27 November 2025 marked three years since the Vatican decree established Whānau Mercy Ministries (WMM) and marks the anniversary of appointment of its current Trustees.
WMM is unique in Aotearoa as the first New Zealand-based Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP). In the Catholic Church’s legal framework, MPJPs are entrusted with a collection of ministries or works. For WMM, this means continuing and developing education, health, and social & community ministries previously led by the Congregation of Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand.
WMM also have the responsibility to create new initiatives and, where appropriate, welcome other ministries into WMM. Under NZ law, WMM operates as a charitable trust—Whānau Mercy Ministries Trust.
Our Purpose, our Whānau
As our name suggests, WMM is not just a collection of physical things, it is whānau.
Guided by our statement of purpose, WMM is committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the tradition of Catherine McAuley, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the sacredness of all creation. Out of God’s mercy, we respond willingly and walk compassionately with those seeking:
- Healing and Wholeness
- Relief from Suffering
- Restoration of Human Dignity
- Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom
- Care for our Common Home
Whānau Mercy lives out this mission through our education, healthcare, and social and community ministries in the name of the Catholic Church.
Accountability and Connection
Recently, WMM Trustees met with the Sponsor’s Council, formed by the Congregation’s leadership team, to share our second Annual Report. This report, prepared for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, demonstrates transparency, accountability, and fidelity to the Mercy charism. It reassures the Dicastery, our Sponsors, and all stakeholders that WMM is well governed, sustaining Mercy into the future.
Together, Trustees and Sponsors reflected on the year’s challenges and achievements, including Jubilee celebrations of Mercy education in Aotearoa, the inaugural WMM Hui Whānau, development of a formation framework for WMM, and all that WMM ministries have achieved and delivered.
We remain committed to deepening our charism and responding to emerging needs with aroha, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga.
On our birthday, 27 November, Trustees shared the Annual Report with the Vatican via the papal nuncio to Aotearoa New Zealand, Archbishop Gábor Pintér.
Celebrating Together
Hari huritau ki tō tātou whakahaere – happy birthday to our organisation.
Hari huritau ki ngā kaitiaki o Whānau Mercy Ministries – happy birthday to our Trustees.
Rā whānau ki a tātou – happy birthday to us all!
Your dedication ensures Mercy is not just a legacy but a living, growing presence in our communities. 27 November was our birthday—so grab some cake! And if not cake, enjoy the Annual Report with a good Mercy cup of tea:
https://www.whanaumercy.nz/resources/#documents .
We’d love to connect—invite us for a cuppa (and cake!), share your thoughts, or contact us to arrange a visit to WMM Offices: Level 3, 15 Guildford Tce, Thorndon, Wellington.