Panel will explore Catholic perspective on upcoming election
As the General Election nears, New Zealand’s bishops are inviting Catholics and all people of goodwill to reflect on their electoral choices through the lens of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.
To support that discernment, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference is hosting a webinar on October 28 to explore the themes of the bishops’ election statement, Discerning Our Nation’s Future Through a Gospel Lens.
The conversation will examine how faith can inform participation in public life and help shape a society that upholds human dignity, promotes justice and serves the common good.
Drawing on the bishops’ vision for faithful citizenship, the speakers will discuss some of the most pressing issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand today, including family wellbeing, education, poverty and inequality, social cohesion, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, care for creation and the responsibilities of voters in a democracy.
Featured Speakers
Archbishop Paul Martin SM
Born and raised in Hastings, Archbishop Paul Martin met the Marist Fathers in parish and college life and entered the Society of Mary after leaving school. Ordained in 1993, he spent many years teaching and leading Catholic schools, including serving as rector of St Patrick’s College, Wellington. Following leadership roles within the Society of Mary in New Zealand and Rome, he returned home to become Bishop of Christchurch in 2017. In 2023, he was installed as Archbishop of Wellington.
Kate Nicholson
A respected leader in Catholic education, Kate Nicholson attended Villa Maria College before studying science at Lincoln University and completing teacher training. Beginning her career as a science, biology and music teacher, she has gone on to serve as the first female principal of both St Peter’s College, Gore, and Trinity Catholic College in Dunedin. She is currently on the executive of the National Association of Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools.
Renee Rewi
Renee Rewi is manager of Kake Oranga Hāhi Katorika, Catholic Family Support Services Hamilton, and co-president of the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services. Renee has a Master of Laws degree from Waikato University and has more than 30 years’ experience working in Treaty, Māori and community affairs. She played a significant role in the settlement negotiations of her iwi, Ngāti Manawa and Ngāti Whare, and continues to advocate for social justice and community wellbeing.
This webinar offers an opportunity not only to understand the bishops’ election statement more deeply, but also to reflect prayerfully on the role people of faith can play in shaping the future of the nation.
James Bergin, one of the hosts of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast, will facilitate the conversation, including questions from the webinar audience.
Register now and take time to explore how Gospel values can guide people’s choices and strengthen society’s commitment to the common good.