AUCKLAND New Zealands two original dioceses celebrated their 160th birthdays on June 20. On June 20, 1848, Pope Pius IX erected the diocese of Auckland, with Bishop Pompallier in charge, and the diocese of Wellington, initially known as Port Nicholson, headed by Bishop Philippe-Joseph Viard.
The 39th parallel a longitudinal demarcation separated the two dioceses.
Dunedin diocese became New Zealands third diocese in 1869, followed by Christchurch in 1887. Palmerston North and Hamilton dioceses were formed when Wellington archdiocese and Auckland diocese respectively divided on March 6, 1980.
Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland celebrated a special Mass on June 20 to mark the 160th anniversary.
