Arthur Bruce’s installation as Vicar of St Stephen’s Opotiki

Posted by on 14 February 2012 | 0 Comments

8 February

 

 

Pictured: Bishop David and Julie Williams, who responded to the karanga, along with those who brought Arthur to Opotiki (family, friends and Papamoa folk).

A full church of family and friends from several previous parishes, along with local parishioners and many from the Opotiki community, joined Arthur Bruce when he was installed as the new Vicar of Hiona - St Stephen on 1st February.

The karanga rang out from Doreen McCorkindale, one of the parish nominators, followed by a service that reflected the uniqueness of this parish. A significant and moving aspect of the service included the entrusting of the pounamu taonga to Arthur as the new vicar for the term of his ministry in Opotiki – a taonga which the parish holds in trust for the Mokomoko family. The parish church also holds Mokomoko’s pardon from the Governor General, granted in 1993 - a symbol of reconciliation between Māori and Pākehā and a reminder of the importance of the tikanga rua relationship.

Adrienne Bruce reports one of their first public experiences in Opotiki, on Waitangi Day:  “We were invited to join local iwi at the Opotiki Museum for Waitangi Day. It was a fantastic experience as newcomers to Opotiki to be included. We joined the powhiri which began with Ringatu prayers and chanting which was special to be part of. The Whakatoea kaumatua and several subsequent speakers welcomed Arthur as the minita hou of Hiona-St Stephen, situated immediately over the road from the museum, and he was able to respond with a whaikorero.

“Also part of the proceedings was an amazing kapahaka group who had just spent the weekend practicing for the regional competition, hoping to make the nationals again. This was followed by lunch. It was a real privilege to be included and very humbling the way we were made welcome. And we would encourage anyone visiting Opotiki to take time to go to the museum which has been purpose-built and tells the local story so well.”

 

 

Pictured: Arthur distributing Communion during the service