In late July, Bishop Justin joined the St Luke’s congregation to bless the recently completed Hall, Vicarage and Children’s Playground.

The overall project took around 2 years to complete and is a wonderful improvement to the previous facilities. The playground is open to the community and is being well used by children and their families. Bookings for use of the hall and church fellowship functions are growing. 

Joining the Bishop was Paora Ammunson, the Kaumātua from Pāpāwai Marae. The Marae was the site of the first Maori Parliament and has a historic association with St Luke’s. Early writing, documents the St Luke’s Vicar walking 2 hours to the Marae through thick bush on a wet day and an hour in fine weather.

Paora brought good wishes from the people of Pāpāwai and noted his grandfather, Charlie Mathews, had served on Vestry with Reverend Cook for many years. Their photo hangs in the church foyer.

The Bishop complimented the St Luke’s community on their work and the vision of the previous Vicar Rev Harry Newton in bringing the project to fruition.