In 1897, Mother M. Kostka Kirby travelled with seven founding sisters from Singleton, New South Wales, Australia, to Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island.

At this time, the Dominican Sisters had started a school in Dunedin, but their ministry was limited by the rule of enclosure. The Sisters of Mercy were known as "walking nuns," and the bishop was eager to have them join the community and extend their ministry throughout the diocese.

The Sisters took over the school and successfully established other works of mercy in Dunedin. One of their largest institutions was the Mater Hospital in the city.

Kate Kirby was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1863 and joined the Sisters of Mercy in Ennis. As a postulant, she travelled with the founding group from Ennis to Singleton, NSW, in 1882. She was professed in 1884. 

Kate clearly received a strong foundation in the spirit of Catherine McAuley. Along with a broad range of charitable endeavours like caring for orphanages, providing healthcare, visiting patients, etc., she had a strong interest in education.

Mother M. Kostka was well-known for being a skilled administrator. Financing the ministries was always a significant challenge.

The foundation in Dunedin was the last of the autonomous foundations to be established in New Zealand. The work started by the sisters grew over time and led to the establishment of various ministries. The Congregation would eventually become part of the Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand. 

In 2023, the New Zealand Sisters of Mercy launched Whānau Mercy Ministries, which is a “Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP) of Pontifical Right” that will own and oversee incorporated ministries established by the sisters in this country within the previous 150 years.

“Dunedin 1897: With ‘Not a Penny to our Name’”, Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand, accessed 10 May, 2024. https://www.sistersofmercy.org.nz/dunedin-1897/

Kirby, Mary Kostka (Sister), 1863-1952, National Library of New Zealand.

Accessed 10 May, 2024. https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22512216