On Tuesday afternoon, April 24th, a team of 13 Challenge 2000 people – young and slightly older, jumped into two vehicles and set off for Hawkes Bay.

On ANZAC day, over 150 people, including the Challenge 2000 team and 50 local young people, came along for our first Challenge 2000 event in the Hawkes Bay. Special thanks must go out to Hastings priest, Fr Vince Onesi, who celebrated Mass along with Fr Chris Skinner sm, who directed music and sang his song ‘Sons of Gallipoli’.

The Mass included a great drama by the Challenge 2000 young people, songs in Maori, Tongan and English, and readings from local young people. Some people brought along family treasures including a naval hat from the Achilles, a saddle from WWI, photos, prayer books and flags. After Mass most people gathered to talk over a cup of tea and ANZAC biscuits. This is the start of a new venture for Challenge 2000 so watch this space!