Waipukurau, a rural town in Central Hawkes Bay, was my birthplace. The youngest of a family of nine, I remember with gratitude and love the simple things we enjoyed in a friendly town. I attended St Joseph’s Primary and Secondary School staffed by the Josephite Sisters, and for me this was a happy learning place.

A strong attraction to religious life led me to begin training at Mt St Joseph Novitiate in Wanganui on 8 December 1949. Following this I taught in primary schools throughout the North Island and loved it. In 1983 I was privilege to spend a year in Australia at a residential course “Towards a Spirituality in Ministry”. We were given a choice to spend 6 weeks away from our residence experiencing a new ministry. I chose Calvary Hospital in Kogarah west of Sydney. I spent time with the patients each day and this confirmed for me what I felt called to do on my return. In 1986 I trained for 3 months at Porirua Hospital while completing my Clinical Pastoral Education, and in 1989 I was appointed to Waipukurau Hospital as a Catholic chaplain. This was a very special time and in my home town as well. Any ministry is two-way. I give, but receive in abundance, as so many share their lives with me in trust. I found in our area a need for grief support, so with others we set up a monthly gathering where people could feel supported knowing they were not alone. In 1994 I received the Civic Award for Voluntary Community Service in the District. In 2002 I retired, and the Apostolic Blessing was conferred on me by our parish priest.

I thank God for the wonderful life I have been given, and following the changes to religious life after Vatican 2 I feel ‘fully alive’ and able to enjoy the many opportunities available to me as a member of the Sisters of St Joseph.