With the arrival of three lay people and two priests, the first centres - Rimbrook Study Centre for women and Greywood Study Centre for men - were established. A priest of Opus Dei was appointed the Catholic chaplain for The University of Waikato, a position still entrusted to a priest of the Prelature.

There are approximately 40 members of Opus Dei in New Zealand, including two priests. Fr Richard Umbers is the first New Zealander to be ordained for the Prelature, which took place in Torreciudad, Spain, on 1 September 2002.

Another two centres were established in the Auckland diocese in 1998.

A large number of non-members participate in activities of a spiritual nature around New Zealand. Evenings of recollection, classes on the Catholic faith, retreats and seminars are conducted in Auckland, Hamilton, Whakatane and Wellington.

A number of Opus Dei members promote community outreach programs locally and abroad. Youth centres located in Auckland, such as Glenrowan and Fernhall organise yearly service projects to countries such as Fiji, Vietnam and The Philippines. Projects involve young people carrying out refurbishment work, painting and delivering programs on nutrition, health and sports. 

The Vicar of Opus Dei for New Zealand and Australia is Fr Victor Martinez, based in Sydney, Australia. Enquiries about Opus Dei and its apostolic activities can be directed to the Information Office of Opus Dei in New Zealand on 09 357 6080 or info@opusdei.org.nz.