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