With joy and a deep sense of fulfilment, Rev. Roye Lolohea has been welcomed into the Diaconate, now licenced to serve in Te Hui Amorangi ki te Waipounamu.
“I feel like a puzzle piece finally clicked into place,” shared Rev. Roye. “Personally, I feel kua ea — it’s been fulfilled. It feels right.”
Ordination day at Tomairangi Photo credit: Phil Tumataroa
The ordination was led by Ven. Susan Wallace, a leader Roye deeply admires. “The service flowed so well with Susan. I also got to serve with her at the soft opening of the rebuilt church in Burwood. It felt good to be part of that.” She added: “What a retreat we had before the ordination — four days of karakia and deep reflection with Rev. Zhane Tiopira Tāhau and Ven. Michael Tamihere. They were spellbinding — full of humour, authenticity and te ao Māori wisdom.”
Rev. Roye comes from a rich and diverse heritage, with Croatian, Swedish, Irish, and Portuguese ancestry. Raised by a Pākehā mum from the South Island and a British dad, she now calls Ōtautahi home, where she serves as a Deacon. Her three children whakapapa Māori, and her youngest daughter is enrolled in rumaki reo at high school.
At Oihi Bayby Marsdens Cross for Orongonui training
Rev. Roye’s journey to ordained ministry has been one of calling, courage, and connection. After years of formation studying at Orongonui and strong ties to Holy Sepulchre Church in Auckland, she moved south with her husband, Ratu, embracing the opportunity to reconnect their tamariki with their whakapapa in Kaikōura. “Growing up in Auckland, we didn’t visit much. Now, we’re bringing that connection to life for our children,” she said.
Ordination service Photo credit: Phil Tumataroa
Her ordination took place in the Tomairangi building at Te Waipounamu Māori Girls’ College, a space rich with significance. “It was amazing to be ordained in that space,” she reflected. “Having Bishop Anne, Bishop Peter, and Archbishop Don Tamihere all there was such a special moment. My husband said it was a sign having all three of them.”
Rev. Roye has long felt the call to ministry, and her path has been shaped by key moments of guidance and support, such as her conversations with Rev. Kerry Davis and the move from Equippers Church to Holy Sepulchre. “I felt called to a reo tikanga church, especially as my daughter was going into rumaki reo. It was ministry for me,” she said. “I wasn’t raised Christian — that came later, in a Samoan church, when the Holy Spirit really touched me.”
Kai following the ordination service
Today, Rev. Roye’s calling extends into Māori chaplaincy in Ōtautahi. “Doing ministry alongside my husband is lovely. We pray together, support our leadership team, and help carry the message,” she said. “It’s not always easy. The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”
In addition to her ministry, Rev. Roye is completing her Te Takawai diploma and continues to support her whānau, both spiritually and practically. “I still work to pay the bills — relieving with preschoolers and supporting whānau. It’s all ministry,” she added.
Looking ahead, Rev. Roye is excited for what 2025 holds. “Straight A’s for my assessments. The hardest part? Getting everyone together for group assignments!” She’s also preparing for a haerenga to the West Coast of the South Island with Ven. Susan Wallace and the team. “I’m excited to learn more about where I’m serving and stay connected.”
Her mokopuna attending rangatahi camp with Kura Raatapu from Holy Sepulchre
Reflecting on those who’ve supported her journey, Rev. Roye shared her admiration for Archbishop Don. “He’s a beautiful leader who understands the human side of ministry. It was a gift to share a meal with him.”
Her mokopuna staring at their maunga in Kaikohe
As she fully steps into this new role, Rev. Roye offered this final reflection: “You’ve got to put some wax on your surfboard — God will take you places. Ride the waves.”