“And in 1903, having it in te reo Māori was no big deal, but in 2023 we are making headlines with the idea.”
That idea — to hold, what is to Paul’s knowledge, the first-ever bilingual service at the Eltham church — will be completely bilingual, he says.
“Everyone’s level of language fluency is different, so this way, everyone can understand everything.”
The service, which will include readings, prayers and songs, will be led by Paul and the Rev Vincent Nuku (Ngāti Ruanui).
The timing of the service, November 5, is deliberate, says Paul, becauses it is Parihaka Day, marking the event of November 5, 1881, known to Taranaki Māori as Te Rā o te Pāhua or the Day of Plunder.
“It’s a fitting day to hold the service, as it is about coming together, community and inclusiveness. It also happens to be the last day of the three garden festivals across Taranaki, and is the last day of Taranaki Heritage month.”
While the two Anglican priests are obviously hard at work planning the service, the content itself isn’t hard to source, says Paul.
“Our Anglican prayer book has te reo Māori in it. A lot of the prayers are already translated. For our Anglican church here in Aotearoa New Zealand, biculturalism is a really important part of our practice.”
Paul, who describes himself as being “a fluent reader of te reo Māori, rather than a fluent speaker”, has led tangi services a few times, and says language should never stop people being able to practise their faith as they wish.
“We also run the te reo groups here, and have between six and 10 people come each week, mostly Pākehā who want to learn. So we know people want this, and we look forward to welcoming people to what may be the first, but won’t be the last, bilingual service in Eltham.”
The Details
What: Karakia o ngā tikanga rua/bilingual church service
Āwhea: Rātapu ā te 5 o te wā te 5 o Whiringa-ā-rangi
When: Sunday, November 5, 5pm.
Kei hea: Te Whare Karakia o ngā Pononga ki Arakamu
Where: All Saints Anglican Church, Eltham.
