FW_New Zealand:FW Country & prayer pages 27/8/08 16:38 Page 48
Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
New Zealand
M
others’ Union in the Diocese of Waikato
runs a project providing schooling and
support for teenage mothers. The project
currently supports 17 girls, the youngest of whom Members in New Zealand
is 14. The girls are given advice on parenting
alongside regular classes in order to get their school
certificates. The young mums are also offered the opportunity to gain
skills in building relationships and cooking, and can take part in
adventure activities. Most of the girls leave to go on to higher studies
or employment.
Parenting
is concerned by the levels of child abuse
Mothers’ Union in Wellington is working and has been active in raising awareness of
with the Diocesan Archdeacon for Young the issue locally. In 2007 members took part
People on ‘icare’, a parenting programme. in a march through Auckland city centre,
Members also knit clothes for representing the ‘silent voices’ of children
underprivileged children, the local hospital who suffer violence at the hands of their
and maternity unit. supposed ‘caregivers’.
Tikanga Maori Diocesan President Iritana Faith-filled community
Hankins is a member of the Prison ’Regular meetings of Mothers’ Union groups
Chaplaincy Board and brings her experience provide for a faith-filled human community.
as the new Auckland Diocesan Social It is in communion, in God’s community
Concerns Convenor. Recently the Awanui that we get the support, encouragement,
Branch has admitted five new members inspiration, forgiveness, nurture and grace
with others wishing to join. that we need. Thank God for Mothers’
Union,’ says Rt Rev John Paterson, Bishop of
‘Silent voices’ Auckland and Provincial Mothers’ Union
In the Diocese of Auckland Mothers’ Union Chaplain.
Fact File
Population: 4,173,460 Mothers’ Union members: 483
The first branch of Mothers’ Union to be founded outside Great Britain was established in
Christchurch, New Zealand in 1886. In 1998 a new Constitution came into being forming the
Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Mothers’ Union is now very much part of this
three Tikanga (strand) Church embracing Maori, Polynesia and Pakeha (European) members.
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www.themothersunion.org
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