Moderator's Appeal for Ohope Marae: March 2023 update

On 15 March 2023 the Moderator wrote to parishes and presbyteries with an update on his appeal for Ohope Marae.

Download a designed version of the message here and see plain text below.

Tēnā koutou. Greetings to you.

I write to update you, and to show you, the work taking place to safeguard the treasure that is Ohope Marae. I also encourage you to support the completion of this important work. 

In December, I wrote that Te Aka Puaho advised Council of Assembly of the need to undertake earthworks to retain a slope to the side of Te Maungarongo at the marae. In this video below, and the image above, you can see that this work is underway.

There is some urgency here. Recent storms, flooding and land slips in the North Island have reaffirmed the need for this work to be carried out as soon as possible. 

Thanks to your generosity, our appeal has already raised $20,000 of the estimated $110,000 required. We still have a long way to go. I encourage you to please raise the idea of giving to this appeal with your parish. 

Together let’s ensure this peaceful sanctuary remains open to all, available to all, and a place of significance for us and generations to come.

Donations can be made to: 

Your gift will contribute directly to this project and continue to ensure the marae remains a place of welcome under the maihi – the sheltering arms of Christ and God’s church.

Kia ora rawa atu
Hamish 

Right Reverend Hamish Galloway
Moderator Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
moderator@presbyterian.org.nz

Video link: https://vimeo.com/807353659