Hēmi Tapu

He Paku Hītori

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.

Karakia Rātapu

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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Upcoming/Previous Events:

Sat 25 July, 2026 – 8.30am-4.30pm: Minita-a-Whanau
We are looking forward to hosting a Minita-a-Whanau Hui at Hēmi Tapu – Kelston, on behalf of Te Pīhopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau.

Minita‑ā‑Whānau is a kaupapa to develop the leadership of karakia within whānau – the everyday, living practice of families carrying the mantle of spiritual guidance within their own homes and communities, grounding daily life in the patterns of karakia, worship, waiata, and shared faith.

If you’d be interested in being upskilled and supported in this area, reach out to our Priest in Charge – Rev’d Raawiri (David) Ratū – phone: 027 833 3350; email: david@davidratu.co.nz.

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.