Blog

Sixty years in the priesthood was celebrated in December 2015 by the Very Revd Michael Bent, a former vicar of St Mary’s and archdeacon of Taranaki, who still lives in the city. Michael has experienced eventful assignments in the United Kingdom, Fiji and Papua New guinea, and also worked in New Zealand parishes. Born in England, he aimed to be a solicitor but during a court sitting, “I saw all these shady characters standing in the dock, and I thought, with... read more

Anne Knox’s appointment as Associate to the Dean in 2011 came “out of the blue.” Involved in the Baptist Church for many years in a variety of leadership roles, the Anglican approach from Dean Jamie and Archbishop Philip Richardson (then Bishop of Taranaki) was a surprise. After all, this former police inspector was well ensconced in the Central Baptist Church, and busy with roles such as coordinating security at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and at Womad. However, she mulled it... read more

Bishop Richard Randerson, a former Dean and assistant Bishop of Auckland, visited Taranaki in March. He delivered a workshop in Stratford and preached at Taranaki Cathedral. Read a copy of his Passion Sunday sermon. read more

Hello! My name is Lesa Bide and I am delighted to be joining The Taranaki Cathedral covering the Office Manager role whilst Nikki is on her maternity leave. I live in New Plymouth with my partner Chris and am the Mum/Step Mum to our gorgeous son James and two amazing girls, Kate and Niamh. My working career has mostly been in New Plymouth, with a large part of it spent in the financial/insurance sector, with a few other roles popped in... read more

The Bishop of Taranaki, Archbishop Philip Richardson and the Bishop of Waikato, Bishop Helen-­‐Ann Hartley are delighted to announce the appointment of the Reverend Peter Beck as Dean of Taranaki Cathedral to succeed the current Dean, the Very Reverend Jamie Allen who resigned recently. In announcing the appointment Archbishop Philip said that he could "think of no one better qualified, or with more relevant experience, to lead the people of St Mary’s over the next period of time. Peter is well... read more

Answers to some questions that have arisen from parishioners regarding the Interim Cathedral in the Peace Hall. read more

Gen 15:1-12,17-18 Phil 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 What did you think of that conversation in our Gospel reading today? There was so much happening in what was just a short single conversation: warnings, threats, longings, compassion, and declarations. So many players were part of it: Herod wanting to maintain power by removing anyone he saw as a threat, a bunch of Pharisees - this lot whispering words of warning to Jesus – not the usual portrayal of his relating to Pharisees, references... read more

Nau mai, haere mai, welcome. On Sunday 7th February, our cathedral community worshipped for the first time in the Interim Cathedral in the Peace Hall. We are putting out into deep water, and we are going to be newly positioned for mission. This part of our journey is going to be about relishing new opportunities. It is a time to give thanks for all from which we have been liberated. We can travel a little lighter. Less to carry. A smaller... read more

OT Reading 1Sam 17:32-33, 37 & 40-51 NT Reading Mark 3:1-6 David and Goliath is a well-known story, even politicians at times refer to that story to describe how the little man won over against Incredible odds. While being appointed to the Bell Block Cooperating church I befriended the local policeman, sometimes he called around to say hi. He was very tall, and even standing on higher ground still had to look up to him, he really was tall and I... read more

January 10 2016 - The Baptism of Jesus: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22 The coming of the Messiah: For centuries the prophets of Israel had foretold the coming of a Messiah. In fact, the Old Testament includes about sixty different prophecies, with more than 300 references, of His coming. From Adam to Malachi, the prophets told the people of the day that the God of Israel would come to earth, as a human being and become their Savior and Redeemer. They firmly... read more