WelCom October 2020
St Peter and St Paul Church at Kauwhata Marae, near Feilding, turns 125 in October this year. The church was opened on October 20, 1895 with Archbishop Redwood celebrating at the first Mass.
Chief Executive of Te Kupenga, Dr Areti Metuamate, of Ngāti Kauwhata, says the church has had a special place in the heart of his iwi since it was first built.
‘Many generations of our people have been baptised in this church. I grew up going to miha (mass) there alongside my kuia and kaumatua, most of whom are no longer with us. Our iwi still has a large number of Catholics, although now they are based all across the country (and the world) rather than just in and around Feilding.’
The people of Ngāti Kauwhata are planning an event for 20 October to celebrate this special milestone.