Events

Founders Fun

How did Nelson’s citizens find out they had achieved city status? The first Bishop of Nelson, Edmund Hobhouse arrived by ship with the Royal Charter signed by Queen Victoria. He arrived by steamer in Nelson on February 18th, 1859. How will we celebrate this event?

The current Bishop of Nelson, Richard Ellena was welcomed on to Whakatu Marae to begin the celebrations just as Bishop Hobhouse was welcomed by local Maori when he arrived in Nelson in 1859.

Everyone from the greater Nelson region was invited to join him for ‘Founders Fun’ at Founders Heritage Park, from 12 noon to 5pm where there were …

Walking the bounds

In February and March 2008 Bishop Ellena undertook a pilgrimage around the bounds of the Nelson Diocese following in the footsteps of our first Bishop - Edmund Hobhouse. Bishop Richard met with people along the way to talk, listen and pray about local needs. He was on the road (or track!) for 40 days averaging 30-40 kilometres per day. 

Walking the Bounds Itinerary

For daily maps and details please refer to our Bishop's Walk page on this website.

Future Nelson Forums

This was a contribution to the future of our city addressing issues like ‘Youth’ and ‘Faith in the Community.’ Key national figures were involved such as Ian Grant, as well as local people who are involved and committed to our community. This was a way of educating and visioning a better future for our region.

Please refer to our Future Nelson Forums page on this website.

Hobhouse's Commemoration Service

This marked the Installation of Bishop Hobhouse as our first Bishop. Our guest preacher was the Rt Rev John Pritchard of the Diocese of Oxford in the UK – this is the Diocese from which Hobhouse came before he became our first bishop.