Senior lead pastor Ash Cain said, "We usually do a roast but this year a couple of guys at church suggested that we do a hangi instead. It’s worked out because you see lots of different cultures here so it’s cool."
Local worshippers Julie and Hughan Ogilvie tore up their home lawn to cook the hangi and they and their helpers made enough hangi to feed 200 visitors.
"I have mana whenua and I believe that the hangi is about he tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It’s not just about the meal it’s about bringing people together," Mr Ogilvie said.
"We wanted all the different people to come and be served and be cared for," Mrs Ogilvie said.
"All my whanau have gone away so I was going to be alone this Christmas but I’m happy that I had people to spend Christmas with today," a grateful local Waiarani Paekau said.
All the community are welcome to share in this day which is running from 1pm to 7pm.
New World and Main Street Cafe donated food and finances to tautoko the event which was greatly appreciated by the church.
— Nina Tapu
