Bishop a first for Pacific Islanders

Bishop Halapua was installed at a ceremony at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Picture / Dean Purcell

Pacific Island Anglicans in New Zealand now have a national leader to guide them.

About 500 people gathered at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell last night to install Bishop Winston Halapua as the first Anglican Bishop of the Polynesian Diocese to be based in New Zealand.

More than 2000 members of the diocese live in New Zealand - mainly Samoans, Fijians, Tongans and islanders of Indian descent - most of whom are in Auckland.

Clergymen travelled from Polynesia, including the head Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia, Jabez Bryce, to join Auckland religious figures for the occasion.

Such was the support for Bishop Halapua that, when Bishop Bryce asked the congregation if they approved, they rose to their feet in applause.

After the service, Bishop Halapua said that his role was to be alongside Polynesian Anglicans.

"This is a great opportunity for us to hear the people clearly, and how we can together shape their identity as Pacific Islanders in Aotearoa." Bishop Halapua's entry into the cathedral was accompanied by Fijian drumming and the blowing of a conch shell.

The congregation, many in traditional Polynesian dress, was entertained by a 100-strong choir and a band.

Children danced in the aisles.

The service ended with a song-and-dance performance by dozens of young islanders.

Bishop Halapua is also the principal of the college of the Diocese of Polynesia at St John's College, Auckland.