Danny Karatea-Goddard of Maniapoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whatua, has been appointed the Tūranga Māori in the Archdiocese of Wellington, Cardinal John Dew announced on 25 January this year.

Danny will be officially welcomed to the Archdiocese with a pōwhiri on Monday 27 February, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Hill St, Wellington. People will gather outside the cathedral at 12.30pm before the pōwhiri commences at 1pm.

‘Danny will work especially among Māori and assist my ministry as archbishop,’ said Cardinal John.

‘Danny has made a wonderful contribution to Māori pastoral care and bi-cultural relations in the Diocese of Palmerston North where he has been based for the last 15 years as Vicar for Māori Pastoral Care. Danny and his wife Maru are moving back to Wellington and we are pleased to obtain his services to help us in the Archdiocese as Tūranga Māori,’ Cardinal John said.

Danny will also be involved with New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference Secretariat.

Bishop Charles Drennan said that it is a deeply significant and historic appointment for the Church in Aotearoa. Danny will share his wisdom and guide the bishops in things Māori and in growing our one faith among Māori.

Danny was incardinated (formally placed under the jurisdiction of Bishop Charles) in the Diocese of Palmerston North as a deacon in 2014.

He will take up his position in Wellington on Monday 27 February and will be presented to Cardinal John, Archbishop of Wellington, by both Bishop Charles, Bishop of Palmerston North, and by the Archdiocesan Māori Council – Te Kahu o Te Rangi at a pōwhiri that afternoon.

For more information on the role of Tūranga Māori visit the Archdiocese website at: www.wn.catholic.org.nz/archdiocesan-offices/maori/turanga-maori/