Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

09/10/2026

A recent strike in Gaza that killed five people over the weekend occurred just 50 metres from the family home of some of our colleagues at Caritas Jerusalem.

Among those killed were women who had been supporting displaced families sheltering at Holy Family Church. Their deaths come as civilians in Gaza continue to face worsening humanitarian conditions and ongoing insecurity.

Despite slipping from the headlines, this conflict continues to claim lives, cause suffering and undermine human dignity. For members of the Caritas family in Gaza, supporting affected communities is inseparable from the realities they face in their own daily lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Gaza following an Israeli strike in western Gaza City, which killed five people, including two women who devoted themselves to serving their community at the Holy Family Church.

The strike, which hit just 50 metres from the home of a Caritas Jerusalem colleague and his family, brings the devastating reality of the ongoing violence frighteningly close to our own Caritas family. On October 4th, the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi was marked with a renewed call for peace. May his legacy inspire us to protect human life, choose peace and never cease to pray for an end to war.

Please join the Caritas family in praying for those who have lost their lives, for the safety of our colleagues and the communities we serve, and for peace in Gaza and throughout the region.

07/10/2026

🌏 Research released today by Caritas and partners has found that the cost of climate change for Pacific nations is likely to be much higher than previous estimates.

🌊 The countries that have contributed least to the climate crisis are now facing a double burden. They must pay for the damage caused by cyclones, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events, while being driven deeper into debt to cover the costs of recovery and adaptation.

⬇️ Read more

The climate funding gap is worse than thought and driving Pacific nations into unsustainable debt. 7 October 2026 - WELLINGTON - Pacific countries could face an annual funding shortfall of up to $6.3 billion as new research reveals the true cost of adapting to climate change is far higher th

06/10/2026

🗳️ Election day is 7 November.
⚠️ This election, you must be enrolled by 25 October to vote. Unlike recent elections, you won't be able to enrol and vote at the same time.

✅ Enrol today and vote for human dignity and justice.

🔗 https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online

05/10/2026

Ni sa bula vinaka! 🌺 This week is Fijian language week!
Celebrate Vosa vakaViti, the Fijian language, alongside our Fijian whānau in Aotearoa and across the Pacific.

Language carries identity and belonging. When we learn even a few words of a language, we honour those who speak it. Why not try one of these phrases this week? 👇

04/10/2026

It has been a century since the death of Suzanne Aubert.
Aubert embodied many of the values that underpin the Caritas mission. She provided service to people on the margins, showed respect for human dignity, and partnered with Māori communities.

Through her pioneering work with the poor, sick, and excluded, she demonstrated a practical, approach to helping others that continues to inspire those working for justice and humanitarian outcomes today.

As our bishops gather for Mass at St Mary of the Angels Church in Wellington on this day of Celebration for Venerable Suzanne Aubert, we pray for the intercession of Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert for the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand, may all be inspired by her life and her prayer: “So, let all my actions become prayer.”
Venerable Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert, pray for us.

02/10/2026

We have moved! Same building, different floor.

02/10/2026

For many New Zealanders, climate change can feel like a future problem.

For people in the low-lying atoll nation of Kiribati, climate change and rising sea levels are a daily reality.

Across Kiribati, high tides regularly push seawater into villages, contaminating freshwater wells and degrading already fragile soils, making agriculture increasingly challenging.

As a result, fresh fruit and vegetables can be scarce and expensive. A locally grown papaya can cost as much as $AUD 15.00, quite a stretch in a country where average daily income is just $12. For many households, nutritious food is out of reach, leading to an overreliance on less healthy imports.

But in one South Tarawa community, a cabbage patch is helping change that.
Listen to Terooti's story and help more Pacific families adapt. Every $1 you give becomes $4 thanks to MFAT matching.

https://www.caritas.org.nz/spring

27/09/2026

Housing and homelessness were the focus of a national election forum in Wellington last week, with representatives from National, Labour, the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and TOP meeting to discuss the issue with organisations and affected individuals.

Speakers highlighted the human impact of housing insecurity, from families struggling with rising rents to people experiencing homelessness, while also discussing practical responses including social housing, Housing First programmes, accessible housing and long-term planning.

While parties offered different solutions, there was broad recognition that safe, secure housing is fundamental to health, education, wellbeing and participation in community life.

As the election approaches, the conversation was a reminder that housing remains one of the most significant challenges facing Aotearoa, especially for those already experiencing hardship and inequality.

We were proud to support the event, alongside Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington, the Anglican Movement, Compassion Soup Kitchen Te Kīhini Hupa o Pūaroha, Common Grace Aotearoa, Presbyterian Support, New Zealand Council Of Christian Social Services, the Methodist Alliance and The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory.

The 2026 general election is on 7 November, and if you're planning to vote, check your enrolment now. Voters must be enrolled by 25 October. Find out more at the Electoral Commission NZ

27/09/2026

🎶✨ Big congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s SINGout4JUSTICE competition! 🎤🎸🎹

More than 400 students from across Aotearoa shared their music, tackling issues like environmental justice, peace, human dignity and care for others.

From "A Place for Everyone" and "E tū tahi ana" to "Manaakitanga" and "Rich Man’s War," students showed that music can do more than entertain. It can challenge, inspire and bring people together.
A special shout out to all the winners, highly commended entrants and every student who got over their nerves and performed!

The future is in good hands when young people are raising their voices for justice! ❤️

More than 400 students from the country's six Catholic dioceses took part in Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s SINGout4JUSTICE competition for 2026.