From forest boss to Bishop-elect

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, formerly of St Michael's Church in Rotorua, welcomed the appointment.

"He is a good man, with a good mind and a good heart."

Fr 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.

"We are confident he will be a pastoral and caring leader for the people of this diocese," Fr Field said.

Bishop-elect Lowe, 52, succeeds Bishop Denis Browne, who has led the diocese for 20 years.

Bishop Browne said he was delighted the diocese was receiving a bishop with such pastoral sensitivity and expertise.

"His pastoral experience in parishes and his brilliant term as director of formation [at Holy Cross Seminary] will serve him well."

Bishop-elect Lowe said it was a humbling and overwhelming experience to be called to be the third Bishop of Hamilton. He looked forward to learning from Bishop Browne and the diocesan family as he took up his new ministry.

Archbishop John Dew acknowledged Bishop Browne's dedicated service as Bishop of Hamilton and his valuable contribution to the church in New Zealand since he entered the priesthood 52 years ago.