Aotearoa -
New Zealand
About New Zealand
The islands were first settled by Māori peoples from Polynesia around the 13th century AD, who developed a distinct culture and language. European exploration began in 1642 when Dutch navigator Abel Tasman became the first European to sight the islands. Over a century later, British explorer James Cook circumnavigated and mapped New Zealand, leading to increased European settlement. An important event was the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, which established British law in New Zealand while aiming to protect Māori rights and land ownership. However, differing interpretations of the treaty texts led to ongoing conflicts and debates over its fairness. Despite foreign occupations, the indigenous Māori culture has remained resilient, contributing to New Zealand's unique cultural identity.
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Capital
Wellington
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Main Religions
No religion 48.5%, Christianity 37% (approx. 12% Roman Catholic)
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Time Zone
UTC +12; Summer (DST)
UTC +13
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Languages
English, Maori,
Sign Language
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Population
5.1 million
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Area
268,021 km²
Arrival of Marists
1838
Number of Marist Brothers Communities
11 Communities
Number of Brothers
53
Marist Schools
4
The Marist Brothers in New Zealand: An enduring legacy of Catholic Education
History
The first Marist Brother arrived in New Zealand in 1838, as part of the mission led by Bishop Pompallier. While the Brothers continue to support the mission in Oceania, they established their first school in New Zealand in 1876. From there, the Brothers took Catholic education to broad areas across both the North and South Islands.
A Nationwide Presence
Today, there are 11 communities of Brothers in New Zealand. Most Brothers have spent some years offshore in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, and elsewhere, wherever they have been called to serve.
Fostering the Marist Spirit
The Marist Brothers have two partnership groups that meet regularly in Kaikohe and Lower Hutt, while a mixed community exists in Christchurch. These groups foster the Marist spirit and mission among lay partners and Brothers.
Commitment to Education
The Marist Brothers' commitment to education, which began in 1876, grew after WW II with the opening of secondary schools throughout the country. All Catholic Schools integrated with the state between 1979-1984. The Marist Brothers own four schools in Auckland, including the Marist Alternative Education Centre, established in 1999 to cater for up to 20 teenagers struggling with mainstream education.
Formation Programs
Annual formation programs are offered to staff and senior student leaders. Future programs are being developed to support the growth within the Marist school network and provide support for those beyond the school gates.
