From 1993, Sister Magdalen was part of the Te Unga Waka community, living in Henderson as an adult literacy teacher.

In 2002, Sister Magdalen joined Pa Henare Tate and Bishop Patrick Dunn as part of a delegation to Rome and France to collect and return the koiwi tapu of Pomaparie to Aotearoa. Heeni Raiha Dunn and Sister Magdalen, escorted the koiwi tapu, across the South and North Islands to St Mary’s Church, Motuti, their final resting place.

A few months later, she started working for Pa Henare Tate in the Maori Vicariate office with Theresa Paparoa.

In 2012, Sister Magdalen moved to Hokianga, assisting Pa Henare Tate in researching the historical records of the early church in New Zealand. She received recognition for her support to Pa Henare Tate as he wrote the book based on his doctoral research, ‘He Puna Iti i te Ao Marama – A Little Spring in the World of Light’.

The people of Hokianga acknowledged Sister Magdalen’s research skills, her painstaking editing and her attention to detail in the preparing of all materials for publication.

Sister Magdalen witnessed the fulfilment of Pa Henare Tate’s dream on Saturday 23 April 2022, with the opening of Raiatea Resource and Archive Centre beside Tamatea Marae, Motuti.

On Thursday 8 August 2024, the people Hokianga farewelled Sister Magdalen, with a miha at St Mary’s Church, Motuti, adorning her with a korowai. A farewell reception at Tamatea Marae, Motuti, followed.

‘You will be missed Sister Magdalen very much for your dedicated, sensitive, respectful and active pastoral care in every aspect of involvement amongst these communities, especially regarding Pa Henare, Pihopa Pomaparie and Hata Maria.’

E kore ana nui mai engari ka anga nui atu.

Koiwi tapu: Sacred bones
Pomaparie: Bishop Pompallier
Korowai: Feather cloak