A Pasifika church in Canterbury will receive $500,000 in government funding for “renovations and improvements.”

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio made the announcement today.

It’s one of 27 regional Pasifika churches getting a share of nearly 10 million dollars of funding as part of the Government’s “COVID-19 response and recovery plan.”

Pasifika churches around the country will receive a total of nearly $10 million in government funding for renovations and improvements which will improve facilities for the communities they serve and create jobs, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio have announced.

Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in New Zealand in Timaru will receive a half million dollar Government grant creating between 5 to 7 jobs.

Shane Jones said funding would provide a helping hand for the churches.

“This money will cover much-needed renovations and improvements, allowing these churches in smaller centres to continue providing facilities to their congregations and communities.”

Shane Jones said the locations of the churches may surprise people.

“The churches that applied for funding are spread throughout the regions – from Balclutha to Oamaru and up to Hamilton. This geographical spread shows how much the Pasifika community is part of New Zealand.”

Aupito William Sio said that during COVID-19, Pasifika churches played a leading role in bringing agencies together to provide support, confidence, strength and resilience for Pacific communities in need.

“I’m pleased and I know that Pacific peoples in regional New Zealand will be delighted to see that their church facilities will be supported to make the necessary improvements as they continue to serve their local communities,” Aupito William Sio said.