Guests gather outside St Mary Star of the Sea church in Port Chalmers for the unveiling of commemorative plaques and a memorial cross. "Fr Newport never expected to die when he was sent here as parish priest. These included Saint Mary MacKillop, of the O’Halloran and Cameron family, and descendants of Thomas Pound. Nicholas Newport Pound (left) and Ned Newport Pound are descendants of Thomas Pound, the parish school pupil and altar boy saved from drowning by Fr Newport in 1896. Sister Ann Gilroy, RSJ, speaks during the commemorative celebration at St Mary Star of the Sea church in Port Chalmers.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2026 15:37 UTC