Image credit: Anglican Taonga
Almost three years after Cyclone Gabrielle tore through Hawke’s Bay and the community of Ōmāhu, the Māori Anglican church of St John’s will reopen its doors — standing once again as a living symbol of faith and endurance.
Built in 1879, St John’s Ōmāhu is the oldest Māori Anglican church in Hawke’s Bay. It was severely damaged when the Ngaruroro River broke through its adjunction stopbank in February 2023, sending a torrent of water through the church grounds, urupā, and surrounding homes. The flood caused catastrophic damage, but the people of Ōmāhu — with their deep faith and collective strength — have worked tirelessly to rebuild what was lost.
The restoration of St John’s has been a massive community effort, involving months of careful repair and cultural renewal. For many, this reopening represents the crown jewel of Ōmāhu’s recovery — the reinstatement of the spiritual home of their tīpuna, and a tangible sign that hope and whakapono can rise again from devastation.
The rededication will be marked by a Eucharistic celebration led by Te Pīhopa o Te Tairāwhiti, The Most Rev. Dr Don Tamihere, on Friday evening.
“To reopen this historic whare karakia for the people of Ōmāhu — a place that has carried the prayers, hopes, and aroha of generations — is a moment of deep joy and thanksgiving,” said Archbishop Don Tamihere.
The reopening coincides with the annual Synod of Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Tairāwhiti, hosted by Ōmāhu Marae and Ngāti Upokoiri, both of which hold a central place in the story of the Māori Anglican Church in Aotearoa.
“Te Hui Amorangi returning to Ōmāhu and Ngāti Upokoiri is both a homecoming and a spiritual reconnection — a chance to gather as Te Whānau a Te Karaiti and stand again in the whakapapa of our faith.”
Ngāi Te Upokoiri Ariki Renata Kawepō, one of the last paramount chiefs of Ngāti Kahungunu, funded the construction of St John’s. Built by Ngāti Upokoiri, Ngāti Hinemanu, and Ngāti Hinepare, it was consecrated in 1879 by Bishop Edward Stuart of Waiapu. St John’s is one of three great Māori churches of its era still standing — alongside St Mary’s, Moteo, built by Paora Kaiwhata of Ngāti Hinepare, and The Church of the Evangelists, Waiōhiki, built by Tāreha Te Moananui.
Rev. Zhane Tiopira Tāhau said, “Kawepō was a warrior, visionary, and a man of deep faith. After gaining his freedom from captivity in Te Tai Tokerau, he dedicated his life to uniting his people through Te Rongopai — building churches, schools, and communities of hope. His words still inspire us: ‘Behold, may the Church be for you a bountiful garden to nourish and sustain you.’”
Over its 145 years, St John’s has been restored many times — yet never so profoundly as now. As the bells ring once more and karakia fills its rafters, Ōmāhu stands as a testament to resilience, whakapapa, and the unbroken faith of its people.
The Reopening Service will be held at 7 PM, Friday 31 October, followed by Hui Amorangi sessions throughout the weekend, concluding with a Service of Confirmation on Sunday.