Congratulations to our Upoko Richard Wallace who was ordained as the new Pīhopa o Te Hui Amorangi o Te Waipounamu (South Island Bishop) for the Hāhi Mihinare (Anglican) on Saturday 21 January at Ōnuku Marae, Akaroa. Richard is only the second Pīhopa from Te Waipounamu and the first Ngāi Tahu to hold the position. It was fitting that he returned home to Ōnuku, where he had been baptised in 1945, to start the next stage of his journey. Despite the challenging weather and road conditions leading up to the day more than 400 from throughout New Zealand and the Pacific came together to celebrate his ordination, including two van loads from the coast. For the majority attending this was their first time in Ōnuku and the setting was picture perfect, from the weather to the two cruise ships anchored in the harbour. The new facilities there are spectacular.
The mahau of Karaweko was transformed into the sanctuary, holding the altar and arch bishops and bishops leading the service. In the moments of silence, as the bishop-to-be knelt on the steps of the wharenui, about to be ordained, it was hard to mistake the specialness of the moment and of the place. After the ordination, people brought gifts – the stole, the ring, the pectoral cross, the cope and mitre and the crozier – carved by our master carver, Fayne Robinson and presented by our rūnanga Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.
Following the end of the service, other gifts were presented before the new Bishop Rihari (so he is not confused with Bishop Richard from Nelson) broke with the usual ceremony by presenting gifts to his Retreat Master, Bishop Richard Ellena and his wife Hilary, Arch Bishop Phillip Richardson (Tikanga Pākehā), Arch Bishop Winston (Tikanga Pacifica) and Bishop Muru Walters (Senior Bishop Tikanga Māori). Each received taonga carved by his mokopuna Tutoko. Promising change, in another departure from the norm, Pīhopa Rihari and Venerable Mere walked out holding the crozier together – with Mere’s parting shot, “…this is a shared ministry”. The service finished, a wonderful kai hākari followed, kaimoana and chop suey for starters, followed by a scrumptious hāngī and then dessert. Ōnuku did a fantastic job supporting the day.
The next day, the skies opened up, showering blessings on the more than 200 people gathered to witness his Installation at the college, where Te Hui Amorangi o Te Waipounamu is based. Another significant place, the site of Te Waipounamu Māori Girls College, where his mother, aunties, cousins and daughters were educated. Pīhopa Rihari went off script in his inaugural sermon, speaking from the heart, and competing with the rain which was bucketing down. More gifts were exchanged, this time taonga for the RNZAF rōpū who had played a significant part in the ceremony the day before and kai hākari. A full on, but wonderful weekend.
From left left to right Arch Bishop Phillip Richardson (Tikanga Pākehā), Pīhopa Richard Wallace and Arch Bishop Winston Halapua (Tikanga Pacifica).
Makaawhio tāua present the Crozier to Pīhopa Richard.