When St John the Evangelist Catholic Church was built in 1959, Ōtara was one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the country. “Anyone who grew up in Ōtara has grown up like a phoenix out of the ashes,” says former MP Hon. Aupito William Sio reflecting on the early days of the suburb.
The churches of the area have continued to provide crucial support to the huge population of Pacific peoples living there. Today, the members of the parish community of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church are still mostly of Māori and Pacific origin.
The church and surrounding marae are sacred spaces, as well as a home away from home for many people. The Auckland Inter-Faith Council (AIFC) hosts this event which includes a guided tour through the church. All are welcome and all your questions are welcome too – see you there!
