Who we are
Hangaia te hapori karaitiana
Founded in 1992, Te Manawa o Te Wheke is one of five Hui Amorangi within Te Pihopatanga o Aorearoa, the Māori tikanga (cultural stream) of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Our history dates back to the early 1800’s with Māori Missionaries like Ihaia Te Ahu, Heta Tarawhiti and Wiremu Ngakuku who were instrumental in founding the origins of our Amorangi.
Throughout generations this Hui Amorangi has been present serving communities from Kauetangohia to Turangi, Mokau to Te Puaha o Waikato, Parawai to Te Puke and all rohe in between. The journey for Mana Motuhake within the Church led to the Ordination of the first Bishop of Aotearoa, Pihopa Frederick Bennett, in 1928.
From there the journey began as seek to respond to the things that God calls us to do. Te Manawa o Te Wheke are blessed to have Pihopa Frederick buried beneath the Altar at St. Faith’s Church Ohinemutu.
In 1992 at the establishment of this Hui Amorangi, Pihopa Whakahuihui Vercoe (who was also Te Pihopa o Aotearoa) assumed Episcopal Responsibility for this Hui Amorangi. He led Te Manawa o Te Wheke until his election as Te Pihopa Mātāmua (Primate) in 2004.
Upon this vacancy, in 2005 Pihopa Ngarahu Katene was duly elected and then Consecrated as Bishop in 2006, becoming the first elected Bishop of Te Manawa o Te Wheke.
Pictured: The Right Reverend Ngarahu Katene (current Pīhopa)
Pīhopa Ngarahu implemented the Missioner program within Te Manawa o Te Wheke which comprises itself of;
- Te Puaha o Waikato me Hauraki
- Waikato
- Tauranga Moana
- Waiariki
- Mataatua
- Te Kaha
