Justine, Luna, Sr Anna Nicholls and Miranda celebrate at the event

Sisters of Mercy were the first religious sisters to come to Aotearoa New Zealand arriving in Auckland from Ireland on 9 April 1850. They came in response to a call from wāhine Māori.

From 1850 to 1897 four Mercy Congregations were founded in Aotearoa.

On 12 December 2005 the four Congregations of Aotearoa united to become a single Congregation – Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand.

Sister Anna Nicholls gave a presentation on the early years in New Zealand and the legacy of Catherine McCauley. Staff, students and whānau were there to celebrate with the Mercy Sisters of New Zealand.