Choir uniform - jacket and skirt (Pacific Islands Congregational Church, PIC Porirua)

This jacket is part of the female choir uniform of the Pacific Islands Congregational Church, Porirua. It consists of a teal coloured jacket and skirt. The Pacific Islanders Congregational Church had its beginnings in Auckland around 1943 when a small group of Cook Islanders and Niueans began worshipping together as part of the Beresford Street Church in Freemans Bay. Over subsequent decades, the church quickly grew in size and established congregations among Pacific communties throughout New Zealand.

Significance

Churches are a focal point for worship and social events, a venue for homework centres and bible classes and they provide valuable cultural, spiritual and welfare support. Community spirit and identity are built around the church and its activities. Choir uniforms are one medium through which these identities are expressed.

Acquisition History

This uniform was acquired from Saleima Samuelu in 2012.

References

MacPherson, Cluny 2012 Empowering Pacific Peoples: Community Organisations in New Zealand in Mallon, S.,Mahina-Tuai, K and Salesa, D (eds) Tangata o le Moana: the story of New Zealand and the people of the Pacific. Wellington: Te Papa Press pages 179-199