The strong and enduring Marist connection between Aotearoa New Zealand and Tonga was honoured last month through a special project to restore the graves of two Brothers who played important roles in establishing and strengthening the Marist presence in Tonga. From 19 to 26 August, Br Samisoni, the only Tongan Marist Brother in the Province, was in Tonga alongside former Brothers Brendan Hickey and Brian McKenzie, undertaking restoration work on the graves of Br Urban Howie

Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam, General Councillor and Link Councillor for Oceania, is visiting the Marist communities in Aotearoa New Zealand from 17 to 29 August. He was warmly welcomed at the beginning of his visit by Br Peter Horide, Provincial Delegate for Aotearoa New Zealand. Br Rajakumar at St Paul's College During his time in Aotearoa New Zealand, Br Rajakumar will visit the various Marist communities, meet with Brothers, participate in Provincial Council meetings fr

From 9 to 12 August, sixteen participants from nine schools in our network in Aotearoa New Zealand took part in the annual Champagnat in the Pacific program. Daniel Dungey, Partnerships Coordinator for New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, reports on the event. Vaughan Park, Long Bay, once again provided a wonderful setting for the 2026 Champagnat in the Pacific (CITP) staff formation program. Sixteen participants representing nine schools from across our network gathered f

The Marist education ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, 30 July 2026, marking 150 years of Marist education with a special Sesquicentennial Mass at the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph in Auckland. The celebration brought together Marist Brothers, school leaders, students, educators, clergy and supporters from across Aotearoa New Zealand to give thanks for a ministry that has formed generations of young people in faith, learn

This week marks the 150th anniversary of Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. The journey began in 1876 when the Marist Brothers began teaching, laying the foundations for a ministry that has shaped generations of young people. In the lead-up to this anniversary, we are sharing a series of articles and interviews featuring Marist educators, leaders and alumni who have helped shape this rich legacy. In the first article of the series, historian and author Br Edward Clisby

This week marks the 150th anniversary of Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. The journey began in 1876 when the Marist Brothers began teaching, laying the foundations for a ministry that has shaped generations of young people. In the lead-up to this anniversary, we are sharing a series of articles and interviews featuring Marist educators, leaders and alumni who have helped shape this rich legacy. In the first article of the series, historian and author Br Edward Clisby

On 30 June, Br Peter Thompson passed away in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. It is with deep sadness that I share with you the news of the death of Br Peter Thompson, who died peacefully at 11.00 am on 30 June in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. His health declined sharply in recent days, especially from Sunday, when he lost consciousness. Throughout this time, he remained peaceful

For 150 years, the Marist Brothers have been shaping young lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. What began in 1876 with the arrival of a small group of Brothers has grown into a lasting educational legacy that has touched generations of young people, families, and communities across the country. Through times of change, challenge, and transformation, the Marist commitment has remained constant - providing quality education to all, especially those most in need. The commemorative lo

Last year, Champagnat Marist educators across Aotearoa New Zealand began a significant initiative to reconnect with their spiritual and historical roots: the Hokianga Hīkoi. This inaugural journey to the Far North explored the birthplace of Catholicism and the Marist mission in Aotearoa, dating back to 1838. At its heart, the hīkoi (journey or pilgrimage) is grounded in a clear purpose: to offer educators the opportunity to encounter the sacred places and stories that shaped

For 150 years, the Marist Brothers have been shaping hearts and minds across Aotearoa New Zealand - guiding generations through education rooted in faith, compassion, and service. As we mark this remarkable milestone, Champagnat Marist invites students to celebrate this legacy in the most creative way possible: through art. The Champagnat Marist Visual Arts Competition invites young artists to capture the spirit of 150 years of Marist education - its history, its people, and

Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, is currently undertaking a week-long visit to Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand to engage with Marist schools, Brothers’ communities, and educational leaders. The visit underscores the Province’s commitment to supporting and deepening the Marist mission of education, faith formation, and service among young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. St Paul’s Principal Keith Simento, Br Darren, & Br Peter Horide at St Paul’s Coll

From 19–22 February, 39 student leaders from across the Marist schools of Aotearoa New Zealand gathered for the annual Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum. Daniel Dungey, Partnerships Coordinator for New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, reflects on this enriching and inspiring event. Our annual Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum in Otautahi Christchurch took place from 19-22 February this year with 39 student leaders across 10 of our 11 schools’ network in attenda

Proprietor appointees to the Boards of three Marist colleges in Aotearoa New Zealand were formally inducted at a special Mass held in the chapel of Sacred Heart College, marking a significant moment in the governance of the institutions. The ceremony, celebrated by Fr Steve Berecz, brought together newly appointed Board members alongside college leaders, staff, and supporters in a meaningful occasion that blended the spiritual mission of the Marist tradition with the formal r

On 12 January, Br Douglas Dawick passed away in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. It was with great sadness that I received the news that our Br Douglas Dawick died in Auckland on 12 January at 1.00 am. Br Doug was peaceful in his final hours as he had slept most of Sunday and was well cared for by the staff at the hospital. Doug was 87 years old and had been a Marist Brother for 69

On 10 January 2026, a special Mass was celebrated at Tōtara Point in North Aotearoa New Zealand, marking 188 years since the first Catholic presence in the country. The occasion brought together the local Catholic community, clergy, religious, and members of the wider Marist family to honour both the beginnings of the Church in this land and its continuing mission today. The homily was given by Bishop Steve Lowe who reflected on the Church as a woven kete (a traditional Māor

On 7 December, the Marist Brothers community in Kaikohe marked the close of nearly 50 years of presence and service in the north of Aotearoa - New Zealand. A beautiful and deeply moving Mass brought the community together as local parishioners, friends, and former students gathered to honour the Brothers and express their gratitude for decades of ministry, accompaniment, and friendship. Br Peter Horide, Provincial Delegate to Aotearoa - New Zealand, has penned a heartfelt ref