Hēmi Tapu

Hēmi Tapu Logo

A Brief History

Hēmi Tapu Church, located in Kelston, is the western base of the Auckland Anglican Māori Mission. Te Mīhana Māori ō Waitākere has been based in the whare for over 40 years.

Throughout its history, Hēmi Tapu has been closely associated with the Waipareira Trust, providing free services and support for whānau of all ages in West Auckland, including health, legal, housing, and education services.

On Sunday 15 February 2026, the church celebrated the installation of Rev. Raawiri David Ratū as priest-in-charge. An event attended by 140 people, with the Archdeacon of Tāmaki Makaurau (Ven. Mark Barnard) conducting the installation.

Services

Location: 54 Archibald Road, Kelston, Auckland, 0602

Service Time: 9.30am each Sunday

Pirihi Matua (Priest-in-charge): Rev’d Raawiri David Ratū

Email: info.hemitapu@gmail.com

Info: bilingual services (te reo Māori and English).
Please stay for a cup of tea and whanaungatanga after the service.

Hēmi Tapu is a warm and welcoming church whānau, open to all – ahakoa te aha – takatāpui (LGBT) mā 🌈, tāngata whaikaha (all abilities) mā ♿, me te katoa (and all others).

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Facilities

Alongside our church building, Hēmi Tapu also have a multipurpose hall at the rear of the property.

Formerly an ECE Centre, the hall was returned to the care of the Hēmi Tapu whānau on Monday, 24 August, 2026.

The hall provides a space to grow the ministry of Hēmi Tapu in Tāmaki ki te Hauāuru (West Auckland) and for service and partnership.

The return was marked by a service of blessing, led by Rev’d Keri‑Ann Hokianga on Sunday, 30 August, 2026 – images from the service.

Upcoming Events

All future events will be listed here – watch the space.

Meet the Ministry Team:

 

Priest in Charge

Rev’d Raawiri (David) Ratū is the Priest in Charge of Hēmi Tapu. In his role, Rev’d Raawiri is responsible for supporting the flourishing of the Hēmi Tapu community, as well as supporting our whānau living throughout Kelston and Tāmaki ki te Hauāuru. 

If you’d like to reach out to Rev’d Raawiri he can be contacted here:
027 833 3350; email: david@davidratu.co.nz.

Kaumātua-Kuia Wellbeing

Both Rev’d Warahi and Whaea Linda Paki are working among our West Auckland whānau: ‘Ngā Minita Oranga Kaumātua-Kuia o Tāmaki ki te Hauāuru’ (Kaumātua-Kuia Well-Being Ministers).

In this role, they support and care for our kaumātua and kuia across West Auckland, offering a listening ear, pastoral care, and a loving and faithful presence of the Church within the community.

If you know whānau who could benefit from their support, contact Rev’d David Ratū here: 027 833 3350; email: david@davidratu.co.nz.

Ministry Formation Lead

Rev’d Deb Cole is our ‘Ministry Formation Lead.’ Rev’d Deb brings strong experience in developing emerging worship leaders and strengthening pastoral practice. Her role will support the growth of confident, skilled clergy and lay leaders who will serve our whānau across Tāmaki ki te Hauāuru.

If you know anyone who could benefit from this ministry, contact Rev’d David Ratū here: 027 833 3350; email: david@davidratu.co.nz.

Wāhine Ārahi Ministry –
Supporting Wāhine Māori Resilience

Judith Walker and Teri Ransfield are leading our Wāhine Ārahi kaupapa. Wāhine Ārahi – Supporting Wāhine Māori Resilience, is a kaupapa within Tāmaki ki te Hauāuru dedicated to strengthening and uplifting wāhine Māori through relational, grounded support.

The ministry seeks to support wāhine through kaupapa such as small‑group or one‑to‑one Bible studies, wairua support, prayer, encouragement, and steady companionship during times of challenge.

If you know wāhine who could benefit from their support, contact Rev’d David Ratū here: 027 833 3350; email: david@davidratu.co.nz.

Ministry of Grief and Trauma Support

Horano (Jordan) Henare is leading our Ministry of Grief and Trauma Support. Horano brings extensive experience to this ministry through his mahi with Hato Hone (St John Ambulance). This important ministry seeks to support individuals and whānau in times of grief, trauma, and upheaval – strengthening the pastoral care Hēmi Tapu offers to the community of Tāmaki ki te Hauāuru (West Auckland).

If you know anyone who could benefit from this ministry, contact Rev’d David Ratū here: 027 833 3350; email: david@davidratu.co.nz.