The story of the Catholic Church in Invercargill is one of growth, resilience, and a community that has always looked toward the future. From a single pioneer parish to a vibrant, multi-cultural city-wide family, our journey spans over 160 years.

The Foundations (1864–1905)

The seeds of our faith were sown in 1864 with the establishment of the original Invercargill parish, St Mary’s. As the community grew, so did its landmarks. In 1894, our oldest standing church, St Patrick’s in Rakahouka, opened its doors. A decade later, in 1905, the city’s spiritual landscape was forever changed with the opening of the magnificent St Mary’s Basilica, which remains a heart of worship today.

Growth & Expansion (1916–1993)

As Invercargill expanded, new spiritual homes were built to serve the growing suburbs:

• 1916: Sacred Heart, Waikiwi was established.

• 1947: St Theresa’s in Invercargill North became its own parish.

• 1949: St Patrick’s in Georgetown was founded.

• 1993: Te Tomairangi Marae was opened on 6 February 1993 by Pihopa Takuira Mariu. 

This era also saw our reach extend to the coast with St Mary, Star of the Sea in Bluff and the rural community of St Joan of Arc in Rimu—both of which remain active and vital faith centres today.

A New Chapter: Working Together

Following the 2006 diocesan-wide consultation, our parishes have shifted from standing alone to working as one.

Today, we function as a unified city-wide parish—sharing a newsletter, a website, a combined Finance Committee, a thriving Youth Group and a St Vincent de Paul conference that serves across the city.

A Global Home

Invercargill has become a "Global Village." Our parishes have been revitalised by families arriving from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, South America, the Congo, and beyond. This diversity has brought a new vitality, ensuring that while our history is long, our spirit remains young and full of hope.

Father Gerard Aynsley

I  grew up on a farm in Waimumu, just out of Gore. On leaving school, I spent four years in Invercargill completing an apprenticeship at Tiwai as a fitter-welder. I entered the seminary in 1989 and was ordained in 1994. For the next 29 years I was based in various parishes in Dunedin until being appointed to the Invercargill South and Western Southland parishes in 2024. I very much enjoy being back in Invercargill and appreciate the opportunity to be part of the faith communities that are here.

Father Tony Harrison

I was born in Dunedin. Our family were members of the Green Island Parish. I was a first day pupil at St Peter Chanel School and completed my schooling at St Paul’s High School in Dunedin. I was ordained in 1972 and have been a priest in a number of parishes in the diocese. Having spent 8 years in the Basilica Parish, I was recycled to Invercargill in 2014. Invercargill has become home for me and I enjoy the many friendships that are part of my life through my priesthood.

Father Peter Chadwick

Kia Ora and Talofa Lava. My name is Peter Chadwick, originally from Samoa and now a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand. I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dunedin in 2023 and appointed to the Invercargill South and Western Southland Parishes. I like our pastoral areas and am very grateful to be part of these communities.

Father Suu Nguyen

Kia ora koutou, I grew up in a small village in central Vietnam and first trained as a civil engineer, working in the field for over two years. Following God’s call, I moved to Aotearoa in 2014, entered Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland in 2017, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2023. It is a great joy and blessing to serve and be part of our faith whanau here in the Invercargill parishes. I give thanks to God for His goodness and for the privilege to share in His mission among you.