NEW ZEALAND with Lucy Ellis

Lucy Ellis is the New Zealand WYD Communications Officer is based in Wellington but will be hanging out in her home city, Auckland, for Days in the Diocese.

Lucy is working on making sure the New Zealand media know about WYD and managing NZ’s online hub for young Catholics, Connect.org.nz.

1.   What's the connection between WYD, New Zealand and you? 

New Zealand is like Australia’s side kick in some ways…we’re hosting 4000 pilgrims for Days in the Diocese.  I’m a WYD veteran with great memories of my first WYD in Cologne, Germany 2005.  There’s probably a few hundred other ‘veterans’ (and ‘rookies’ too) who are all involved in their parishes and dioceses bringing Kiwis to the WYD experience.

2.   How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from New Zealand?

We’re sending around 4000 New Zealand pilgrims to Sydney – the largest departure of New Zealanders for a non-sporting event probably since World War II.

3.   What are some of the main Dioceses, cities and groups of New Zealand that will be represented? 

All six of our dioceses (Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington (Archdiocese), Christchurch and Dunedin) will be represented.  Although our dioceses are named after major cities, there are pilgrims from all corners of the country making it to WYD – from the deep south to the far north!

4.   Will New Zealand be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition? 

Not as far as I know, but I’m going to see what I can do about that!

5.   Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on? 

We’re incredibly excited about our National Gathering.  It’ll be the largest gathering of young NZ Catholics than EVER before!  It is on Wed 16 July Hordern Pavillion, at Moore Park from 3–4.30pm (doors open at 2.30). 

6.   Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia - if so how many?

Plenty…too many to count!  All those traitors who made the move over the ditch! Haha. A big shout out particularly to Tricia Unasa based in Sydney. We do have a couple of lasses working in the Sydney World Youth Day office – Chelsea Pelham and Hannah Kennedy…not migrants, but in Sydney!

7.   Any National Foods of interest?

Pavlova meringue dessert (Do not let anyone tell you this originated in Australia!), L&P fizzy drink, Marmite yeast spread, Watties Tomato Sauce…

8.   Any National Past-Times of interest?

Getting outdoors…we’re are all about being outside, on the water, the sports field, the tramping routes, the ski slopes.

9.   Describe your country in 3 words?

Water-based (haha), laid back, multi-cultural

10. What little souvenirs will your country’s pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?

Some groups have great big flags with the New Zealand Silver Fern symbol on them, signed by members of their home parishes and communities.  Some are taking badges with Kiwis (our national bird) on them…all sorts!

For all the information about New Zealand's National Gathering, click here 

Image courtesy of www.steveconover.info (Creative Commons License), Flickr.