The Introduction of Religious Congregations to Aotearoa  The earliest Religious Order to come to Aotearoa was the Marist Fathers and Brothers in  Others soon followed and by 1892 there were 17 Catholic Religious Orders in Aotearoa.  Some of these worked with Maori but most came to focus more and more on the needs of the growing European population.  Education, health care and social services were key areas of contribution by these orders.

Missionary Influence in Aotearoa Sourced from New Zealand History On- Line

1838 Marist Fathers and Brothers  The first religious order in New Zealand. Led by Bishop Pompallier they started the mission to the Maori people.  Encouraged other religious congregations to come to New Zealand to work among the people.  They faced poverty, hardship, opposition from Protestant missionaries, and hostile M ā ori who distrusted the French. But they quickly learned English and M ā ori, and in 10 years 5,000 people were baptised. Mission stations were established from north Auckland to Akaroa.

1850 The Sisters of Mercy  The first women religious to come to New Zealand.  The voyage from Ireland took 8 months, Pompallier accompanied them.  Pampallier had requested they come to NZ to join his mission and instruct and care for Maori women and orphans.  The eight Sisters who first came out immediately took charge of the little school near St Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland, and shared their home with a group of Maori orphans.

 Later, more Sisters joined them from Ireland, and they established schools, orphanges and a hospital, as well as doing other works in the diocese (Auckland).  Although their work was initially to be with the Moari, the Sisters found themselves fully occupied with the needs of the settlers, many of whom were Irish in origin.  In 1860, a group of Sisters opened up a Mercy convent in Wellington.

1864 Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions  The first missionary foundation established outside of France.  Their voyage from France took 6 months, arriving in Napier in Their presence had been at the request of Marist Fathers.  These first four Sisters began teaching local children within a week of their arrival.

 In 1867 the Sisters collaborated with another Marist priest, Fr Reignier. His aim was to give opportunities for Christian education to young Maori girls. In October of that year he set up an orphanage/boarding school behind the Sisters convent and under their care. This school grew to what is known today as St Joseph’s Maori Girls College.  By the end of the nineteenth century there were Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions working in 16 places with NZ both with the English speaking settlers and where it was possible also with Maori.  The establishment of Sacred Heart Colleges such as the ones in Napier, Lower Hutt, New Plymouth and Hamilton are a result of these Sisters.

1886 The Mill Hill Fathers  This order took up parochial (parish) duties at the request of Bishop Pompallier and his successors.  They devoted themselves especially to the Maori missions.  The aim of the Mill Hill mission was to provide a pastoral care that was consistent with Maori customs and culture.

1892 Sisters of Compassion  The first indigenous religious congregation in NZ.  Worked primarily but not exclusively with Maori women and children.  Suzanne Aubert was fluent in Maori and became familiar with Maori medicine, later developing her own herbal remedies which she manufactured and sold.  The Sisters work extended to Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui and Wellington.  Help was offered to anyone, regardless of religion, encouraging co-operation and tolerance among all people.

Their Legacy Lives on  We have read about just five Religious congregations who had significant input in the development of the Church in Aotearoa in its first fifty years. Much of their work is still visible today and continuing.  As a result of their determination,while often enduring hardship, great advancements were made in the fields of education, health care and social welfare.  Their selfless dedication in a wide range of situations and cultures were true examples of the Gospel in action.  Women, especially brought great gifts to the Church in Oceania.