The Catholic Kiwi Podcast shares stories of faith, mission and ministry from the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will feature one-on-one interviews with people who have interesting stories and lead interesting lives. They might be people visiting our shores. Our hosts will introduce you to some well-known Catholics, as well as people who quietly work in the Lord's vineyard in their personal or professional lives.
This is a project of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 10 – Colin Macleod
What did his time in the Air Force teach Colin Macleod? What about his time at Holy Cross Seminary?
What have great challenges taught him? What lessons have his students taught him?
Colin, the director of the National Centre for Religious Studies, answers those questions and more in conversation with Joanna Kearney in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
Joanna also speaks to Colin about his recent PhD research on the connection between Catholic schools and parishes.
You can find the research here: https://doi.org/10.26199/acu.92102 (https://doi.org/10.26199/acu.92102)
With thanks to Colin, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for supporting this digital ministry project.
21 Sept 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 9 – Mena Antonio
From growing up in Porirua, leaving school at 15, leaving home at 16, serving in the Army, earning a law degree to now having a key role at one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Chief Executive Mena Antonio sees the hand of the Holy Spirit through it all.
Mena retraces those stages of her journey – and many more – in conversation with Joanna Kearney on this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast. How did faith shape her life and her work? How has motherhood changed her perspective?
How did family life and work align or collide?Find out more about Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s work at: https://www.caritas.org.nz/
With thanks to Mena, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for supporting our podcast project.
31 Aug 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 8 – Peter Woods
Growing up in a Catholic family, a young Peter Woods recognised that going to church was a good thing to do, but he wasn't getting much out of it. A pivotal moment in his life, though, led to a profound encounter with God, whom Peter sensed was drawing close to him.
Years later, as a Catholic educator, Peter recognised that while religious education was having a positive impact on students, it wasn't creating an encounter with Christ. Through the ministry he founded, Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International, that is what is being offered to young people in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
Peter shares his own journey and the journey of the ministry with Joanna Kearney in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast. With thanks to Peter, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland in supporting our podcast project.
11 Aug 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 7 — Rachel Wilson
Growing up as one of 10 children in Nelson, Rachel Wilson admits there was a bit of a Von Trapp family situation, with singing and musical instruments part of everyday life. It might not be a surprise, then, that Rachel would go on to use her musical talents as a tool for evangelisation.
Now as a mother of four, Rachel has grappled with dating (and marrying) a well-known Kiwi, with the struggles of fertility and insomnia, and is intrigued by topics like feminism, Marxism and motherhood.
Rachel joins Joanna Kearney to navigate those areas, and more, in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
Search Rachel's music catalogue, including "Surrender", at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sJN1uWyt5K1djJFnt3fmY (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sJN1uWyt5K1djJFnt3fmY)
Find The Sations' music at: https://open.spotify.com/search/the%20sations (https://open.spotify.com/search/the%20sations)
With thanks to Rachel, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for their support of this digital ministry project.
6 Jul 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 6 – Archbishop Richard Smith
Canadian priest Fr Richard Smith was just shy of his 43rd birthday when Pope John Paul II appointed him the Bishop of Pembroke, Ontario. More than 20 years later, and with a stop in Edmonton, he is now the Archbishop of Vancouver. Archbishop Smith sat down with host James Bergin recently while in New Zealand for an international conference.
In this episode, Archbishop Smith reflects on his vocation, his ministry in various contexts, organising Pope Francis' historic visit to Canada and the task of now having led three Canadian dioceses.
With thanks to Archbishop Smith, James and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for their support of this digital ministry.
17 Jun 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 5 – Carly Mulqueen
As Carly Mulqueen's Christian faith was growing as a young woman, she was conditioned to wonder if Catholics were even part of the Christian family. As her husband began to explore Catholicism, Carly joined him on the journey, including through engagement with the director of the Catholic Enquiry Centre.
Years later, Carly now finds herself as the CEC's director, helping people on their own journey of faith, and with her own experience of joy, but also an understanding of what it means to suffer. Carly shares her story with Joanna Kearney in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
With thanks to the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, Carly and Joanna. And you can find out more about the Catholic Enquiry Centre at https://www.catholicdiscovery.nz
29 Apr 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 4 — Deacon Andy Orosco
When he was a child, Andy Orosco had dreams of ordained ministry in the Church. His teacher, though, didn't think he was up to the task. The Holy Spirit had other ideas, though, and
Andy now serves as a permanent deacon in California, with a particular focus on ministry to his fellow Native Americans.
Deacon Andy joined the Catholic Kiwi Podcast while in New Zealand recently for an international conference. He speaks with our host, James Bergin, about his childhood, his work within and beyond the Church and the place of Native Americans in the US today.
He also offers a glimpse into the life of the first Native American saint, Kateri Tekakwitha.With thanks to Deacon Andy, James and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for their support of this digital ministry.
12 Apr 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 3 -- James Bergin
As technology seems to be advancing even faster, how can we seek to understand the place of artificial intelligence from a Catholic perspective? In this episode, technologist James Bergin trades the host’s chair for the guest’s chair, sharing his insights into what AI is, and what it is not.In conversation with Joanna Kearney, James explains that successive Popes have spoken about the intersection of technology and humanity, and he says the Church continues to have much to contribute to such discussions. He says Catholics are called to help shape the future of technology, not “sleepwalk” into that future.With thanks to James, Joanna and the Diocese of Auckland in producing this episode.
5 Mar 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 2 – Sr Denise Fox RSM
For almost two centuries, religious women have been making a massive contribution to the life of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. In this episode, the leader of Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa — the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand — shares her own story of vocation, of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley and the religious order's historical and current ministries.Sr Denise also shares how the Sisters of Mercy have worked to safeguard the legacy of their various works, including schools and hospitals, through the establishment of a new entity: Whanau Mercy Ministries.Thanks to Sr Denise, to our host, Joanna, the Diocese of Auckland and to you, our faithful audience.
11 Feb 2026
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 1 – Manuel Beazley
As Season 2 of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast commences, we welcome the Diocese of Auckland's Vicar for Māori -- or, as he calls himself, the "Chief Cup of Tea Drinker" -- Manuel Beazley.
Manuel, who also serves as chair of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference's advisory body, Te Rōpū Māori, speaks of his dual identity as a Māori and as a Catholic, and his experience of never seeing those two parts of himself as contradictory.
Manuel, speaking with our host James Bergin, also addresses some important but sometimes contentious issues like the Treaty of Waitangi and the integration of Māori customs and celebrations like Matariki into New Zealand culture.
We're excited to have you back with us (or joining us for the first time) as we launch Season 2. And a special thanks to our host, James, and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for their efforts in producing this episode.
18 Dec 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 8 – Amanda Achtman
In this final episode of Season 1 of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast, we sit down with Canadian anti-euthanasia campaigner Amanda Achtman. In addition to her work fighting for the vulnerable and opposing the expansion of assisted dying in Canada, Amanda offers fascinating insights into how her Jewish heritage and Catholic faith have intertwined in her life.
Amanda shares emotional stories from people she has met, explains how her own family circumstances made an abstract idea like euthanasia very real and recounts the impact of time spent studying the Holocaust in finding her purpose.
If you're interested in the local Catholic perspective on ethical issues in the health care field, you can visit the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics or the NZ Catholic Medical Association.
With thanks to our host, Joanna Kearney, the Catholic Diocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for their support of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
We hope you've enjoyed Season 1 on the Catholic Kiwi Podcast. We'll return for Season 2 next year.
8 Dec 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 7 – Vicki Surrey
If the Church is going to serve its people well, it is important to understand who those people are and where they are on their faith journey. That's the challenge and the invitation issued by Vicki Surrey from Holy Family Parish in Christchurch West.
In this episode, Vicki explains how her parish has walked the path of research through two significant surveys in recent years and how those efforts have borne fruit for the community in its pastoral planning and practice.
You can find out more about the Holy Family surveys, including access some of the findings, here: Parish survey results | Holy Family Parish (https://www.holyfamily.nz/our-parish/parish-survey-results)
With thanks to our host, James Bergin, the Catholic Diocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for their support of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
19 Nov 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 6 -- Archbishop Paul Martin SM
Growing up in Hastings, a young Paul Martin saw the example of Marist priests in his local parish and the local college. He saw the life of a priest, a teacher and a Marist living in community as a life of great value. Little did he know when making the choice to enter the Society of Mary how diverse his life and his ministry would be.
In conversation with Joanna Kearney, Archbishop Paul talks us through family life, his seminary formation, his roles in school leadership and leadership within his religious order. But Pope Francis had new plans for him -- first as Bishop of Christchurch and later as Archbishop of Wellington.
And if you're wanting to contact the Catholic Enquiry Centre, which Archbishop Paul mentions, head to: https://www.catholicdiscovery.nz/
With thanks to our host, Joanna Kearney, and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for this production.
6 Nov 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 5 -- Sr Lauren of the Cross
Sr Lauren of the Cross acknowledges that she might have been a "most unlikely" candidate to become a nun, but as she looks back on her life before entering the Carmelite Monastery in Christchurch, she sees it all as great preparation for her current life.
In conversation with Joanna Kearney, Sr Lauren recounts adrift away from her practice of the faith, her years working at Christchurch Casino, a reawakening of her faith after seeing a priest on TV and her discernment of a religious vocation -- which hasn't been a straightforward journey.
She is now an Extern Carmelite Sister, one of only 300 or soaround the world. Find out what an Extern does, the life of a Carmelite and the ministry of spiritual direction in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
And if you're looking to access the booklets Sr Laurenmentions, visit the Catholic Enquiry Centre website at: https://www.catholicdiscovery.nz/ (https://www.catholicdiscovery.nz/)
With thanks to our host, Joanna Kearney, and the CatholicDiocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for this production.
27 Oct 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 4 – Tim Wilson
Tim Wilson rose to prominence in New Zealanders' lounge rooms as TVNZ's US correspondent, living what he could only believe was his best life. Amidst the glitz and the glamour, though, Tim was struggling to find meaning.
It was in New York City that his journey from Presbyterian preacher's son to atheism and agnosticism found him weeping in a Catholic church at the beauty of the Catholic liturgy. He had to keep going back, he recalls many years later.
In this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast, Tim shares openly about his personal journey to the Catholic Church and some of the challenges he faced along the way.
Tim is now the executive director of the Maxim Institute, a think tank that, in Tim's words, tried to help leaders "make wise decisions".
With thanks to our host, James Bergin, and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for this production.
13 Oct 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 3 – Fr James Mallon
When more than 500 people gathered in Palmerston North in early October for the Hope and Renewal Summit, many came to hear from Fr James Mallon, the founder of Divine Renovation Ministry. Divine Renovation co-hosted the event with the Diocese of Palmerston North that was focused on making vibrant, welcoming parishes.During the Summit, Fr James sat down with the Catholic Kiwi Podcast’s Joanna Kearney to share about his own journey of faith, including a transformational moment as a 16-year-old, his ministry as a priest – which eventually led to major projects and books on evangelisation, leadership and encounter with the Holy Spirit.With thanks to our host, Joanna Kearney, to Richard Torres, and Simplepress Studios for this production.
2 Oct 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 1 – Br Guy Consolmagno
Are faith and science compatible? Lots of people will tellyou they’re not, but one of the more public figures working at that intersection says he never saw the conflict. Nor did the sisters or the priests who taught him science through his formative years.
Br Guy Consolmagno SJ recently made his fourth visit to New Zealand as his time as director of the Vatican Observatory was coming to an end. In his chat with the Catholic Kiwi Podcast, he speaks about some of the big astronomicalquestions – Galileo, the Big Bang Theory, the Genesis creation story – as well as his search for meaning as a young man and his own journey of faith.
With thanks to our host, James Bergin, and theCatholic Diocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for this production.
2 Oct 2025
Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 1, Episode 2 – Mary Goulding
Mary Goulding seemed to have the world at her feet. She had enjoyed a successful academic and sporting career at Fordham University in New York City, she had been chosen to represent New Zealand in women’s basketball and was gearing up for her next major athletic challenge. Then a car accident not only shattered her Olympic ambitions, but almost took her life. Prayers for her survival were offered throughout the world.
Mary had always had a strong Catholic faith and was willingto practise it with pride, but her miraculous recovery – including a return to professional basketball – provided further opportunities for her to be a witness. She shares her story of family, basketball, faith and courage in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.
With thanks to our host, James Bergin, and the CatholicDiocese of Auckland and Simplepress Studios for this production.
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