PARISH PRIEST

Kia ora and bula vinaka. My name is Fr. Simione Volavola, MSC.. I am a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, otherwise known as MSC.

I was born on April 9, 1967 in Fiji and grew up there. I had always felt a calling to the priesthood since childhood and in 1992 began my seminary formation at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji. 

I was ordained on January 27, 2001. I have mostly worked as parish priest in the Marshall Islands, Fiji, and the United States of America.

On April 20, 2025, I was appointed by Archbishop Paul Martin as parish priest of St. Joseph Parish, Levin and Administrator of St. Mary’s Parish, Otaki. I am blessed to journey with God’s people in these two parishes within the Archdiocese of Wellington.

With you all, I endeavour to bring the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus everywhere. 

ASSISTANT PRIEST

Kia Ora, Kam na Mauri. I am Fr. Beniata Bakatete, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart (MSC). 

I come from a very MSC background, a Country which is founded in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kiribati. As a boy, I always imitated the priest when he said Mass; at times I started before the priest did. I knew all words and parts of the priest during the Mass. This was the inspiration I carried with me, till I finally joined the MSCs in 2008. In 2010, I attended the Pacific Regional Seminary in Fiji, and got ordained to the priesthood in 2017. 

My first appointment was as the Parish Priest for Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Fiji. I was there for 7 years, later being appointed to Kiribati, then back to Fiji for few Months, where I received a new appointment in the Archdiocese of Wellington early 2025.

I have been appointed by Archbishop Paul Martin to be an Assistant Priest of St. Joseph Parish, Levin and of St. Mary’s Parish, Otaki. I am very happy to join the Archdiocese to serve the people with God’s Love.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere Loved, Forever.

PRINCIPAL - ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE

Fa’atalofa atu i tagata uma. Tēnā koutou katoa. Greetings to all. May smiles surround you and God’s blessings be yours, always.

My name is Maria Lyne. My joyful mission - entrusted by God - is as the Puleā’oga - Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic School.

Having invested my time, talent and treasure at St Joseph’s School for 25 years, I now respond to God’s call and that of Father Simione, to take up my place on the St Joseph’s Parish Council. My ‘talents’, nurtured by motherhood, teaching and leadership; my solution-focused perspective, my humour and my genuine love for all people, are God’s gifts that I share in this role of service for our Parish and School. By employing the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to the best of my ability, I bring to life God’s plan and His love for all, to create the Kingdom, right here and right now.

I feel privileged to SERVE our Pacific people, our school whānau and our Parish, towards collective faith, life and community goals.

O le ala i le pule o le tautua. The pathway to leadership is through service. For I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Alofa’aga - Arohanui - with love, Fa’afetai tele lava

PARISH SECRETARY

My family has been part of St Joseph's Parish since the early 1960's when my mother's family arrived from the West Indies. I attended St Joseph's school along with my five siblings and then taught there on and off (but mostly on) from 1995 until present, albeit part time in the last few years.

My parents brought guitars to the mass in the mid 1980's and I continue to lead music at mass to this day.

Having recently been called to serve as parish secretary I said, yes. I am determined to do my best to help with the operation and growth of our parish community.

PARISH COUNCIL CHAIR

Tena Koutou.

I’m married to Josephine and we have been in the parish for four years. I grew up in the Hutt Valley and have moved around a lot over the years ending up on a couple of different Parish Councils and a parish Finance Committee.

I was brought up a Catholic and was blessed in 2001 with a miracle healing of my left eye through Fr. John Rae. My vision is for everyone in the parish to experience Jesus in such a powerful and real way that they want to go out and make disciples of the whole world.

HEAD OF FAITH FORMATION & EVANGELISATION MINISTRY

It is a privilege to serve our Parish as a member of the Faith Formation and Evangelisation Ministry.

Our purpose is to nurture the spiritual growth of all parishioners and to reach out to others, so they too may come to know and love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our hope is that as a Parish we will be renewed in spirit, firm in conviction, and encouraged and supported to live as disciples of Christ; open to God working in and through us.

Please pray for this Ministry.

Blessings, Gaelene Praat. 

HEAD OF HEALTH & SAFETY MINISTRY

I was married in St. Joseph’s Parish, Levin in 1986. My wife Trish and I moved to Wellington raising a family.

We have returned to the Parish with our children, and now grandchildren, actively involved in Parish activities.

While I see health and safety as everyone’s responsibility, I am happy to take the lead in this Ministry Team, having held roles, including as Chair Health & Safety, in previous government organisations.

HEAD OF LITURGY MINISTRY

I am a long time Levin resident. I attended primary school here at Saint Joseph's. I have recently returned to the Parish and the Catholic faith after a long absence.

I am looking forward to serving on the Parish Council. My desire is that the experience of the Liturgy here at Saint Joseph's is reverent and beautiful and draws all comers into the light of Christ.

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

I am keen to see our parish develop in the culture of Divine Renovation, start holding Alpha programmes and move the parish from maintenance to a parish of mission - to build up a vibrant and enthused community of believers active in spreading the good news of the gospel to all - and to help resting Catholics back into the church.

Being involved on the parish finance committee, it is my desire to find ways to keep the parish financially sustainable for now and the future, and to assist our parish priests, supporting them in their ministry.

HEAD OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Arriving from Tonga in 2011, I quickly found a spiritual home within our parish community, becoming an active member of the Tongan Music Group. Through this ministry, I learned the beauty of faith expressed through culture, harmony, and service. My journey has strengthened my desire to support our parish family and contribute meaningfully to its mission.

My vision for our youth and young adults is to help build a strong, unshakable foundation of Catholic faith - one that guides them in their daily choices, inspires them to live with purpose, and empowers them to demonstrate true Christian living. I hope to see our young people become confident ambassadors of St. Joseph and the wider Catholic faith, rooted in humility, service, and love for God. By nurturing faith, leadership, and cultural identity, we can raise a generation who uplift the future of our parish, our community, and our Church.

HEAD OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT MINISTRY

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I believe St Joseph’s Levin is entering a time of growth under Fr Simi and the team. My wife Emma and I moved to Ōtaki six years ago with our growing family of four and were warmly welcomed into this community.

My day job is Clinical Nurse Coordinator at Wellington Hospital. I have been a nurse for 32 years in everything nursing. I also studied at the Emmanuel School of Evangelization in Rome and then started my own tour company of Roman tours.

Fr Simi asked me to lead this team after hearing my ideas for renovating the presbytery and developing a new parish centre. With our parish continuing to grow, we’re blessed with resources for future development. I’ll do my best to discern God’s direction—may His will be done.

REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE PRAYER MINISTRY

My name is Tarita Kiatoa Mackenzie from Kiribati Island. As a member of the Parish Council representing the prayer group, my vision for our parish is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that deepens our faith and spreads love. We aim to create a welcoming space for all, where everyone feels valued and empowered to serve.

Our various prayer groups are the foundation of everything we do in this parish. Nothing is achieved without prayer, and it is through the faithful dedication of these groups that our parish continues to grow in strength, unity, and spiritual depth. Their commitment inspires all of us to remain rooted in Christ and to seek God’s guidance in every aspect of our mission.

Through prayer, worship, and service, we strive to build a stronger, more compassionate community that reflects the values of our faith. Let’s work together to make our parish a beacon of hope and light.

PRIEST’S APPOINTEE

Hi Parish Family!

I’m Bridget, and it’s a privilege to serve on St. Joseph’s Parish Council again. I was raised on the Kāpiti Coast, come from a family of ten, am married to my wonderful husband Dean, and we are blessed to have our two boys under two. I love Levin, and what I treasure most about living here is our amazing parish family.

My vision for this parish is that everyone who enters through our doors feels welcomed and captivated by the warmth of our community; that we all grow in a deep love for the sacraments, especially the Eucharist; and that we are filled with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. My hope is that this joy inspires us to share the Good News of Christ with those we encounter each day.

The world needs God more than ever. Let us be the face of Christ to others!

HEAD OF PARISH LIFE & OUTREACH MINISTRY

Vision Coming Soon!

MARRIAGE & FAMILY MINISTRY

Vision Coming Soon!