Catering Crew Enjoyed Serving the Lord

Initially Olive prepared a draft menu plan that was then approved by local presbyter Rev Iakopo Faafuata and the Parish Conference committee. The final menu allowed flexibility to accommodate changes as well as the unique requirements of those in attendance. The inclusion of many traditional Samoan dishes and beverages was a bonus. Rev Iakopo come to the hall during each meal break to make sure guests were looked after well.

“The highlight for all of us was having the opportunity to host our MCNZ Conference people onsite, using the new facility, cooking and serving the MCNZ leaders and the whole team from out of town. We all worked well and helped enable the Conference agenda to flow according to plan. Another highlight for me is that this is the first time our Wesley Samoan parish of Sinoti Samoa, MCNZ had come together with our Vahefonua Tongan congregation in Napier as Te Haahi o Weteriana family in Hawkes Bay working together to celebrate the closing Covenant Service in Hawkes Bay. We are so grateful for their contribution and support on the final day of our MCNZ Conference,” Olive says.

Parish members were asked to put their names forward to help in the kitchen, and a roster was prepared. “We wanted to make sure there were not too many people in the kitchen to reduce the noise while Conference sessions were in progress. The majority of our parish do work with some working night shift. The elderly/pensioners who came in to help really enjoyed serving the MCNZ Conference. It was wonderful team work and it was a real pleasure to be part of the Conference as the host parish.

The catering team included Olive and Tumema Faioso-Mitai, Faleatiu Nelson, Suega Tanielu, Uilisone Tanielu, Opeta Amani, Fetika Mikasa, Rosa Faafuata, Lesina Faafuata, Sharon Amani, Lafaele Mitai, Susana Faioso and Mataia Sione Tanielu.