Mikaere Tapu (St Michael’s), a Palmerston North-based Māori Anglican church and marae, has opened its doors to local social service providers to create a safe space for their clients, offering both spiritual and community support. On Friday, 27 September, Rev Dr Steve Elers, Vicar General and Māori Communities Engagement Lead for Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika, hosted an all-day hui at St Michael’s in Highbury to build relationships with the providers and offer the church as a place of aroha for all.
“We wanted to let the social service providers know that St Michael’s is open for business,” said Rev Dr Steve Elers, who also serves as a non-stipendiary priest at Mikaere Tapu. He described the church as a place where everyone is welcome under the shelter of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev Sissiel Henderson, Priest-in-Charge, emphasised St Michael’s ongoing commitment to the community, saying, “Our goal is to be a place where people feel welcomed and supported.”
This gathering continues Mikaere Tapu’s tradition of community engagement. For many years, St Michael’s had hosted educational classes, workshops, and events, reinforcing its role as a community hub. While this activity had lessened in recent years, the hui marked a renewed focus on serving the community, particularly those connected to whānau involved with gangs. Last year, St Michael’s clergy were involved in conflict resolution and provided ministry for the grieving family and friends of Mongrel Mob member Hori Gage, who was fatally shot in September 2023.
The hui brought together representatives from organisations such as the Highbury Whānau Centre, Te Waka Huia, Raukawa Māori Wardens, He Puna Hauora, Rangitāne Iwi, Te Aroha Noa, and Police. These providers offer a range of services, including mental health support, housing assistance, addiction treatment, and women’s refuge services. “We hope that the representatives will recommend St Michael’s to their clients and let them know this is a safe place for them,” said Rev Dr Elers.
Peter Butler, Kaihautū (Chief Executive Officer) of the Highbury Whānau Centre, noted the historical connection between St Michael’s and the local community. “The concept and proposal for the Highbury Whānau Centre was seeded within wānanga and hāpori hui facilitated at St Michael’s,” said Butler. “St Michael’s has always played a key role in the Highbury community.”
The current Mikaere Tapu church marae was opened in 1982 by Rev Hapai Winiata (later Bishop Hapai Winiata). Today, clergy from St Michael’s conduct services at the marae and others in the region. Rev Sissiel Henderson and Rev Dr Steve Elers, supported by volunteer kaikarakia (licensed lay readers), continue to ensure that the ministry thrives.
Rev Dr Steve Elers, who recently left his role as a senior lecturer at Massey University, now works full-time to strengthen outreach to Māori communities. He is a member of the Raukawa District Māori Council and the New Zealand Māori Council, which advocates for Māori cultural, economic, and political wellbeing under the Māori Community Development Act of 1962.