Hiona-St Stephen's sits in the midst of painful stories of Maori-Pākeha relationships of previous generations and is therefore aware of the depth of emotion in any reconciliation process. It is a developing tikanga-rua parish committed to its community and tries to provide creative worship within a traditional framework.
Ethos: A servant congregation with a strong sense of community loyalty built around historical and family connections. New people welcomed, old relationships nurtured while working towards building a community of faith in Opotiki.
Ethnicity: Pākeha and Māori with Te Reo used each Sunday as an integral part of the liturgy. A special relationship with the Torere congregation with combined worship each 5th Sunday of the month at Torere or Hiona.
Children: Children are an integral part of the life of the 9.00am congregation and play their part alongside the adults. Children are always catered for at this service.
Social: Morning tea after service on Sunday.
Outreach: Beach clean-up group (twice-yearly); Kowhai Centre (operates in conjunction with Whakatohea Iwi, Social & Health Services) for elderly and those coping with early-stage dementia; communicate the Anglican mission story in Opotiki in partnership with the local museum over the road; partners with Anglican Childcare (Whakatane) in providing childcare. Growing through Grief Seasons for Growth programme also based out of the parish.
Highlights: Mokomoko and Volkner, symbols for reconciliation. Constantly celebrating continuing reconciliation through tours of our historic church, now 150+ years old.