Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka

“Christ the Reconciler”—a powerful name, isn’t it? Right here at Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka, that name resonates deeply. Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka isn’t just a building. It’s a vessel, a waka, carrying a community united by faith and history. Built in 1979 by the Mangere community, Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka stands as a testament to their aroha, their love. The church was envisioned as a sacred space, a place of worship viewed through a Tikanga Māori lens. The very name, Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka, meaning “Christ the Reconciler,” speaks to the heart of their belief. Reconciliation with God and with each other, through Christ. Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka is part of Te Pihopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau, within the Māori Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia. Its history is interwoven with the stories of early Māori missionaries and their connections to Tangata Tiriti, the people of the Treaty. Today, Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka continues to welcome all, whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or seeking a spiritual home. If you join them on a Sunday, you can experience one of two distinct services. At 9:30 am, there’s a reflective service led by Rev’d Moana Knight. Or, you can experience Koringarau, the contemporary service at 11 am, led by Rev’d Sela Havili and Rev’d Keri-Ann Hokianga. This service blends modern elements with traditional karakia, honoring their Mihingare whakapapa, their Anglican heritage.