The Congregational Christian Church Samoa (CCCS) has made no further comments about a $100,000 fine against one of its churches in Māngere, New Zealand.

The church was fined for the lack of proper planning and legal compliance when undertaking church-building projects. 

On 10 June 2025, CCCS Chairman Reverend Elder Enefatu Lesa acknowledged the fine issued to the CCCS Māngere Bridge branch but noted it had not been officially presented to them before the church’s general conference. Since then, there have been no comments on how they plan to address this.

“There had been rumours about the issue,” he said, “but now that the matter has been confirmed, it will have to be addressed by the Committee, as it is their responsibility.” 

The Auckland District Court found the Sāmoan Congregational Christian Church of New Zealand Māngere Trust and its representative, Reverend Sean Palala, guilty of 15 breaches of the Building Act and Resource Management Act. The Trust was fined more than $80,000 and ordered to pay $25,300 in costs to Auckland Council. Palala also received a $7,000 fine and 400 hours of community service.

The court heard that the church continued to use an unsafe building on McKenzie Road for gatherings, despite receiving stop-use notices from the council.

Community leaders in Mangare said the ruling is a hard lesson for all Pacific churches and should be taken seriously.

PMN reported that Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina said the Māngere church relied on someone who claimed to know the building and consent processes but did not.

“They ended up contracting someone who indicated he knew the processes for building and resource consents, and he did not,” Filipaina said.

“Having that talanoa first is so important. Talk to other churches. Who did you use? How did you do it? Always double check, triple check.”

He cited the success of other Pacific-led projects like the Sāmoan Consulate complex and the LDS Temple in Manukau as examples where the right expertise made all the difference.

“That is money upfront, but that is nothing compared to the $100,000 they are paying now. Sometimes paying early saves your people later,” he said.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said many churches underestimate the complexity of the building consent process.

“I encourage our communities to do the due diligence and get the experts in to provide professional advice. It might cost a bit, but it is worth it because then you have safeguards when things do go wrong,” he said.

He also encouraged churches to involve younger generations and use trusted community or business networks. “Do it the right way, get professional advice. If you do not know where to start, Pacific business organisations can help, or even your bank.”

Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich, chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, said families contribute to church projects with trust and love and deserve proper protections.

“This situation shows how important it is to involve experts in building projects who can give qualified advice on regulatory matters,” he said.

The Māngere property has since been sold, meaning the church not only faces large fines but has also lost the building.

“Our people gave to build that church. Now it is gone and they are paying fines on top of that,” Filipaina said. “That is why you check first and do it the right way, so you do not lose what you worked so hard for.”

Auckland Council’s David Pawson said safety and compliance laws exist to protect everyone. “Compliance with building and resource consent laws is essential for the safety of our communities,” he said.

Filipaina added that this situation must be seen as a learning moment.

“Our people give with their hearts. They deserve to know their sacrifice will not be wasted. We have seen it work when it is done right. Do the checks, protect what you build and protect your people.”