Bishop Helen-Ann with Archbishop Brown and Bishop Ngarahu before the service began on Sunday at Turangawaewae Marae.

A gorgeous bright Waikato Day heralded the 10th anniversary of the Coronation of Kiingi Tuheitia, August 21st.  Celebrations began at the start of the week on August 15th with a special prayer breakfast held to commemorate the anniversary of the death of the King's predecessor, his mother the Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.    Thousands of people had attended events at Turangawaeware Marae throughout the week, and thousands gathered on Sunday for the final day of celebrations, with the Ecumencial Service at its heart.  The Tongan King and Queen were present, along with Governor General Sir Jerry Mataparare and Lady Janine, and other royalty and representatives from Pacific island nations, and New Zealand parliamentarians.  Bishop Helen-Ann was honoured to be invited to lead a prayer as part of the service, broadcast live on Māori TV:

Lord, you who are as close to us as our own breath,

You have given us this day:

A day of expectation and joy;

A day of solemnity and happiness;

A day of certainty and hope.

We thank you for this auspicious occasion - the 10th Anniversary 

of His Majesty Kiingi Tuhetia's Coronation,

Which we celebrate together.

So, loving God, we ask that you will hear our prayers,

Know our thoughts,

And enable us to fulfil your tasks, care for each other,

And to grow in Grace and Love,

All the days of our lives.      Amen.

Also participating in the service were Bishop Ngarahu Katene, the Bishop of Te Manawa O Te Wheke, and Archbishop Brown Turei, Primate, and Bishop of Aotearoa.  Director of Vocations, the Rev'd Stephen Black was also in attendance joining clergy from Te Manawa O Te Wheke.  Archbishop Brown's retirement was announced yesterday, following the service.  Bishop Helen-Ann paid tribute to him: 'What a wonderful thing to have Archbishop Brown present in our Diocese and Amorangi on the day on which his retirement was announced.  His inspiring and lifelong dedication to following God and to uplifting the mana of Māori is a legacy that will be keenly felt, and built upon in the years to come.  It was an immense privilege to sit alongside him today, something that will remain with me for a long time yet.  Thanks be to God for his life and witness, which continues.'

The Ecumenical service was followed by a feast, during which there was entertainment from different island nations present, and finally the blowing out of candles on the 10 celebration cakes!  A truly magnificent day!.