The Treaty of Waitangi acknowledges the special place of Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Church supportss indigenous peoples who seek recognition of their identity and rights.
To celebrate 150 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi the New Zealand Bishops issued He Tau Whakamaharatanga Mo Aotearoa-Nui Tireni A Commemoration Year for Aotearoa – New Zealand.
The New Zealand Bishops’ statement on the Treaty of Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi in Today’s Perspective. Is There a Way Forward?
Māori are the first people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Their heritage and culture enriches the lives of all New Zealanders.
To get an understanding of the process of mourning and grief at a funeral our site has two good resources: Mourning and Grief , Tangi Ritual.
Religous congregations have contributed greatly to the Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
These references give a historical perspective to the work of many pioneering Catholic Sisters, Brothers and Priests. It was based on the “Beginnings” booklets published by the Religious Education Centre, Wellington.
A map of the journey of the first missionaries to New Zealand
A map of the journey of the first missionaries to New Zealand
When the first missionaries arrived in New Zealand, they began their mission in the Hokianga
When the first missionaries arrived in New Zealand, they began their mission in the Hokianga
Who was Pompallier? A brief summary from Te Ara and another from the NZ Catholic Bishops’ Conference. In 2002, Bishop Pompallier’s remains were returned to New Zealand. The story of his return.
The Treaty of Waitangi is seen as the founding document of the nation of New Zealand. Pompallier ensured religious freedom for all people of all faiths was part of the treaty.
Historian, Fr Ernist Simmons series of three articles:
Beginnings of the Catholic Church in New Zealand until 1850. Catholicbeginnings.pdf [120.88 KB] by Michael O’Meeghan sm
A “bullet-point” history of the NZ Catholic Church 1828 – 1850. Teachers Bulletin for Catholic Schools.
History Catholic.pdf [66.76 KB]
The growth of Catholic Church in New Zealand – pre Pompallier until after Vatican II. Catholicsinnz.pdf [144.80 KB] by Kevin Roach sm
Beginnings of the Church in Aotearoa