Clients Get Hands-On in the Renovation of Four Pacific Churches Project

In response to COVID-19, funding from the Provincial Growth Fund was released to support the renovation of Pacific churches and marae across the regions. The purpose of this funding was to create employment for displaced workers, support Māori, Pasifika, and local businesses, and give back to communities impacted by the pandemic.

Originally planned as a cluster of five churches, the project progressed with four churches in the Waikato region: the Hamilton Samoan Methodist Church, the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, the Westside Presbyterian Church, and the Wesleyan Church of Tonga.

“Our church has been praying for years. It was like a blessing and answer to our prayers when this funding came through for our congregation,” shared Ere Ford, a leader from Westside Presbyterian Church. The church, which is 115 years old and known as Hamilton’s only Pacific Island Presbyterian Church, holds deep significance within the community.

Rev. Anatu Reupena from the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa also shared how the project came at the right time. “Our church has been fundraising for years for the renovation of our church and minister’s house. It was a blessing when Meta Tyrell and Felila Asiata approached us about this opportunity and helped us through the process,” he shared during the project blessing.

The project is expected to have wide-reaching impact across the Waikato region, with four Pacific churches renovated, more than 400 community members benefiting, over 50 job opportunities created, and more than 14 businesses involved — approximately 80% of which are Māori and Pasifika-owned.

COVID-19 significantly affected businesses and employment across the trades and construction sector. “When COVID hit, our company lost a key contract for Auckland Airport. This project couldn’t have come at a better time,” shared Rena Schuster, Director of Project Unite. “It gives back to our community and creates space for Māori and Pasifika contractors to work together and deliver something we can all be proud of.”

From Puatala’s perspective, the project created meaningful pathways for clients into employment. “Being part of this project allowed us to connect our clients with employers working on something that gives back to our community,” shared Alana Tyrell, HR and Project Manager for Puatala. “Training and supporting clients into these roles was a real highlight.”

One example is Bailey Waraki, who studied toward a painting trade and secured full-time employment through her dedication and work on the project.

The project also highlights strong female leadership within the trades and construction sector. Felila Asiata-Feausi, National Growth and Partnership Manager at Alignz Recruitment, tendered for, secured, and project-managed the renovations, alongside Tonga Robertson, Director of NEST Interiors and Design, who served as Project Coordinator.

“This is social procurement at its best,” shared Tjay Asiata, National Group Manager for LM4 Group. “It brings our community together, creates jobs for Māori and Pasifika people, and supports Māori and Pasifika businesses. This is the start of many future projects.”

On Tuesday 1 December, the official opening and blessing marked the beginning of the Pacific Church Renovation Project, with work commencing at the Hamilton Samoan Methodist Church the following day. The celebration reflected the positive and emotional impact this project will have on communities, churches, and Māori, Pasifika, and local businesses across Waikato.