Fijian Congregation

Ni sa bula vinaka!

The beginnings of the Wellington Methodist Fijian Congregation go back to 1977 when Penaia Samusamuvodre and Emori Sevusevudredre brought together a group of Fijian Christians to form the Fijian Christian Fellowship meeting at the YMCA in Willis Street. Paula Sotutu, the Deputy Fiji High Commissioner, led the group to become part of Wesley Church in Taranaki Street where monthly services began in the hall in early 1978. Later these changed to twice a month. When Paula and his family moved to London in 1979, Archie Seeto took over the leadership.

The congregation is currently served by Talatala Rev. Sikeli Cawanikawai, Vakatawa Maikali Bulicakau and lay preachers.

Our Mission

Empowering each member to strive for a sustainable and continuous spiritual growth, and understanding the tasks at hand within the ministry, in order to create an enviornment that is enriching, inspiring with a message of hope to those within the congregation and in the community (Matthew 28:19 - the greatest commission).

Our Services

Our church services are conducted in Fijian but tailored to cater to the needs of other non-Fijian speaking attendees. On first Sundays, we join in the Combined Service of Holy Communion at 10am, and have our Confederacy Service at 1pm.

Other Sundays, services are held at 4pm (followed by refreshments). Sunday School is held in conjunction with this service, from 4-6pm, in the Old Hall.

On 3rd Sundays when we have a service at 9:30am in the New Hall to conclude our monthly congregational camp. Our Youth Sunday is every 5th Sunday.

Other Activities

Fijian Men's Fellowship (Maikali Bulicakau):

Our Men's Fellowship is held every second and fourth Monday in the vestry from 7:30pm. At times, it is held in homes of visiting members.

Fijian Women's Fellowship (Titilia Ritova):

Held every second and fourth Monday in the chapel from 7:30pm.

Youth Group (Niko Bower):

Meets every Monday night in the Old Hall from 7:30pm.

Prayer Meeting and Bible Study:

Our prayer meetings and bible study are held every alternate Sunday respectively (2nd and 4th Sundays). The congregation gathers in the chapel from 2:30pm until 3:30pm before the Fijian service at 4pm.

Congregational Monthly Camps:

Held in the New Hall on the third Friday (Weekend ) of every month, starting on Friday evening and ending with a church service at 9:00am on Sunday morning (except in December and January). Camp activities are customed to meet all age groups - e.g. bible studies and games, trivia, team building, etc.

Our Congregation Leaders

Presbyter (Talatala): Rev. Sikeli Cawanikawai

Lay Leader (Vakatawa): Maikali Bulicakau

Steward (Tuirara): Isaia Vakamoce

Assistant Steward: Akuila Crikiwai