A former forest management expert has been appointed to head the Catholic Diocese covering the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
Father Stephen Lowe, who entered the priesthood at 34 after working for the New Zealand Forest Service and Timberlands, is the Bishop-elect of the Hamilton Diocese - the first New Zealand bishop to be appointed by Pope Francis.
Tauranga's St Mary Immaculate parish priest, Father Mark Field, welcomed the appointment.
"He is a good man, with a good mind and a good heart."
Father Field said Bishop-elect Lowe had great credentials, including working in parishes for most of his priesthood, followed by six years directing the psychological and spiritual development of trainee priests at Auckland's Holy Cross Seminary.