment that there isn’t a quick fix for,” Alison says, adding that the condition was generally uncommon in young people. She admits that Nicole has coped with the re-appearance of her heart condition much better than she has.

“I guess you do get a bit complacent when everything is going along well. Although we knew all along that this could happen, it’s still a shock when it does.’

The positivity of Nicole and Nick and the

wonderful medical teams at Waikato and Greenlane Hospitals means the focus is now on a heart transplant. The LVAD and surrounding treatment helps to buy time while Nicole remains in a pool of people awaiting a suitable heart to become available.

Faith has been “everything” for Alison, because without it she does not know how she would have coped, having already lost her son in a car accident some years ago, and her husband having also died.

“So without faith there would be no rhyme or reason to anything.”

The faith of the people in Te Kuiti Parish and a succession of parish priests have helped her as well.

She does recall one time, after her son died, sitting in church and wondering why it was her son who was taken. In her head she ‘heard’ God saying to her ‘Whose son should I have taken instead?’

“When Nicole had heart failure out of the blue, it was the same scenario, and I was afraid of losing another child. All I could ‘hear’ was ‘Trust Me’.”

Things still do get “problematic” at times, and it is then that Alison thinks of the joke about the guy clinging to the sapling after falling over the cliff.

Alison came back to New Zealand and then to Te Kuiti with her husband from Australia, where she was a teacher of English as a second language to migrants. Many had arrived from terrible situations overseas, including former victims of Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War.

“I learned that nothing that ever happened to me could be as bad as what had happened to these people.”


In Te Kuiti she continued with this work on a part-time – initially - voluntary basis. Later this was incorporated in long term employment as a teacher aide /special needs/ESOL teacher in four schools with primary, secondary tertiary and adult students at, mostly, Stage 1 language levels. In addition, Alison was part of Te Awamutu Police District’ s obligation to set up Victim Support, then becoming the long term coordinator/manager for the Waipa Waitomo Group before resignation and changing status five years ago to a less demanding role as volunteer.

Her interest in teaching English as a Second Language, has seen Alison as the artist member of a group of ESOL teachers at Waikato Language Partners contribute to the publishing of a set of adult simple readers with New Zealand life as the theme.

Nicole, who is now 42, continues to work for the Waikato Regional Council but at home, due to the strictures imposed on her by the medical team treating her condition. She works with the communications team in the internet team,

writing and publishing content to the WRC web site and those of affiliated agencies, including the Civil Defence components.

“So I am lucky to be working throughout this stage of my life.”

Nicole says she is an optimistic person and this has helped her cope during this challenging time.

“I’m a pretty optimistic person and I’ve got a lot of backbone, so I just take the cards that are dealt to me. It’s not in my nature to take things lying down.”

The support of her mum and her “amazing” husband, as well her work managers and colleagues, had made life a lot easier than it might have been in the circumstances.

“I do have a lot of faith in my own spirit to get me through this and I have a lot of faith in my magnificent team who know what they are doing as well. I’ve always believed that attitude is a big part of getting you through anything, so I don’t spend too much time worrying or crying over it. I just get on.”

She and Nick have been together for eight years, and have been married for over a year.

She recognises her situation is something that

can test resolve in a relationship.“I’m blessed to have strong people around me

and it rubs off on me,” Nicole says, adding, “This is not a hard ask by some people’s lives.”

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New Acting Vicar General

Father Richard Laurenson has been appointed the Acting Vicar General for

the Diocese of Hamilton following the decision by Monsignor David Bennett to be relieved of this responsibility for health reasons, Bishop Denis Browne said in a letter.

Recently Monsignor David has asked to be relieved of the responsibility of being Vicar General for this Diocese of Hamilton for health reasons. Reluctantly, I have accepted his resignation and pray that the Lord will quickly restore him to full health.

“Monsignor David has been a magnificent Vicar General for several years. In that capacity he has given himself faithfully and generously to

me and to the whole Diocese. His many gifts have been appreciated by all of us,” Bishop Denis said.

“Until a new bishop is appointed to this Diocese, I have asked Father Richard Laurenson to be the Acting Vicar General. I am grateful to Father Richard for accepting this invitation and I know that you will all pray that the Lord will bless him as he undertakes an important role in the life of the Diocese.”

Monsignor David’s resignation and Father Richard’s appointment were effective as of 21 December.

Catholic Volunteer Chaplain – Waikato HospitalThe Diocese is seeking expressions of interest for a special person to assist at Waikato Hospital

as a Catholic Volunteer Chaplain. For more information please contact The Pastoral Team Leader at Chanel Centre, ph 856 6989, or [email protected].


Millie Thompson is a Year 13 student at Aquinas College.

As part of her English internal assessment portfolio which included two formal articles on topics selected by the writer, Millie chose to reflect back on her path through high school.

Her article is reprinted in Kete Korero with the permission of Millie and Aquinas College.

Some say that life is a tapestry woven by the decisions that we make. ‘I am not what has happened to me, I am what I choose to become.’

Experiences in our lives shape who we are, and subsequently have an effect on our character. The coming and going of people in our lives, the stupid and sometimes dangerous mistakes we make and later learn from, the split second decisions we may encounter that will change our lives. Our major experiences may never really be that major, they may not be those life threatening tales of near-death experiences that some have to tell. However, reaching a milestone in our lives makes us reflect on what it has taken to reach our temporary destination.

As a school leaver this year, it is fair to say that the decisions that I have made throughout my time at school are certainly going to affect where I end up next year. As a Year 10 student, I would have to admit that I chose the easiest subjects to take, I mucked around and thought that I was far too cool for school. My skirt was too high, and my tie too loose.

I don’t like to say that I have regretted anything that I have done in my life so far. However, if I could go back and change a few minor details, I probably would. Most of those mistakes would inevitably be found throughout those five years of my High School education. I would make sure that I seized every opportunity that came my way, especially in those crucial senior years. There are a lot of opportunities that I missed out on such as school plays, sports teams and leadership positions. I decided to let these opportunities slip because I continued to convince myself that I wasn’t capable or it simply was “not my thing.”

As a Year 13 university applicant, I am beginning to wish that I had made important decisions with the future in mind. High School students need to realise that the decisions they make early in their education have an immense impact on their future. They need to acknowledge that although study may be boring and tedious, it

will mean the difference between an Achieved and Excellence grade, and that Excellence is what they will want to see on their Record of Achievement that will ultimately determine their future career.

It is imperative that younger students are presented with the opportunities and furthermore, the encouragement, to seize opportunities, early in life.

Whilst applying for scholarships, I have learnt that not only are the universities basing a student’s “worth” on their academic results, but they are also basing it heavily on the cultural activities, sporting endeavours and leadership positions that one has been involved in throughout their time at school. Clearly it is imperative that students are notified and informed on the importance of getting involved and taking part in everything that their school has to offer.

Even beyond tertiary study, it is becoming increasingly obvious that just being “smart” isn’t enough. With the number of students attending university constantly increasing, a degree is similarly becoming just as common. Many students nowadays are finishing university with degrees, but they end up working in a job that requires little qualification. This is called “Education Inflation.”

It is not enough to simply have a qualification; students must have a positive attitude, passion and an excellent work ethic. By ensuring students make themselves available for every opportunity possible, and by helping them learn vital life skills, we are making a positive impact on their future. - Millie Thompson

Millie Thompson on ‘choosing to become’

SENIOR PRIZEGIVING

Caitlin Milne (2013 Head Girl)Aquinas Touchstone Award for Student who best exemplifies the six touch-stones of the college.

Daniel Hughes – 2013 Aquinas College Dux

Kate Gilday – Aquinas College 2013 Proxime Accessit

Tausilia McClutchie - Board of Trustees Special Character and Sarah Jackson - General Excellence.

Sara Naden & Damian Tilley (Sports-man and Woman 2013) with Principal Paul McGuinness

Damian Tilley (Proxime Accessit) & Katie Finegan (Dux)

“Marc Rigter (Dux) Jaskamalpal Basra (Proxime Accessit)

Sam Kelly (Third aggregate overall)”

Juvelyn Raynel – Dux 2013 Laura McKeown - Age Quod Agis Rebecca Burch – Proxime Accessit:

AQUINAS COLLEGE

CAMPION COLLEGE

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE

SACRED HEART COLLEGE HAMILTON

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE

Thomas Turner won the D’Souza Cup for Dux

Broderick Turner won the Proxime Accessit Cup

Amuketi Samson received the Board of Trustees Plaque for Leadership – Maori Student leader and the Te Hiringa Trophy for Senior Maori.


FEATURE

Father Seejo Antony from Te Kuiti and the congregation in St Peter’s Catholic Church in Kawhia.

Kawhia has one of the prettiest aspects of any seaside town in New Zealand.

Although it is located only 90 kilometres from Hamilton, Kawhia’s light has faded when compared to its west coast neighbour, Raglan, 52 kilometres away on the winding Te Mata Road or 118 km away by main road.

Kawhia’s population today was numbered at 231 in the 2013 census, which is actually three higher than in 2006 and 36 more than in 2001’s census. But this is still much lower than the 2000-plus population in its 1950s heyday.

I visited Kawhia on the last weekend in November/first weekend in December when our part of the country was swept by a terrific pelting of rain. Driving out from the turnoff south of Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, it became increasingly clear why Kawhia was isolated in this era of “fast” communications.

Somewhere around Te Kawa and Tihiroa, where the short cut joins Highway 31 from Otorohanga to Kawhia, the rain became torrential. Although there are probably steeper and more dangerous routes in the diocese – the Waioeka Gorge between Opotiki and Gisborne comes to mind – there can be fewer with as many twists and turns.

I got to thinking about how a friend sings The Lord’s Prayer beautifully and with great gusto at Mass, and how my efforts are less than tuneful.

So I used the occasion of driving through difficult terrain in a storm to better perfect singing the Our Father. Having tried to compete with the noise of the rainfall once or twice, I couldn’t stop. I can’t say I had perfected it in any of the 39 attempts but by the time I finished the descent from Te Kauri Lodge (238 metres),

I had a pretty good feel for the prayer. The tough rain driven in from the Tasman Sea

and the challenging road also gave me a good idea as to why Kawhia, in spite of its proximity to the Waikato, seems isolated. This is a shame, because after the difficult journey, the drive into the township is quite distinctive.

Whereas most coastal towns in New Zealand – such as neighbouring Raglan – are approached from the hinterland behind the settlement, the

road into Kawhia runs along the bays around the harbour. The most spectacular portion is the drive along the harbour-side on Kawhia Road into and across the bridge on the Mangaora Inlet. On such a drive, it is not

difficult to think about the nature of beauty and how this community and its institutions functioned in past years. (More on that later.)

That night at the Blue Chook Inn, my only fellow diner, an English backpacker, after finding out why I was there, told me she had visited the church and the marae only to find them both closed. I noted that they weren’t tourist attractions; but in a different location and circumstances, they may have been.

Bob Blackwood (right) has been in Kawhia for 65 of his 88 years. Bob was born in Hamilton and grew up in Waihi, and he came to the township because he purchased a motor business/garage in partnership with his father-in-law. His wife Ruth ‘Sis’ died six weeks before we met and I am grateful for the time he took to talk to me.

The official history says the story of the Catholic Church in Kawhia began around 1844, which would make it about 170 years ago this year. A Fr Etienne Pezant from the Waikato Mission in

Rangiaowhia attempted to visit several times, before accompanying a young, local catechist through three days of wind and rain to find a congregation of 35 “prayers”. The rest of the village were Wesleyan, the history notes.

In the early 1900s, Bishop Henry Cleary was a frequent visitor, recording in his diary on a 1913 visit “rain, roads bad last few days” and on leaving Karamu for Raglan “had to use chains for much of the road.”

A visit was made by seaplane in 1920. It is suggested that the community likely petitioned Bishop Cleary at this time to have their own church. Land was purchased from the Crown in 1922, and paid annually until the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Auckland paid the balance in 1930 and the land was made freehold.

Fundraising saw the church built free of debt for five hundred pounds and opened on 23 March 1930 by Bishop James Liston.

Bob Blackwood says the community in 1930 was much larger than now, which is why the funds could be raised.

“Even in 1950 when I first came here, far more people lived here then – probably the population was 1200-1300 in 1930, because there was a lot more employment here then.”

In those earlier years, much of the employment was in the fishing industry – as reflected in the church’s name, St Peter’s Catholic Church of Kawhia. Flax growing was also an important activity rather than traditional farming. In the early 1900s, Kawhia was an export port with a lot of shipping between Auckland and Onehunga and Kawhia, where the community exported products, like kumara.

“It was a bit more isolated back then, because of the metal road but it was a very self-contained place with its own post office and a bank; there were three stores.”

The high Maori population included the important involvement of the Rewi family in the church from the very early days of the church. The Mill Hill fathers were early priests from the start until the church was built.

The church as it stands is essentially the same building, being timber framed with wooden underpinnings and kauri planked, but the Catholic community embarked on an upgrading project for St Peter’s in 2006. The church was re-piled,

the interior and exterior of the building newly painted and a ramp installed to provide ease of access. The work was funded by subdividing and selling part of the land.

Kawhia today depends very much on tourists. The main industry involves iron sand mining at

Families firm in tiny Kawhia


Taharoa, (south of Kawhia Harbour), which provides work through the tender operating out of Kawhia. Carter Holt Harvey did have some forests in the area but this is now run by contractors.

Bob says the number of parishioners turning out for Mass is usually between 15 and 20 on a Sunday and there are some who can’t always come.

“We’ve had quite a number of priests over the years, some of them very notable. Father Cavanagh the parish priest in Raglan married my wife and I in 1948; there was another who was such a poor driver the fire chief from Raglan had to drive him to Kawhia because he was frightened of the road.”

Mass is held at St Peter’s on the first Sunday of every month. I asked Bob what it is like being a Catholic in a small community of at times quite isolated people.

“I’ve always practiced the faith as long as I am here, because I feel a spirit of example, you know. Everyone knows I’m a Catholic. I’ve practiced the faith all my life.”

“When I was a young feller at 18 or 19, I was a smart feller and didn’t need God’s help. But I had a friend who had been in North Africa during the war and he came back to work with me, and he was a wonderful example to me to keep my faith up.”

St Peter’s is located on Hotorua Street, above the town but with a vista mostly inland. Father Seejo Antony from Te Kuiti officiates.

The church is something of an illusory building. The kauri weatherboards are painted white and the building appears tiny. Inside the lightness of the setting is offset by wooden trim around the top of the walls. Beautifully carved trim runs across the top of two partitions beside the altar providing a sacristy for the priest and a preparation room.

On the day I visit, 12 people attend, including Fr Seejo. Afterwards he says he has been in Te Kuiti for eight months; looking after Otorohanga, Pio Pio, Te Kuiti and Kawhia churches. Originally from India, before his current posting he was previously in Te Rapa and Hillcrest together with Fairfield in Hamilton.

“Most of the people here are quite elderly and we don’t see many young people moving here,” Fr Seejo says of Kawhia Parish.

John Whightman (left) was born in Kawhia 81 years ago. Three of the family’s children were christened here and the rest in town, because the church wasn’t built at that time. His family were small farmers.

“The priest shifted in from Kawhia to Otorohanga when the (Second World) war started, so we only saw him every fortnight. Out of the nine of us there are only two of us left, my sister and myself. I came back here 17 years ago, because my wife loves the place.”

Like John, Vic Clark (right) is a long-time friend of Bob’s. He is a visitor at the Mass as the Baptist Minister in Kawhia. As well as coming along to support Bob, Vic attended the Mass to give parishioners information around a community service which combines four churches – Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Baptist. Vic welcomes the new thrust by Pope Francis for Catholics to work more closely with other denominations.

Margaret Kerr (right) has been in Kawhia for 55 years. She says there has been the usual falling away in the faith by the next generation, as children are able to say “no” much younger than previously.

The faith keeps on going in Kawhia, and Margaret says it is strong.

Lori Greenhalgh (below) says she has been involved in the Kawhia church since she was married 49 years ago. Her daughter, Relda Johnstone, was born 48 years ago and was at Mass with her, grew up in Kawhia.

Relda says the little, far flung communities tend to be closer than bigger centres and, because everyone is looking out for each other, it is easier to keep the faith.

“In some ways, church once a month means a lot more, because you’ve only got that one opportunity, so you make more effort to be there.”

Adele Craig has been in New Zealand since 1983. Her husband had had a bach in nearby Aotea since 1974, where she still lives. So St Peter’s church has been part of her life since she arrived.

“I love the place and I guess we are always here when the children have a holiday and my husband is buried in Kawhia cemetery, since three years ago now.

“My children went to Kawhia Primary School and I still live here. Coming to Mass is just like we are a little family now.”

FEATURE

Fr Seejo


Twenty four people attended the Thanksgiving Mass held at St Thomas More Parish in

October to celebrate Marriage Encounter.Mass was conducted by Fr Carl Telford SM and

was followed by a pot luck dinner. The aim was to give thanks for all the people who have been involved in the Ministry of Marriage Encounter in the Hamilton Diocese.

All of those involved or who have experienced a Marriage Encounter weekend know that they have made a difference in the lives of couples and their families - and priests - because of their witness to love through the Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders.

Yes, it has been sad to acknowledge the end of the Hamilton unit but in the 2013 Year of Faith, there is hope and love. So many couples and priests have grown in faith and love because of what couples have done and we thank God for their courage, enthusiasm, passion and willingness to go the extra kilometre. We should

be proud of all they have done. We know the dream will live on as we continue to live out the Marriage Encounter experience in our daily lives

and continue to build up the Body of Christ.Jan and Tony Baker

PARISH NEWS Marriage Encounter thanksgiving celebration

The Catholic Institute (TCI) provides courses and qualifications for:l Teachers and leaders in Catholic Schoolsl Student teachersl Young Catholics and those in youth ministryl Parishioners and people in parish ministries and chaplainciesl Catholics wanting to know more about their faith l Anyone who has questions about their faith

If any of these sound like you call 0800217411 to find out more.

You can attend courses in Hamilton, Gisborne, Rotorua or Tauranga, or study by distance learning online. You can work towards an NZQA qualification or take part for interest only.

In 2014 TCI is offering the following courses in the first semester.

Introduction to Religious Education in Hamilton and Tauranga March and April. Topics include: The Role of the Teacher in a Catholic School; Stages of Faith Development; and, Exploring the prescribed Religious Education Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools.Introduction to the Old Testament in Hamilton starting 28 March 2014. Topics include: The Big Picture; The Writers of the Pentateuch; The Pentateuch; The Historical Books; The Prophets; and, Wisdom Literature.What Makes a School Catholic in Rotorua in May. Topics include: What determines that a school is Catholic?; The roles of those who enhance the Catholic Character of a school; and, The defining features of a Catholic School in the 21st century.Catholicism in Hamilton starting 23 May. Topics include: The Church; Mary and the Saints; The Trinity; Grace and Sin; The Sacraments; and, Social Justice.

Understanding Church in Hamilton starting 14 May. Topics include: The Second Vatican Council; Models of Church; The Role of the Laity; Ecumenism and, World Religions.Introduction to Spirituality for Teachers in Hamilton in July. Topics include: Images of God; What is Christian Prayer?; Prayer in the Religious Education Programme; and, Students and Prayer.

Call 0800217411 for more information, a

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Are our courses for you?

St Peter Chanel Parish in Whakatane celebrated the 20th anniversary of the formation of Passionist Family Groups in the parish in October 2013.

Hamilton/BOP Regional team members, Frances Bleaken and Wilma Schimanski came to celebrate the Mass. After the homily they presented and described a framed artwork depicting the journey of the movement in New Zealand.

Local parish co-ordinators, Helen and Malcolm Kear, welcomed 70 group members to the celebratory dinner. Letters and best wishes were received and read out by Helen before a thanksgiving grace was prayed by Fr Bruce Brosnahan.

A splendid meal was enjoyed by all and entertainment was provided by the Rainbows Group and Bevin Schwass.

Whakatane celebrates Passionist Family Groups


New church plans for Morrinsville

Plans are underway to build a new church for the St Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Morrinsville.

A decision was made to press ahead with the new church as a separate building following feedback from parishioners that the parish centre should be retained as is.

To ensure the building can go ahead in a tight

budget, the rebuild has been split into three parts, as follows:

1. The church for which funding has been pledged, this will be followed by2. a car parking fund; and3. the parish centre modernisation. Each can only occur once funds are in hand to cover the costs.Bishop Denis has decided the new church is

very important to the parish and the diocese. He has instructed that a small building

committee be formed and a project manager appointed. The old church was deconsecrated on 31 December 2013 at a mass celebrated by Bishop Denis and will be demolished in the near future to make way for the new building.

Construction of the new church is due to start in mid-2014 and it is expected the congregation will be able to gather in the new church later this year.

22 Dick Street, Cambridge 3450 PO Box 369 DX GA27518

Phone 07 823 1555 Fax 07 823 [email protected]

Deepen your experience of Easter by prayerfully journeying through Lent with Bishop Robert Morneau’s refl ections on

the daily scriptures.Just minutes per day will give you spiritual food for

your journey this Lent and Easter

Training for diocesan priesthood takes six-and-a-half years, of which the fifth year is spent in parishes. This year I have had the experience of being in Gisborne for the first half of the year and in Rotorua for the last five months. Between these two placements I had the privilege of making a 30 day silent retreat in Melbourne.

Looking back on this year of pastoral experiences my first thoughts are that God’s ways are not my ways and thank God for that. By this I mean that a big pastoral area like St Mary of the Cross in Rotorua has so many facets, ministries and requirements that it is a daunting prospect for a prospective priest.

I have discovered that everything takes time, especially when attempting something for the first time. Be it preparing a reflection for Mass, meeting a grieving family to prepare a funeral or just praying with someone struggling.

Recently I have experienced a number of God moments, reminding me of his care. For example, I happened to call on a parishioner just at a time when some physical assistance was needed. Another time, running through the Redwood Forest I got the sense I knew the new

Parish Life - A View from a Seminarian

Seminarian Danny Fraser-Jones (left), Fr Mark Field and Fr Peter Carde. Parishioners of Rotorua Parish of St Mary’s recently bid farewell to Father Peter and Seminarian Danny. Father Peter is going to a well-earned retirement and Seminarian Danny returns to the seminary to continue his studies.

PARISH NEWS

job and direction a parishioner was considering. This was confirmed the next day.

I have also sensed these moments with other members of the parish. Seeing first-hand the genuine pastoral care taken by the people who visit our rest homes with Holy Communion is inspirational. Also inspiring are the people unknown to me, like those who clean the sacred linen for Mass. It just happens, and reminds me of the hidden but necessary life of Christ.

To this end I would like to thank Fr Yvan in Gisborne and Fr Mark in Rotorua for their willingness to share their experience of priesthood - both the good and the difficult aspects. I also owe a debt of gratitude to all the parishioners I have encountered this year. Your

willingness to share your lives, your faith, your questions, generosity, love and support has and will always be humbling to me.

Now my eyes are as open as they can be to the demands and joys of priestly life short of actually being ordained. To that end I know that my pastoral year has been of immense benefit to me as I try to follow God’s call.

Your Seminarian,Danny Fraser-Jones


A very special celebrationThe Feast of Christ the King has become a day of wonderful celebration

the parish of St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Gisborne, but the celebration of Pa Yvan Sergy’s 25th Anniversary of his priesthood made the 2013 event extra special. Four years ago, an event was launched based on this passage from Matthew’s Gospel chapter 25 verses 31-2, “When the Son of Man comes in

his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him …” Our children make the entrance before Fr “Pa” Yvan carrying flags of our parishioner’s nationalities. Initially astonished at the vast variety, each year more are added and 43 flags represented nations of St Mary’s parishioners in the 2013 event! More on Gisborne in the next edition of Kete Korero.

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Celebrating monastic vows Bishop Denis Browne with the Mothers gathered on the church

steps after the ceremony of Temporary Profession of Monastic Vows of Sister Mary Walburga of the Holy Spirit (Power) on 15 January 2014. The ceremony took place during Mass at the Tyburn Monastery near Rotorua.

Sister Mary Walburga was supported by her family who had travelled from Australia for the occasion, visitors from the Bombay community, as well as priests from three diocese, local deacons and friends of the Tyburn community.

During the ceremony, Bishop blessed the veil and medal prior to Mother Prioress Mother Philippa Mary and Mother Seraphin replacing the white veil with the black veil and Sister receiving the medal.

(Photo Credit: Andrew Warner)

Celebration of priesthoodA Mass at St Peter Chanel in Te Rapa was

held in November to join with Fr Anselm Aherne in celebrating 50 years of ordination to the priesthood and the 25-year celebration of Fr ‘Pa’ Yvan Sergy. Pictured are pupils from Rotorua’s John Paul College with Fr Aherne.

PARISH NEWS

Phone: 0800 843 233Email: [email protected]


Pellows have exceptional staff to support you. Robyn Chrystall (left) our bereavement support professional and Sandra Clarke (right) our administrator & receptionist are both here to assist you in any way they can. Whether it’s a friendly voice on the phone, a home visit, or a cup of tea and a chat, Robyn and Sandra are here for you.

138 Grey Street, Hamilton Ph 07 856 [email protected] www.pellows.co.nz

A MEMBER OF THE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION OF NZ

St Patrick’s Catholic School in Taumarunui is experiencing the rapid expansion of eLearning across the school.The school is now operating one device per four students, and the whole-school approach to integrated learning helps pupils to be life-long learners as

they can access work at home through Google accounts on any internet device.St Pat’s focus on writing has produced some fantastic work from all students, the school says in a note. “Their speeches were great, and more examples of fabulous writing can be viewed on our website. We’ve also

been inspiring a love of reading; in class and with an energetic Reading Rocks workshop.”All Saints Day and All Souls Day have been the focus for our religious education. “We are all saints, as the posters created by our seniors clearly illustrated. The

whole school showed faithfulness by walking to the cemetery on All Souls Day, and we dressed as our favourite saints for our All Saints parade.”

SCHOOL NEWS

St Pat’s Taumarunui round-up

BEllAToRuM Bellatorum. If you haven’t

met us yet, we are the Catholic Girls’ Group from Sacred Heart in Hamilton! Eventually we decided that meeting at school was a bit old, so we opted for a Girls’ Day Out. The Tyburn Monastery is like a little gem nestled deep in the rolling hills

of Ngakuru, near Rotorua. We spent the morning hanging on to the inspiring words of Mother Seraphim. She spoke so eloquently of her love for the Church and why she longed so much for us to know Jesus more, we couldn’t wait to learn more. We ended our morning with a walk up the designated Calvary

Hill to catch a glimpse of the pristine views of the Waikato River; God really does make beautiful things! We enjoyed each other’s company soaking in the hot pools and finished off with fish and chips from the best chip shop in Rotorua!

Sacred Heart girls visit Tyburn YOUTH

My Diploma of Religious Studies in Religious Education, completed in September of 2013, is the second qualification I have finished over the past six years. I seem to have been studying consistently during that time, on completing both a Certificate of Religious Education through Auckland and then this recent diploma, through The Catholic Institute in Wellington.

As well as furthering my academic and practical knowledge about various aspects of religion and theology, the diploma course has enabled me to meet and interact with some very interesting scripture scholars, teachers and interested people from the community. People from a range of different denominational groups have enrolled for and enjoyed so many of the

topics on offer. ‘Rust never sleeps’ and I am already busy

working on my next adventurous project, which is to produce a pocket-sized prayer book for Catholic school students, similar to the ones students had many years ago. It will include all of the traditional Catholic prayers: the order of the modern Mass; Marian, angels’ and saints’ prayers; information about and prayers for various sacraments, students and family prayers, prayers for mothers, special charism prayers, prayers for the sick, dying or deceased and prayers written in other languages, including Maori translations.Gillian Cook - John Paul College, Rotorua

Prayer book next on list for Gillian

2014 - JoY“With Christ joy is constantly

born anew… I wish to encourage all the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelisation marked by this Joy.” – Pope Francis Evangelii Guadium.

With Christian joy at the forefront, the Catholic Youth Office is excited to begin

2014 with a new vision of evangelisation! New events for 2014 include an exclusive year 13 retreat, high school lunchtime series, and the Regeneration year 7 – 8 retreat. Don’t miss the annual events: SetFree, Sports Night, Rewind Talent Performance, Young Adults Weekend, and Frassati Men’s Weekend. On top of our

events, we will be visiting youth groups and parishes, working in Catholic secondary schools, and expanding the Fidelium Catholic Young Adults group. 2014 is going to be an exhilarating year fuelled by the joy of the Gospel!


Late last year, Father Mark Field and Danny Fraser-Jones (seminarian) visited the grave of Father Euloge Reignier SM, in Taradale Cemetery, Hawke’s Bay.

Father Euloge, who died 125 years ago, came to New Zealand from France in 1842, and was the first Parish Priest of Rotorua.

While there, he converted over 1200 Maori and built 10 churches. Father Reignier left to work in the Wellington Archdiocese in 1851, under Bishop Viard.

The inscription on his monument reads: “To the memory of Father Euloge Reigner (sic) SM, Missionary Apostolic for 46 years, he worked hard among the Maori and the colonists. He died on the 28th October 1888 at the age of 78. He showed remarkable love to all through his self-denial and charity. Erected by his friends.”May he rest in peace. (Father Mark Field)

125 Years Since Father Reignier’s Death

Bishop John MackeyElsie Flay of the Hamilton Diocese remembers Bishop John Mackey who passed away on 20 January 2014.

I have many fond memories of Bishop John Mackey. As a young priest he walked the journey of State Aid for Private Schools through to the writing of the Integration Act.

As a young single Lay teacher I was involved in the PTA which led me to attending a weekend camp in Auckland (we were still part of the Auckland Diocese).

Fr John played a leadership role in the discussions and he was responsible with communicating the outcomes to Bishop Liston for comment.

Hours were spent in discussion, debate, writing and rewriting as the many hurdles were presented. Fr John

remained focused on the theme of ‘What makes our school Catholic’, always listening patiently to the many

ideas both for and against. Today, as a member of the Hamilton

Diocese I say thank you, Bishop John for your dedication to the task of writing the Integrated Schools Act and the benefit it provides for the future. May you rest in peace.

In a statement, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops offered their condolences on the passing of Emeritus Bishop of Auckland, Bishop John Mackey, who died peacefully at St Joseph’s Home in Auckland.

“We would like to extend our sympathies to all those who knew Bishop Mackey, especially his family, friends, and the Catholic community. At 96 years old he’d lived a long and fruitful life, characterised by his faithful service in priestly ministry which spanned 72 years,” said Archbishop John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic

Bishops Conference. The ninth Bishop of Auckland, from

1974 to 1983, Bishop Mackey became the first New Zealander to have been ordained to the episcopate by a Pope, when he was ordained by Pope Paul VI at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on June 30, 1974.

“Praised as having one of the greatest minds of our Church, he devoted his intellect in service of the Church and her people, especially in the area of Catholic education, including teaching at the Seminary, Holy Cross College in Mosgiel, said Archbishop John.

“In 1952, after being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, he did two years of post-graduate study at the University of Notre Dame in the United States. From 1952 to 1971, he was diocesan inspector of Catholic schools in Auckland, a position equivalent to the Director of Catholic Education, he said.

Fr Mackey obtained a PhD in 1963, with his doctoral dissertation

later published as “The Making of a State Education System”. It dealt with events leading up to the passing of the Education Act in 1877. The book became a prescribed text for education students in New Zealand. Fr Mackey also played a major role in preparing the Catholic submissions for the Currie Royal Commission on Education. He also served on a UNESCO committee on education.

During his time as bishop, he was at the forefront of negotiations over integration and early implementation of the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act 1975 which led to the continuation of Catholic Schooling in New Zealand.

Bishop John Mackey was solemnly received into the Cathedral on 24 January at 7.30pm with Vigil Prayers and the sharing of memories. His body lay in state over the weekend Masses, and his Requiem was at 11am on 27 January.

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www.tci.ac.nz

Judith Collins was the first editor of the Hamilton

diocesan publication now known as Kete Korero. We are delighted she has agreed to write a regular column drawing on personal memories of her years of editorship and service to the Church.

Congratulations, Michael Smith, on your appointment as Kete Korero’s new editor – the fifth in its 18 year history, though it has only been a full colour magazine since 2005.

I am delighted that Kete Korero is alive and well, and embarking on another new chapter, because this quarterly communication with the diocesan community was my baby! Kete, even in its original black and white format, was not the beginning of the story, which goes more than 30 years back to the birth of the Hamilton diocese, when Bishop Edward Gaines was appointed as founding bishop of the southern part of the Auckland diocese.

The historic Assemblies in 1981, first of the priests and then of the whole Catholic community, generated a blueprint for the new diocese, ‘Vision 81’. This amazing document was typed on a second-hand manual Imperial and run off, page by page, on an ink-oozing Gestetner. Vision 81 outlined a plan of action for the people of God, clergy, religious and lay.

At the time, I was working for the Pastoral Resource Centre, and a small group of us, including Sr Constance Hurley, of the Mission Sisters, the late Fr Paddy Murray and myself, knew we needed to keep up the energy and enthusiasm of the Assemblies, and to record the ongoing story of our diocesan Church. So, in 1982, the first diocesan magazine – the 20-page Hamilton Diocesan News - was born, with Bishop Edward’s support and blessing, and me as “editor”. The role included that of reporter, sub-editor, art director and photographer, plus the tasks of typing, collating and stapling the 500 copies. I had wonderful collaborators in all areas of the work. People born into the digital age would not believe how we put the early HDNs together.

The first edition in July 1982 was typed on the Imperial, though that was soon replaced by an electric typewriter which offered a selection of fonts – on metal “golf balls” that had to be inserted into the machine.

Layout was all “cut and paste” – using real scissors and real glue. The large headlines were initially done with Letroset, scratched off letter by letter. It was impossible to get it straight and we were happy to upgrade to strips of headlines ordered from the Offset printers and pasted on. Offset printing required that photographs were processed into “bromides” before pasting. The 20 pages had to be laid out on A3 sheets,

From paste-up to digital – the story of our diocesan magazine

Judith Collins worked for the Diocese of Hamilton from 1981 – 2006. At different times she worked in the Pastoral Resource Centre, the Social Justice office, and Catholic Communications. Today she lives in Raglan where she has been very involved in parish affairs and religious education.

KETE ARCHIVES

two pages to a sheet in correct order, which meant page one paired with page 20, two with 19, and so on.

The Hamilton Diocesan News lasted through various formats till 1995, when it was launched as Kete Korero, a named chosen by Assistant Bishop Max Takuira Mariu.

The early Ketes, published monthly, were just eight pages, and included paid advertising. This format lasted till 2005, when Bishop Denis Browne approved transition to the full colour, fully computerised quarterly we have today.

The regular changes of format and style, the new technologies, and the

evolving story of the diocese never ceased to fascinate, but in 2006, after 25 years, I was running out of steam and ready to retire. Subsequent editors Anne Curran, Cynthia Piper and Jessica Jackson all brought their gifts and new ideas to the publication, and now Michael Smith begins his term as editor, as the diocese awaits the appointment of a new bishop and a new era begins.

Go well, Michael. I hope you enjoy the role as much as I did.

Judith Collins

Happy New Year to you.The Gabriel’s Presence music group is taking its tunes to a wider audience after a successful launch at the end of last year.The group from St Mary’s Church in Rotorua released its CD “Awaken” in December. The CD contains 13 contemporary Christian songs, 4 of which have been composed and arranged within the music group. The recording, mixing and mastering was done by one of New Zealand’s most experienced sound engineers, Neil Maddever, from ‘Sounds Unlimited’ in Wellington.Music coordinator Bruce Norman says the group is looking forward to playing at the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Conference in Rotorua over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June. This involves the group playing for all the guest speaker sessions over the three days of the conference.Over the next few months, Gabriels Presence is hoping to play at Masses throughout the Bay of Plenty. “So far we have sold and given away complimentary CDs of around 350. It has been a good initial start, but now we need to promote the sale of the CD.”

Gabriel’s Presence


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Kete Korero February 2014