Orongonui – Te Kura Mihingare begins 2026 with strong momentum, growing enrolments, and a renewed focus on grassroots ministry formation across Te Tai Tokerau. Staff worked through Christmas and New Year to prepare for what is shaping up to be one of its busiest years.
A total of 53 students began studies on 16 January across Tau 1, Tau 2, and Tau 3, with more than 30 students entering Tau 1 alone. Numbers are now at full capacity at both the Hui Amorangi Centre and Hui Raumati. “These are challenges, but very good ones to have,” says Ven. Dr John Payne.
At the heart of Orongonui’s work is a clear mission to begin ministry with whānau. Recruitment starts locally, with the goal of placing a prayer book and Bible in every home and introducing people to Bible study on their own marae. While simple in concept, many participants are encountering structured Bible study for the first time, an experience described as “both surprising and deeply transformative. This approach places the Word of God directly into the hands of the people.”
Minita whānau are supported into Orongonui’s ministry pathway, moving through theological formation and towards ordination. Tau 1 focuses on theological grounding and licensing as kaikōrero and kaikarakia. Tau 2 prepares students for ordination to the diaconate, and Tau 3 supports ordination to the priesthood. Over the past five years alone, 80 people have been ordained to the diaconate and priesthood, reflecting a wider revival across Te Tai Tokerau.
This year also marks the college’s 14th year of operation. Founded in 2013 following the closure of its predecessor in 2012, Orongonui continues to refine its mātauranga annually, strengthening both academic depth and pastoral formation.
Professor Patricia Johnston
Graduation on 16 January celebrated 39 graduates, with guest speaker Professor Patricia Johnston and a valedictory address from dux Rona Eramiha, who graduated alongside her husband Colenso Eramiha with a Tohu Mihinare.
Dux Rona Eramiha gave the valedictory address
Looking ahead, Orongonui is developing a stronger indigenous theological identity, expanding post graduate pathways, and planning an international hikoi to explore indigenous preaching, storytelling, and worship. Through it all, the kaupapa remains clear, equipping people to carry the Word of God back to their whānau, marae, and communities.