Last month the Diocese of Palmerston North Maori Apostolate Coordinating Board and Forum acknowledged Mr Tamaterangi (Tom) Paku as the outgoing chairman.
Mr Paku, of Taradale, had faithfully chaired the board for the last seven years and has assisted the Maori Apostolate navigate many changes in recent years. The Diocese of Palmerston North Maori Apostolate meets to advise Bishop Peter Cullinane on issues and needs in the area of Maori pastoral care.
With his wife Mere, Tom has always been an advocate on behalf of Maori Eucharistic communities in seeking recognition and realising the beginnings of movement towards biculturalism and inculturation in the diocese.
Mr Paku’s vacancy has been filled by Wairoa school principal Mr Richard Puanaki. Mr Puanaki is involved in a number of church ministries in Wairoa, primarily at Tawhiti-a-Maru marae, St Theresa’s and St Peter’s. Nationally he is probably best known as the composer of the hymn ‘Ka waiata ki a Maria’.
Image: Tom Paku, Bishop Peter Cullinane and Richard Puanaki.