Auckland's "second cathedral, Holy Sepulchre, was packed as Te Pihopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau celebrated the ordination of four new deacons.

Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu, Pihopa o Te Tai Tokerau, along with Bishop Jim White, Assistant Bishop of Auckland, ordained Christopher Huriwai, Brendon Wilkinson, Wayne and Jody Ashby.

Bishop Jim has a special relationship with all four ordinands as they are students of St John’s College. As preacher he reminded them of the sacredness of the church, referring to the tangi of Bishop Sir Paul Reeves.

Bishop Jim also told the ordinands: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You four are choosing to lay down your life for others, and some of them won’t even be your friends. Some of them won’t be whanau; some of them won’t like you.”

It was a great day for inter-tikanga relationships. Bishop Jim emphasised after the ordination that “it’s a great sign that our church has come together. It’s a sign of a long and lasting friendship I have with Bishop Kito, and a sign of the connection I have with these students from St John’s College and the aroha I have for them.”

He added that it deepened the relationship between the Auckland Diocese and Te Tai Tokerau and that he enjoyed being in Auckland’s ‘second cathedral,’ the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Christopher Huriwai (24) is the youngest ordained person in Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa. However, he is all too familiar with the landscape that lies before him.

“Post-ordination I will continue my ministry at Te Karaiti [Te Pou Herenga Waka] in Mangere and also continue my studies at St John’s,” he said.

“On the ministry side, I hope to fully respond to the diaconal calling to establish an outward-facing ministry in the community. My current community-based ministries include being chaplain to the Orakei RSA and chaplain to the Auckland branch of the 28th Maori Battalion."

Wayne and Jody Ashby, a husband-and-wife team, have been preparing for ordained ministry for years. Their whanau from Te Kao in the far North were especially proud to witness their ordination.

“I most look forward to the commitment of becoming a servant of God,” Jodi said as she stood proudly with her husband.

He added: “We are called to the table in that we may find wholeness of life – me whakapono koe ki te Ariki ki a Ihu karaiti kia ora ai koe.” (if you believe in Jesus Christ our Lord you will live) 

Brendon Wilkinson is returning to St John’s but will continuing serving at Ruka Tapu (St Luke’s) Manurewa.

He is familiar with the struggle of ministering to Māori in South Auckland. “My studies at college have to remain my priority, so resisting jumping into ministry, gloves and all, will be my biggest challenge,” he said.

Bishop Kito said: “One of the positive aspects is that all four are still students at St John’s. This gives them some time of continued preparation for their ministry in the church.”

The celebrations continued in Tatai Hono Marae with a hakari and speeches.

This ordination was one of many that Bishop Kito has presided over this year. Te Tai Tokerau continues to grow its faithful flock! And long may they continue.