Christchurch Catholic Māori chaplaincy moves

Fr Monty Bamford, who is Te Rangimārie chaplain, wrote that “in September 2023, when Bishop Gielen began consultations regarding the location of a new cathedral, the first group he approached was the Katorika mana whenua – the Māori Catholic community of Christchurch”.

“From that engagement, a compelling historical narrative emerged, significantly influencing his decision to locate the new cathedral on the Barbadoes Street site. Following the public announcement of the site in April 2024, Bishop Gielen initiated further consultation to discern an appropriate name. In August 2024, the name Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament – Te Hāhi Matua o te Hākarameta Tapu Rawa was adopted.

“In November 2024, he invited the Te Rangimārie Chaplaincy to be based at the new cathedral site. The proposal was considered at a hui that month, attended by our respected kaumatua Bob Te Miha (who died in March this year), and was warmly accepted. The hui also mandated that the Chaplaincy explore interim venues for Miha Māori while the cathedral is under construction.

“After a discernment process involving several options and robust discussion at a hui in May 2025, three preferred locations were submitted to Bishop Gielen for final consideration.”

The final Miha Māori at the Te Rangimārie Centre in Linwood was celebrated on Sunday, November 30. All sacred objects, furnishings and taonga were respectfully removed for use in other sacred spaces or placed in ecclesiastical custody. From December 7, Mass in Te Reo Māori is now being celebrated weekly at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral until the new Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is completed.

The future of the land and the Te Rangimārie Centre remains under discernment as the diocese consults with mana whenua and key advisory groups.

Fr Bamford noted that “the New Zealand Catholic Bishops have consistently affirmed the Church’s commitment to fostering bi-cultural relationships within our multi-cultural society. In our diocese, the rebuilding of the cathedral presents a clear opportunity to weave the distinct tribal expressions of Ngai Tahu (the main iwi in the South Island) and their hapu into parish and diocesan life”.

FULL STORY

Inform Issue 147 (By Fr Monty Bamford)

Letter regarding Te Rangimārie Māori Catholic Chaplaincy (Catholic Diocese of Christchurch)