Cook Islander, Hamish Crooks has been a key figure in the Pacific Islanders' Synod in two ways.

Recently re-elected as treasurer for a second term, he has also been a member of the Review Committee led by the Very Rev Bruce Hansen that looked at the PI Synod and its relationship to the rest of the Church.

The recommendations of the review committee were presented and discussed at the 4th Pacific Islanders' Synod meeting held in Otara last month. While supporting the establishment of the Synod, some of the issues it raised were: whether people will be able to have dual Presbytery/Synod membership; funding; and internal representation.

On the latter point, the Review Committee recommended that each ethnic group have the same number of votes, despite their varying membership numbers. The review committee also emphasised the need for on-going consultation and partnership with Presbyteries.

To reach its conclusions, the Review Committee consulted a range of parishes from Invercargill to Auckland earlier this year. Crooks commented that some of the smaller Pacific Island congregations needed to rely on their local Presbyteries for support, whilst larger Pacific Island congregations such as those in South Auckland preferred to work closely with Synod in partnership with Presbyteries.

When the issue was discussed at the national Synod meeting those attending agreed that there was a need for partnership with the wider, increasingly multi-cultural, Presbyterian Church.

Crooks explains why he thinks the PI Synod is needed: "So the voice of the PI people can be heard with some authority." And for the future: "My vision is that more Pacific Island New Zealanders can participate in church. The Synod is important in facilitating a sense of identity for both New Zealand-born and island-born Pacific Islanders, within the Presbyterian Church."

Crooks has a business administration degree and a sense of mission towards economic development in impoverished communities. In partnership with a multi-national computer company, he set up a trust to establish technology courses for young Maori and Pacific Islanders in centres including the East Coast, Porirua and South Auckland.

He is also interested in adult education, and has contributed to "Flaxroots Technology" conferences run by government departments. Formerly a regional manager for the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Crooks still provides advice to government departments as a consultant.

"Hamish is doing a great job and making real sacrifices for the Church and Synod," says Rev Hansen.