Blog

When I saw the readings for today, I was unable to see what the lectionary writer was pointing me to. Usually it’s possible to discern a theme, but it wasn’t clear. This week it just wasn’t there. So, I am pleased to offer something a bit different this morning. It is largely the work of a Quaker friend, who seemed genuinely surprised when I asked her if I could use it. Despite considerable talent both as a writer and as a... read more

An open and honest telling of Taranaki Cathedral’s past will help more people understand the church’s role in the region’s turbulent history, Cathedral Project fundraising lead Cathy Thurston says. The $15 million remediation of Taranaki Cathedral and enhancement of the site includes a world-class welcoming atrium space, which will incorporate professionally curated displays, multi-media resources and audio visual guides, recounting the church’s history and its role in the relationship between Maori and Pakeha over 175 years. “We believe this development will... read more

Mark 3:20-35 Family, what do you make of your family? What do they make of you? Anything along these lines? Desmond Tutu said, “You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” An unknown author said, “Blood's thicker than water, and when one's in trouble best to seek out a relative's open arms.” Robert Brault said, “The thing about family disasters is that you never have to wait long before the next one puts... read more

Preamble: Following the recent resignation of the interim Dean after a very short tenure a review has been commissioned to help identify challenges and opportunities that should be addressed prior to a new permanent Dean being appointed. A review of the Cathedral structure and vision at this time also provides an opportunity to plan for future ministry needs that align with the broader future vision of the Cathedral site post-earthquake strengthening and redevelopment. Although finances are tight and will continue to... read more

Luke 6:46-49 In our Church Calendar we mark this Sunday as Te Pouhere Sunday, which celebrates our life as a three Tikanga Church: Maori, Pakeha and Pasefika in this our Anglican Church Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. On this day we celebrate our unity as three Tikanga in one Province and we celebrate our unity here in the South Pacific, a unity which knows no boundaries of race, language, politics or tradition. We celebrate our unity which transcends our... read more

Hours of dedication, bundles of cotton swabs and plenty of patience will be needed to return Taranaki Cathedral’s stained glass windows to their former splendour. As part of the Taranaki Cathedral remediation and development project, the church’s array of stained glass windows, many of which have deteriorated over time, will be restored, bringing out the details and colours the artists intended. “As far as we are aware, they have had minimal maintenance over the years and a number are failing,” Cathedral... read more

The Vicar-General of the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki, the Venerable Trevor Harrison has agreed to step into the senior leadership role in the Taranaki Cathedral parish until a new Dean is appointed at the cathedral. Archdeacon Harrison who is currently working in South Taranaki across five parishes will commence his cathedral responsibilities on 1 June 2018. He is the second most senior ordained person in the Diocese after the Bishop of Taranaki, Philip Richardson. As Vicar-General of the Diocese, Archdeacon... read more

On Thursday 17 May 2018 at 12.15pm at the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary, Christopher Luke, Director of Music to Taranaki Community & Cathedral will present his 100th organ recital. Since his first recital in March 2012, Luke has enjoyed entertaining audiences throughout Taranaki with organ performances at each of New Plymouth’s major churches of St Joseph’s, St Andrew’s, Whiteley Memorial and the Cathedral, along with Holy Trinity and St Andrew’s churches in Stratford and St Mary’s in Hawera. Over... read more

Like a harmonious choir, the successful remediation of Taranaki Cathedral is dependent on all parts being in tune. One of those is the building’s renowned acoustics. With Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary to host a wide range of arts, music and drama events once earthquake-strengthened, as well as regular church services, weddings and funerals, it is important that the acoustics are not adversely impacted by proposed modifications. Working on this are acousticians Daniel Protheroe and Arthur Postles, of Marshall Day... read more

Neil and Raewyn Wolfe with the commemorative certificate of their wedding day at St Mary’s Church. Being fashionably late to her wedding wasn’t an option for bride Raewyn Phillips – hers was just one of four held at St Mary’s Church on a busy Saturday in April 1966. “Our service was at 11am and the Reverend stressed to us that I couldn’t be late because there was another wedding at 1pm,” says Raewyn, who married well-known Taranaki rugby player Neil... read more