CARITAS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

MEDIA RELEASE

17 February 2009

Head of Caritas Tonga Visiting New Zealand

A leader in relief and development response in Tonga is visiting New Zealand over the coming weeks, a few days after a cyclone tore destruction down the length of Tonga.

As Director of Caritas Tonga, Sr Senolita Vakata has played a vital role in coordinating relief and rehabilitation projects over the years, such as the construction of cyclone-strength housing for vulnerable families.

Sr Senolita is visiting New Zealand from 18 February til 9 March as a guest of Catholic aid and development agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. During Caritas’ annual Lent Appeal to the Catholic community, Sr Senolita will visit schools, parishes and groups in Auckland, Wellington, Timaru, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has supported Caritas Tonga in emergency response and community development projects.

Under Sr Senolita’s leadership, Caritas Tonga last year provided counselling and practical support after the sinking of the ferry Princess Ashika which claimed 74 lives, and the tsunami which devastated the northernmost island of Niuatoputapu

Sr Senolita has coordinated Caritas Tonga’s own Lent Appeal, conducted training in Catholic social teaching and its application to local issues, and overseen programmes helping women and men improving their livelihoods and living standards.

As a Sister of Mercy, Sr Senolita worked for eight years in Catholic education before obtaining a degree in theology and doing development studies in England. She has worked closely with other churches through the Tongan National Council of Churches. She integrates her knowledge in theology, spirituality, education, justice and development with her understanding of people and their needs. For Sr Senolita, being with people in their own places and establishing good dialogue are at the heart of her ministry.

DATES: Sr Senolita will be in different centres:

Wellington: 18-22 February & 27 Feb – 1 March

Dunedin: 23-24 February

Timaru: 25 Feb

Christchurch: 26 Feb

Auckland: 2-8 March.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS

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