After arriving about 18 months ago and settling in makeshift premises, Mr Wilson, the only Maori-speaking Anglican priest in the state, this month secured a permanent home to conduct mass at Altona.

The Hoppers Crossing resident was born in Waikato, on New Zealand's North Island, and grew up in Huntly, where, in 1992, he found his life's calling.

"I became involved in the Riverside fellowship and was mentored by the late Reverend Hall and Wi Huata," Mr Wilson said.

"Our ministry is a people ministry, our support comes from the people."

He said Maori people were, by nature, spiritual but would not attend a church service other than one being conducted in their own language.

"We as a people, have been blessed that we have been able to hang on to our identity, our language, principles, customs and tradition and our marae [a sacred place that serves both religious and social purposes]."

Mr Wilson

said there were about 26,000 Maoris in Victoria, many of them living in Altona, Laverton, Werribee and Wyndham Vale.

"My aim is to preach the word, particularly to the younger generation, our youth," he said.

"In the Anglican church we have traditional services, but we also have young modern people involved and we have to learn to think more like them in order to reach the younger members of our community." Services begin on Sunday at 10.15am

at St Eanswythe's Anglican Church, on the corner Queen and Bent streets, Altona.

The services will be fortnightly from February 14, at 1pm.