Cistercian monks
Cistercian monks are called to follow Christ along the way marked out by the Gospel, as interpreted by the Rule of St. Benedict. In a community that the Lord has brought together to be a place of his special presence, the monks allow themselves to be formed by the love of God, each according to the grace he has been given.
The Cistercian way of life leads to interior freedom through which purity of heart and an abiding attention to God are attained. The monks days are spent in a balance of prayer, work and study.
Our Place
The Abbey is situated in a beautiful, relatively remote, rural area of New Zealand on a dairy farm between Dannevirke and Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay.
Visitors
Visitors are always welcome at the Monastery. Guests are invited to share in the monastic services and to enjoy the peace of this sacred place. Those who may wish to have a deeper experience of the life are able to stay in the monastery guesthouse. Prior booking is essential. Because of the Covid 19 Pandemic our Guesthouse is closed until we receive a green traffic light from the government.
Mass Times
Sunday: Community Mass at 10.00am
Weekdays: Community Mass at 8.00am
Community Members
Monks
Fr Niko Verkley (Superior)
Br Bruce Cleaver
Br Alphonsus Nevin
Fr Maxime Palmer
Br Kalolo Tonga
From the Our Lady of the Philippines Abbey – applying for N.Z. residency in 2022:
Br Aelred
Br Gregory
Br Anselm
In Formation
Br Jonathan Craven (Junior monk)
Br Jeffrey Russell (Oblate Postulant)