Nick Wilson of Palmerston North new Council for Young People Chair

Nick Wilson of Palmerston North is the new chair of the Council for Young People of the Catholic bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nick is the Diocesan Young Catholics Team Leader for the Diocese of Palmerston North. He has had a career in education in New Zealand and overseas. He works as the Manawatū Catholic Tertiary Chaplain and is on the Diocesan Leadership Team.

Nick looks forward to implementing elements of Christus Vivit – Christ is Alive (Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic exhortation to young people); as well as updating Hikoi Tahi (the safeguarding and health and safety framework for young church ministry); and overseeing the coordination of the national pilgrimage to the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea. Nick, who hails from Nelson and was formed in the Archdiocese of Wellington, also has a strong interest in ngā rangatahi Māori Katorika (young Catholic Māori).

Bishop of Palmerston North John Adams, the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference liaison bishop with the Council for Young People, welcomed Nick’s appointment.

“I am very happy that Nick Wilson will be able to further apply his considerable experience and leadership skill to his new role on the Council for Young People,” said Bishop Adams. “I look forward to working with him as the council seeks to foster among young Catholics a greater love for the Church and her mission.”

The bishops created the seven-member council in 2017 to work with the Church, young people and those who minister with them. It works with the dioceses and faith communities on national projects and a national vision for Catholic ministry with young people.

Nick takes over the chair from Alex Bailey of Hamilton, who in 2019 became the second holder of the position, after David Mullin, who became chair when the council was established.