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This Roman Catholic parish was founded only a little more than fifty years ago. It is based in the town of Balclutha which is situated in the south of the province of Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. Balclutha takes it's name from the Clutha River, one of New Zealand's largest rivers, which flows through the centre of the town.

Balclutha has a population of around  five thousand people and is at the northern end of the Southern Scenic Route and the world renowned region "The Catlins".  Tourism plays an increasing role in the whole of the area with many attractions including stunning coastal scenery, unique wildlife and native New Zealand forest walks. >>Map 

Not only does the Balclutha parish serve the local district, but it is also the focal point for other surrounding towns and districts like Owaka, which was originally a forestry area.

Catholics, whose ancestors came mostly from Ireland in the later half of the 19th century number about one in seven in the area.