Hiona Saint Stephens Anglican Church

08/08/2026

Kia ora whānau and community,

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Ōpōtiki Rising Hui on 6 August and shared your whakaaro on the Hiona St Stephens Cultural Heritage Tourism Initiative.

We’re encouraged by the strong support, thoughtful feedback, and honest comments received so far. A clear message from the hui was the importance of community engagement, openness, and meaningful consultation as this kaupapa moves forward.

This initiative is about more than tourism. It is about honouring the rich and complex history of Hiona St Stephens, strengthening connections across our community, and exploring a future that is grounded in respect, reconciliation, and partnership.

We now invite the wider community to read more about the initiative and share feedback through our website:

https://www.hiona.org.nz/heritage-revitalisation/

Your voice matters. If you weren’t able to attend the hui, this is a great way to learn more and let us know what you think.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has supported this kaupapa so far. We look forward to continuing the conversation together.

Ivor Jones Community Facilitator on behalf of the Hiona St Stephens Vestry

Before buildings can be restored, before tours can be guided, before funding can be secured, relationships must be built.

03/08/2026

Step inside one of Ōpōtiki’s most significant heritage places and experience a unique bicultural journey of faith, reconciliation and history.

As part of the Ōpōtiki Rising engagement series, you’re invited to attend the pilot Heritage Experience at Hiona St Stephens Anglican Church.

📅 Thursday, 6 August 2026
🕔 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm
📍 Hiona St Stephens Anglican Church, 128 Church Street, Ōpōtiki

This free guided experience offers an opportunity to explore the stories, history and significance of Hiona St Stephens, while helping shape the future of this special community initiative.

Everyone is welcome.

To RSVP, contact Ivor Jones:
📧 [email protected]
📞 027 201 3347

Nau mai, haere mai.

23/07/2026

📅 Thursday 6 August 2026
🕔 5.00pm – 6.30pm
📍 Hiona St Stephens Anglican Church, 128 Church St, Ōpōtiki

Nau mai, haere mai! You are invited! 🕊️

Hiona St Stephens Heritage Tour — Pilot Experience

Come and experience a bicultural journey of faith, reconciliation and history within the sacred walls of Hiona St Stephens Anglican Church — one of Ōpōtiki's most treasured heritage taonga.

What to expect:
✨ A welcome honouring the sacred nature of this whare tapu
✨ Guided interpretation of the church's history (1862–1864) and the Te Whakatōhea partnership
✨ Screening of the Whare Taonga documentary (Māori Television, Series 4, Episode 3)
✨ Reflection, a cup of tea, and shared kōrero to close

Why this matters:
This pilot event is part of the Ōpōtiki Rising community engagement programme, helping shape Ōpōtiki's Economic Development Strategy and visitor economy. Your feedback will directly inform this heritage tourism initiative, developed in partnership with Te Whakatōhea.

RSVP:
Ivor Jones — Community Facilitator, Hiona St Stephens, Ōpōtiki Parish
📧 [email protected]
📞 027 201 3347

In partnership with Ōpōtiki Rising & Te Whakatōhea

Nau mai, haere mai — all are welcome 💙

11/04/2026

Kia Ora Koutou:

Due to the incoming storm, there will be NO SERVICE at Hiona St Stephens tomorrow morning 12/04/2026.

Stay safe everyone.

Blessings

The Vestry of Hiona St Stephens.

16/02/2026

Ash Wednesday Service:
Where: Hiona St Stephens, Church Street.
Time: 10:00am

All are most welcome to join us on Wednesday 18th February for our Eucharist Ash Wednesday Service.

Presiding Precher: Rev. Alison Morgan

Nau Mai Haere Mai

11/09/2025

Lewis Gloria

Passed away peacefully at Whakatane Hospital on Tuesday 9th September 2025.

A service to celebrate Gloria's life will be held at Hiona St Stephens Church, Opotiki on Monday 15th September at 1:00pm followed by a private cremation.

Dear friend and much valued parishioner of Hiona St Stephens.

"Well done good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight and kept the faith."

14/06/2025

Sunday Service 15/06/2025

Trinity Sunday/Eucharist Service: 9:30am

All most welcome to join us.

Presiding Priest: Alison Morgan 027 627 0605

Nau Mai Haere Mai