New Homes Blessed In Whanganui

It was a beautiful afternoon in Whanganui as people gathered to bless four new homes built by Bedrock Housing on a site below St Peter’s in Gonville.

After a mihi and karakia and a welcome from Priests-in-Charge, Sam and Luca Tovey-Duckworth, Caleb Rowe, Co-Vicar of the Whanganui Anglican Parish, spoke of the parish visioning process 5 years ago that included a desire to do something meaningful about addressing the housing crisis in Whanganui.

The collaboration with Bedrock Housing has already borne fruit with tenants living in two 2-bedroom homes at St Luke’s in Castlecliff since September 2024.

The development at St Peter’s includes two 2-bedroom and two 1-bedroom homes and the parish is interested in seeing houses on some of the other Whanganui church sites in the future.

In addition to the Bedrock building team a number of local contractors have been involved in the project since the houses were transported on site, including a few of the tradies who are in local congregations.

At a time when most developers are seeking to maximise profit by building large spec homes the provision of warm, dry, energy-efficient smaller homes at affordable rents makes a statement to the wider community.

It was with excitement and enthusiasm that we moved in four groups to pray and bless the houses. We look forward to seeing who God will bring to live in these homes.

The fact that the homes are on church land does not compel those who live there to be part of the church but Sam and Luca and the people of St Peters will definitely provide love and support to all the tenants along with an invitation and a welcome to participate in the rich and varied life of the congregation.

Whanganui Anglicans are grateful to the Diocesan Board of trustees for being willing to take a risk in enabling this housing project which, though small, will make a difference to the housing situation here in Whanganui.