In Aotearoa-New Zealand, a transformative initiative is uniting Marists through spirituality, service, and a renewed sense of belonging. The Association of Champagnat Marists Aotearoa New Zealand, inspired by the rich legacy of Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist tradition, is set to officially launch on 15 February, with Star of the Sea Provincial Br Peter Carroll leading the ceremony.
The Association aims to foster connection and purpose by forming smaller groups, or whānau (Māori for "family"), across the country. These groups may wish to meet regularly to undertake projects inspired by the Marcellin Champagnat’s mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved, particularly through initiatives supporting young people and children.
Whether someone is deeply religious or simply seeking purpose and belonging, the Association strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

While encouraging organic growth, the Association is committed to maintaining a cohesive identity grounded in Marist values. To achieve this, the central organising committee, comprising Brothers and members of the wider Marist family, is carefully crafting clear guidelines and communication channels. Regular updates, shared resources, and periodic national gatherings will ensure the network remains unified while celebrating its diversity.
The Star Post spoke with Janne Pender, a member of the central organising team composed of Brothers and Lay members, and Br Barry Burns, co-chair of the Association, to learn more about its vision, future plans, and pivotal role in revitalising the Marist mission in Aotearoa.
From Vision to Reality
Janne Pender explains that the need for such an initiative has been felt for some time.
“When you come to the end of a formal relationship with the Marist Brothers - whether as a student, teacher, or member of the community - there’s often no clear pathway to maintain that link” she says.
For many, leaving a formal role in Marist institutions creates a void - a gap in their connection to the values and community they have learned to cherish. The Association seeks to bridge that gap by offering a welcoming and flexible space where anyone can engage with Marist spirituality and mission at their own pace. Whether through volunteering, being member of a prayer or study group, coming together socially, raising funds, or simply staying connected via newsletters, participation is designed to suit individual needs and capacities.
The Association seeks to bridge that gap by offering a welcoming and flexible space where anyone can engage with Marist spirituality and mission at their own pace.
A defining feature of the Association is its inclusivity. “This is not just for Catholics,” Janne emphasises. “We have incredible people who may not share our faith but live out the Marist spirit in everything they do. How could we exclude them?”
The inspiration for the Association’s model comes from longstanding examples of grassroots connection. Janne recalls the tight-knit community of Sacred Heart mothers she was once part of - women who supported their children’s education while forming lifelong bonds in the process. “That sense of family, of shared purpose, is what we aim to replicate across the country through this Association,” she says.
An evolving landscape of Marist leadership
The launch of the Association marks a crucial moment for the Marist mission in New Zealand. With fewer Marist Brothers available, the responsibility for sustaining and expanding the mission increasingly rests on the broader Marist family.
As Br Barry explains, “This is the future of the Marist mission in New Zealand, it will be laypeople who carry forward the legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat.”
He envisions the Association as more than just a structural change; it is a platform for individuals to engage meaningfully with the Marist mission in ways that align with their own lives.
“Whether someone volunteers in schools, studies Marist teachings, or participates in community-building activities, this is about empowering them to live the mission in diverse and impactful ways,” he explains.
It is a platform for individuals to engage meaningfully with the Marist mission in ways that align with their own lives.
This evolution reflects a broader trend across faith-based organisations, where lay involvement is becoming increasingly essential. To support this transition, the Association is prioritising the development of a robust infrastructure. This includes establishing a central organising committee, empowering local leaders, and fostering a culture of shared ownership.
Challenges Along the Way
The journey to establish the Association has not been without its challenges. Among the first hurdles were the practicalities of developing an accessible website and a comprehensive database - both critical tools for enrolling members and ensuring their long-term engagement.
“One of the biggest challenges has been creating a mechanism for people to join and feel connected,” Janne explains. “It’s not just about signing up; it’s about making that experience seamless and accessible from the start.”
This is where Dan Dungey and Br Barry Burns, the co-leaders of the Association have a critical role.
Rallying initial support to transform ideas into action posed another significant obstacle. Br Peter Carroll, the Provincial, played a pivotal role in overcoming this inertia. “When Br Peter said, ‘Let’s do it,’ everything started to fall into place,” Janne recalls.
It’s not just about signing up; it’s about making that experience seamless and accessible from the start.
An organic approach
Flexibility is a cornerstone of the Association’s approach. Recognising New Zealand’s diverse cultural and geographical landscape, the team is adopting a grassroots model that allows regional groups to shape their activities based on local needs and interests.
The organising committee realised very early on that what works in Invercargill might look completely different in Auckland, “Some groups might focus on social events, others on educational initiatives or fundraising. The beauty of this model is that it allows for both autonomy and unity.”
To maintain cohesion, the central organising committee will ensure that all groups remain connected through regular updates, shared resources, and national gatherings. Moreover, the shared Marist values of community, service, and spirituality will serve as the thread that binds these diverse groups together.
Looking Ahead
As the February launch approaches, the team is already envisioning the transformative impact the Association could have - not just on its members but on the wider community. A key focus will be supporting children and young people in need, both in New Zealand and potentially across the Province.
A key focus will be supporting children and young people in need, both in New Zealand and potentially across the Province.
Ultimately, the Association aims to secure a lasting legacy for the Marist mission in the country. “For us, the vision is clear, a thriving network of committed laypeople carrying forward the philosophy of Marcellin Champagnat in their daily lives,” says Br Barry.
“We may not know exactly what the future holds, “but we know it will be good!”
The Association of Champagnat Marists is more than a new initiative - it is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of faith, community, and service. With its launch this February, it marks the beginning of a journey rooted in shared values and a vision for meaningful change.
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