Ōrongonui Te Kura Mihingare o Te Tai Tokerau equips future clergy and lay people to carry out the mission first established at Oihi in 1814. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr John Payne, this theological training programme has become a space for ministry formation, rooted in te reo Māori and kaupapa Māori.
The year began with Hui Raumati on January 17, a five-day gathering filled with learning, worship, and whanaungatanga. “The atmosphere was like a revival,” says Rev. Dr John Payne. “People absolutely loved coming together, meeting others, and celebrating their faith. The wairua flowed through the hui, with a synergy that runs deep in whakapapa, whakapono, and whānau. It was special to have Bishop Kito with us, too.”
Kaumatua Henare Gabel Rt Rev’d Te Kitohi Pikaahu ONZM Dr Riripeti Haretuku Rev’d Dr John Payne Rev’d Dr Beverley Moana Hall-Smith
The hui included a graduation ceremony acknowledging 29 students from the previous three years, with guest speaker Dr Riripeti Haretuku. Among the graduates were ten students who completed Te Tohu Mihingare, a three-year programme in ministry formation. The curriculum is deeply rooted in scripture and te reo Māori, covering biblical studies (Ngā Kōrero Karaipiture), Mihingare liturgy (Karakia Mihingare), preaching (Kauwhau Mihingare), theology (Mana Mihingare), the whakapapa of the church (Te Hāhi Mihingare), and enhancing te reo for leading liturgy (Te Reo Mihingare).
Ōrongonui is based at Te Karaiti te Aranga in Kamo and was officially established in 2013, continuing a mission that has been active since 1813. “The theological significance of Ōrongonui is beautiful,” reflects Rev. Dr Payne. “Rongo speaks to the message of the Gospel and the hearing of it, while Rongonui affirms that both the message and the hearing are great.
It’s about more than one event—it’s about the ongoing proclamation and reception of the good news. Just as the shepherds received the message from the angel in Luke 2:10, ‘Be not afraid, for behold I bring great news of great joy,’ so too do we seek to proclaim that joy today.”
Arona Tipene, Dux of Ōrongonui at Hui Raumati Graduation 2025
With a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, students can earn a Tohu Mihingare certificate as part of a Bachelor of Humanities. This year, eight graduates from Ōrongonui are progressing to further studies. “We enjoy kaupapa Māori at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and have a strong relationship with them,” says Rev. Dr Payne.
Ōrongonui follows a structured path for those called to ministry within Te Tai Tokerau. To be licensed as kai karakia, students must pass their first year (Tau 1). Deacon ordination follows after Tau 2, and priestly ordination after Tau 3. This year saw 19 new enrolments in Tau Tuatahi (second year).
Beyond formal study, Ōrongonui is expanding its reach through Minita ā Whānau, bringing Bible study into homes. “Faith begins in the home,” explains Rev. Dr Payne. “We’ve traditionally gathered on marae, but we’re extending into homes, making it more accessible. A faithful kuia once told us, ‘This is the first time I’ve ever participated in a Bible study.’ It’s liberating—we’re freeing people up, enabling them to engage with scripture for themselves, their whānau, and their communities.”
The next Hiranga hui is set for March 17, continuing the journey of learning and faith. “We have a moemoeā of revival, and we’re seeing signs of it in the North,” Rev. Dr Payne shares. “Ōrongonui is all about hearing, receiving, and proclaiming the Gospel—the good news for all time, including the present.”
With its motto Takoto te pai—a phrase first uttered by Ngāpuhi tūpuna at Oihi after hearing Samuel Marsden’s message—Ōrongonui embodies the ongoing transformation of those who receive the Gospel. “It’s about the incarnation of the Gospel and the turning point in the receiver’s life,” says Rev. Dr Payne. “And that’s what brings us joy.”