Archbishop proposes one parish for lower Hutt Valley

In a letter to members of the Parish of the Holy Spirit – Te Wairua Tapu and the Catholic Parish of Te Awakairangi this month, Archbishop Martin said it was important to him that the process for doing this is one of listening as well as leadership. Written feedback has been invited.

The archbishop noted that Cardinal John Dew in 2019 invited all parishes of the archdiocese to review their property and resources.

“Since that time, both Te Awakairangi and Te Wairua Tapu have engaged in careful discernment about how best to sustain vibrant parish life,” the letter stated.

“While deep affection and history are associated with each of our church communities, there are also practical and pastoral realities that we must face together.”

Holy Spirit – Te Wairua Tapu parish includes churches at Eastbourne, Petone, Wainuiomata and Waiwhetu. Te Awakairangi parish includes churches in central Lower Hutt, Naenae and Taita.

“It is important that we look ahead in a way that strengthens parish life across the whole of the Hutt Valley,” Archbishop Martin said. “For this reason, I am inviting the parishes of Te Wairua Tapu and Te Awakairangi to consider merging to form a single parish for the lower Hutt Valley.

“This proposal would bring the two parishes together as one parish family, sharing resources, leadership and mission. As part of this proposal, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Waiwhetu, and San Antonio Church, Eastbourne would close. These potential closures arise from earlier discernment within the parish, and I believe that the reasons for them remain sound.

“The new parish would have five churches, each continuing to serve as a place of worship and community within its local area. Careful consideration would be given to Mass times and pastoral provision, so that parishioners are supported and able to remain actively connected to parish life.”

Archbishop Martin also stated that “after considerable exploration, it has become clear that it is not feasible to build a new church in Waiwhetu to replace the current Our Lady of the Rosary church”. Disappointment at this decision “is recognised and held with care”.

“At the same time, we are mindful that changes to church locations can affect how communities remain connected and where people choose to worship.”

Archbishop Martin invited written feedback by June 19 about the proposed change from the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee of each of the two current parishes.

“I also welcome responses from individual parishioners and parish groups who wish to share their perspectives on the merger or raise matters that may assist in this discernment,” he wrote.

Parishioners of Te Awakairangi and Te Wairua Tapu have been invited to participate in a process of prayer, dialogue, discernment and response.

FULL STORY

Letter from Archbishop Martin about one parish proposal (Catholic Parish of Te Awakairangi)

Newsletter 24th May 2026 (Catholic Parish of Te Awakairangi)