Our Priests

The Diocese of Palmerston North is served by its own diocesan priests together with priests belonging to various Religious Orders: The Society of Mary (Marists), Rosminians (The Institute of Charity), The Heralds of Good News, and the Cistercian Monks of Kopua Abbey.


Alongside the usual variety of pastoral activities associated with parish life, our priests also serve as spiritual directors, school and college chaplains, chaplains to hospitals and prisons, university and other tertiary chaplains, and offer ministry to Catholic marae.

A special place within our Diocese is New Zealand’s only community of Catholic monks who reside at Southern Star Abbey in Central Hawke’s Bay. They belong to the Cistercian order and lead a semi-contemplative life.

View map of the Diocese for Church, School and Maori Eucharistic Community locations.

Have a question? We can help. Get in touch with the Diocese.