Delight as cardinal-elect latest sign of Bay's virtue

Waipukurau native and Arch-bishop of Wellington John Dew will be elevated to cardinal on February 14. PHOTO / NZME.

Waipukurau residents are delighted with the news Pope Francis will receive advice from a newly-elevated cardinal who was raised in the town.

The Pope yesterday announced the names of 15 bishops and archbishops from around the world who would be elevated to the status of cardinal. Among them was the Archbishop of Wellington, John Dew.

The 66-year-old Cardinal-elect Dew was born in Waipawa and grew up in Waipukurau, where he attended St Joseph's Primary School.

Waipukurau's Stuart Ewen, who once lived next door to Cardinal-elect Dew's family, said he "wasn't surprised" by the news.

"He's a great man, very unassuming and he deserves what he got. He was one of those blokes who was dedicated to his religion. I always knew he'd go further."

Colleen Herrick, 80, who knew Cardinal-elect Dew when he was a boy, was also rapt with the announcement.

"I thought how lovely to hear him speak, he's so humble and down to earth, just like he was growing up. He always had impeccable manners - such a warm person."

Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Peter Butler said while he did not know Cardinal-elect Dew personally, the two men were about the same age so it was likely they crossed paths on the sports field in their youth.

Mr Butler said Cardinal-elect Dew's elevation in the church was the latest example of global recognition for someone from Central Hawke's Bay.

Last year four sports people from the district achieved international success.

Waipukurau's Regan Gough and fellow cyclist Luke Mudgway (also originally from the town) won gold at the UCI Junior World Championships in Korea in August.

The same month Waipukurau-born showjumper Emily Fraser won gold at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

Rower and former Central Hawke's Bay College dux Fiona Bourke won gold at the world championship regatta in Amsterdam in September.

"We had our four world champions last year, and we're starting this year off pretty well with a cardinal," Mr Butler said.

The new cardinals will be officially installed in the College of Cardinals at a ceremony on February 14. There are 228 cardinals.

The role of a cardinal is to advise the Pope and take part - if aged under 80 - in the election of a new pope.