Saint Peter & Saint Paul

St Peters History

Saint Peter is a prominent religious figure in New Zealand due to his association with the Catholic Church. As the first Pope and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, he is considered to be the founder of the Catholic Church. Saint Peter is revered as the patron saint of fishermen, which has historical significance in a country that is heavily reliant on fishing.

The Catholic Church in New Zealand was first established in the early 19th century by European missionaries, and Saint Peter was an important figure in its teachings and practices. Churches and cathedrals across the country bear his name and display his image, making him a prominent symbol of the faith.

In addition to his religious significance, Saint Peter also has a cultural impact on New Zealand. He is often depicted in Maori art and is included in many Maori rituals and ceremonies. The celebration of Saint Peter is observed annually on June 29th.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 Saint Peter & Saint Paul in NZ

• Known as the patron saint of fishermen, Saint Peter holds a particular cultural resonance in New Zealand due to the nation’s deep-seated maritime heritage and fishing industry.
• His original name was Simon, but he was renamed Peter—derived from the Greek word petros meaning "rock"—to signify his role as the foundational leader of the early Church.
• On his feast day, the Catholic Church performs the blessing of the Pallium, a distinctive woollen vestment that has recently been presented to New Zealand’s metropolitan archbishops in local ceremonies rather than exclusively in Rome.
• In the South Island, the historic St Peter's Church in Queenstown is a popular site for visitors to see vibrant stained glass depicting the biblical scene where Peter is called to become a "fisher of men."
• Many heritage buildings in New Zealand, such as the St Peter's Church in Ohinemutu, Rotorua, feature a unique fusion of traditional European architecture and intricate Māori art, including tukutuku panels and whakairo carvings.
• The popular television series The Chosen, which provides a modern dramatization of his life as a headstrong fisherman, is scheduled to release its sixth season in late 2026, leading to increased interest in his historical and scriptural portrayal.
• A famous historical tradition holds that Peter requested to be crucified upside-down because he believed himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus, a dramatic detail often explored in the documentary Peter: Keys to Following Jesus.
• The iconic symbol of the "Keys to the Kingdom" associated with him refers to the authority he was granted in Christian tradition and is a recurring motif in the ecclesiastical heraldry found throughout New Zealand’s oldest cathedrals.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Saint Peter & Saint Paul

Top things to do in NZ for Saint Peter's Day

• Go fishing in honor of St. Peter. He was a fisherman before he became Jesus' disciple, and is the patron saint of fisherman and net makers.
• Go camping in honor of St. Paul. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a tent maker. He is the patron saint of tent makers as well as writers. In addition to being an accomplished preacher, Paul wrote epistles that are included in the Bible's New Testament.
• Watch Peter: Keys to Following Jesus (2016) - A documentary by Dr. Tim Gray that examines the life, mission, and teachings of Saint Peter.
• Visit the St. Paul's Cathedral in Wellington. This Anglican Cathedral offers beautiful architecture in the heart of the city and hosts various services, events, and concerts, including performances by the cathedral choir.