Paddy Puru writes in loving memory of his grandfather, Ross Hanna:
Ross Leslie Hanna passed onto glory on Monday 11 May 2026. He was born in 1943, in Te Awamutu, where his body is now laid to rest alongside his wife, Ethne Edna.
In 1964, he married the love of his life Ethne (aka ‘Nana’). Established in Christ, and reinforced by their unwavering love for each other, this couple was a powerful partnership which would go on to impact thousands of lives both in New Zealand and abroad.
Having worked on farms as a young married couple, they soon made the choice to live a life of ministry. They initially ran a children’s home in Masterton followed by a children’s home in Hamilton.
In 1971, after hearing about a house in Auckland that was available to be used, they set their sails for the journey. They arrived to greet an old house, barely standing, located in a suburb called Ellerslie which in the past was large agricultural farmland. Little did they know at the time, that this old house would become a beacon of light in the local community, which it remains to this day.
Several people were instrumental in the establishment of the Ellerslie Home, such as Mr Cappy Smith, and Mr Conningham. I am sorry that I can not put names to the many faces of those who helped during these humble beginnings.
The Ellerslie Home originally housed young men who needed a helping hand, and years later it would home at-risk children and families. In 1984, Nana and Popa founded the Arohanui Christian Trust. The name ‘Arohanui’ means ‘Great love’ in Te Reo Māori, and was named by Mr John Komoni. The Arohanui Christian Trust would allow Nana and Popa to expand their ministry whilst maintaining honesty and openness.
Nana and Popa went on to establish several more safe homes. This made it possible to help more families and at-risk children, always with the intention of keeping these families together when possible, or reuniting the children with their parents/caregivers when it was safe to do so. With a small team of humble volunteer workers—hundreds, perhaps thousands of children were given a safe environment. It was here that most of these children would hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. Now, isn’t that good news?!
Popa led the Arohanui Fellowship with the Ellerslie Home used as a house church, as it is to this day.
Many smiling faces would gather each week for youth group activities and sporting games. On the Lord’s day, the kids would cheerfully sing to Nana on the piano during Sunday School. Teenagers would learn about godly living during teenage Bible study groups, whilst adults were immersed in the Scriptures themselves in a dedicated group led by Popa. A day service with communion is held, and an evening gospel service would conclude the week.
During prayer meetings, Popa would always bring to remembrance the many missionaries and Christian workers who were serving both in New Zealand and overseas, and he always asked the congregation to commit themselves to praying for these people, both young and old.
Although the fellowship is of humble stature, its outreach into the communities has never ceased. Food parcels, care packages, and spiritual support is an ongoing task initiated by Nana and Popa, and continued, largely, by Brenda (Ross and Ethne's daughter) and Jim Puru of the Arohanui Christian Trust. I (Paddy) am now the Pastor of the Arohanui Fellowship, and I thank God for the example that Popa has left before me.
I thank Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides, for the loving support Nana and Popa received over the last 50+ years. My Popa was grateful for every single one of them, and the Arohanui Christian Trust does not take this support for granted.
Popa was many different things in life. He was a Celebrant, a Justice of the Peace, and in 2011, alongside Nana, he received the Queen’s Service Medal for voluntary services to the community. Nana and Popa were initially hesitant to accept the awards, as they did not want to bring glory to themselves. They finally agreed to accept it on the basis that they were receiving the awards on behalf of all Christian workers, and they made that clear to the Governor General upon acceptance.
So was his outlook on life—an outlook which can be summed up by one verse:
Psalm 115:1- “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake. “ (KJV)
Nana and Popa never worked to be praised by men. Instead, they dedicated their very lives to the purpose of sharing the Gospel and extending the Kingdom of God. They are now absent from the body, and present with the Lord, praising the great I AM, in His very presence.
The Arohanui Christian Trust and Fellowship, asks for prayer during this challenging season. We do not know what tomorrow may bring, but we do know WHO holds it, and that is enough for us.
Popa often recited Arohanui Christian Trust’s motto—‘If love is not the motive, the cause is hopeless’.
The Grace and Peace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.
Paddy Puru
