Please note that there is no livestream for GA23 as this Assembly is in-person and not online, however, there will be recorded video of daily business shared here as it becomes available. Unlike former years, there will not be a series of GA news emails but instead a daily summary of key decisions as noted by the Business Assembly Work Group during business - this will be uploaded as soon as information to include is available so check back for updates.
Download the GA23 Friday 29 Sept Daily Summary
Moderator designate announced
The Rev Peter Dunn has been elected Moderator Designate for General Assembly. Peter addressed the Assembly, read or download his address here and watch the video - Friday afternoon business session video (1 hour 55 min mark). You can read more about Peter on the PCANZ website here.
GA23 business
The summary of today's business is provided by the Assembly Business Work Group. For context, see the recorded video of daily GA business below.
Resource Sub-committee
Resource Sub-committee convenor Mr Craig Donaldson spoke to his report and responded to questions.
Mr Donaldson moved, it was seconded and agreed
[23.025] That the General Assembly receive the audited accounts of the Church for the financial year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.
Mr Donaldson moved, it was seconded and agreed
[23.026] That the Convenor and Deputy Convenor of the Council of Assembly be authorised to sign the audited accounts on behalf of the General Assembly.
Mr Donaldson moved, it was seconded:
[23.027] That congregations be encouraged to join I-Payroll for their payroll software and Xero for their accounting software.
Assembly engaged in a period of debate.
The motion was carried.
Council of Assembly (resumed)
Rev Dr Jaco Reyneke moved, it was seconded:
[23.022] That the previous system which required congregations who host a ministry intern to partially fund the intern’s bursary, be reinstated.
Dr Reyneke, assisted by Craig Donaldson, spoke to the recommendation and responded to questions.
Assembly engaged in a period of debate.
The motion was lost. For: 79 (57%) Against: 60 (43%)
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Mr Andrew Souness, Chair of the Church Property Trustees’ Property Committee, spoke to the report of the Trustees and responded to questions.
Mr Souness moved, it was seconded:
[23.043] That the Assembly endorse the Church Property Trustees’ ‘fit for purpose’ conclusions:
a. The Church has some buildings that are fit for purpose, but many are not. The Church also has land and buildings that are no longer needed. Together, this presents the Church with opportunities to improve the number of fit for purpose buildings available for mission.
b. Improving the Church’s use of its property and capital to create more fit for purpose buildings is not the only thing needed to strengthen the Presbyterian Church - but it could help contribute to renewal.
c. Locating fit for purpose buildings in appropriate locations will take collective action, with presbyteries playing a pivotal role alongside congregations.
Assembly engaged in a period of debate.
The motion was carried.
Facilitation Group
Rev Martin Baker provided feedback from Dialogue Group responses to questions posed by the Te Haere Tonu Work Group.
Church Property Trustees (continued)
Mr Andrew Souness responded to questions about fit for purpose buildings. Mr Souness moved, it was seconded and carried.
[23.043 A] That the Assembly:
a. Encourage presbyteries to engage with congregations on the fit for purpose status of their buildings, using the Church Property Trustees’ fit for purpose framework (or similar) and incorporating insurance and seismic imperatives.
b. Invite presbyteries to develop a 10 year Fit For Purpose plan that aligns building needs with mission plans on a regional or area basis and, for other than Southern Presbytery, share this with the Church Property Trustees by 30 June 2025.
c. Invite presbyteries and the Council of Assembly to explore together whether it would be beneficial for presbyteries to assume responsibility for some aspects of property management, including insurance arrangements and, if so, how this could be resourced and implemented.
Church Property Trustees Chair Rev Dr Ron Mills moved, it was seconded:
[23.044] That the Assembly urge compliance from congregations north of the Waitaki River with the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy and:
a. Urge congregations and presbyteries north of the Waitaki River which do not know the seismic status of the buildings for which they are responsible to urgently secure a seismic assessment and forward a copy to the Church Property Trustees.
b. Request those congregations and presbyteries north of the Waitaki River that do not yet comply with the strengthening requirements of the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy to advise the Church Property Trustees of their plans.
Debate on this recommendation was suspended in order to hear a proposal for a contrary action.
Proposal F3: Earthquake-prone buildings policy
Rev David Williams and Mr Graham Robertson presented a proposal from Northern Presbytery. They moved and seconded:
[23.052] That the Assembly request the Church Property Trustees to review and update the requirements of the earthquake-prone Buildings Policy (dated November 2022) and align their policy requirements pertaining to Earthquake Strengthening with those of the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings Amendment Act 2016) and the relevant local authority.
The presenters responded to questions.
Consideration of the proposal was suspended and Assembly reverted to consideration of the Trustees’ recommendation [23.044].
[23.044] That the Assembly urge compliance from congregations north of the Waitaki River with the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy and:
a. Urge congregations and presbyteries north of the Waitaki River which do not know the seismic status of the buildings for which they are responsible to urgently secure a seismic assessment and forward a copy to the Church Property Trustees.
b. Request those congregations and presbyteries north of the Waitaki River that do not yet comply with the strengthening requirements of the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy to advise the Church Property Trustees of their plans.
Dr Mills responded to questions.
Assembly moved into debate mode on the Trustees’ recommendation.
When put, the motion was lost. For: 7 7 (55%) Against: 64 (45%)
Proposal F3: Earthquake-prone buildings policy (resumed from previous session)
Rev David Williams moved and it was seconded. Assembly engaged in a period of debate. The motion was carried
[23.052] That the Assembly request the Church Property Trustees to review and update the requirements of the earthquake-prone Buildings Policy (dated November 2022) and align their policy requirements pertaining to Earthquake Strengthening with those of the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings Amendment Act 2016) and the relevant local authority.
Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy
Mr Barry Fisk, CEO of the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy, spoke to the report of the Council and responded to questions.
Mr Fisk moved, it was seconded.
[23.040] That the Assembly affirm the ministry of the Interchurch Hospital Chaplaincy and commend this to church councils.
Assembly engaged in a period of debate. The motion was carried.
[23.041] That the Assembly invite the Doctrine Core Group to respond to the invitation to make comment to the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy on the matter of including chaplains of other faiths and beliefs.
Presbyterian Support
Mr Jim Berry, Manukura for Presbyterian Support New Zealand, was associated with the Assembly for the purpose of the Presbyterian Support New Zealand report. Andrew Johnstone, Chair of Presbyterian Support New Zealand, and Prudence Stone, Executive Officer for Presbyterian Support New Zealand spoke to the report and responded to questions.
Ms Stone moved, it was seconded.
[23.045] That the Council of Assembly be asked to consider the successes within the innovative partnership between Presbyterian Support and the Presbyterian Church and lift its support, in the next budget round, of the Church’s annual contributions to PresCare.
Assembly engaged in a period of debate. The motion was agreed.
Assembly Executive Secretary
The Clerk of Assembly moved a number of changes to the Book of Order regulations from his report to Assembly be adopted, these were agreed.
The Clerk of Assembly also moved, and it was seconded and agreed
[23.032] That, pursuant to the Presbyterian Church Property Act 1930, the following be the Commission with Assembly powers to deal with such matters as may be submitted to it by the Church Property Trustees under Section 5 of the Amendment Act 1914 and to be the Commission under section 7 of the Presbyterian Church Property Amendment Act 1996 to consider applications under Part 1 of the Act:
The Rt Rev Rose Luxford (Moderator); Very Rev Hamish Galloway; Mrs Fiona Coughlan, Revs Anne Stewart, Sage Harris, Brett Walker, Richard McLean, Messrs Simon Shaw, Andrew Irwin and Assembly Executive Secretary, Associate: Executive Officer of the Presbyterian Church Property Trustees.
Nominating Committee
Leave was granted to amend this report. Rev Alan Judge moved, it was seconded and agreed
[23.042] That the membership of national church committees, work groups and other nationally appointed bodies be as set out in the appendix, as amended, to the report of the Nominating Committee
[* indicates new appointment]
Council of Assembly
Convenor: Katerina Solomona (2023-27) Deputy Convenor: Rev Roxy Gahegan* (2023-27). Members: Grant Holland* (Alpine Presbytery 2023-27), Rev Mo Morgan (Central Presbytery 2021-25), .......(Pacific Presbytery 2023-27), Rev Andrew Scott* (Southern Presbytery 2023-27), Honey Thrupp (Te Aka Puaho 2021-25), Marion Sanders (Kaimai Presbytery 2021-25), Rev Dr Colin Marshall (Northern Presbytery 2021-25), Rev Micah Tang* (Asian Congregations 2023-27), Rev Ryhan Prasad (Leadership Sub-committee 2021-25), Craig Donaldson (Resource Sub-committee 2021-25), Right Rev Rose Luxford (Moderator of General Assembly). Associates: Moderator of Te Aka Puaho, Moderator of Pacific Presbytery, Assembly Executive Secretary, Church Property Trustees representative, Synod of Otago & Southland representative.
Leadership Sub-committee
Convenor: Rev Ryhan Prasad* (2021-25) Deputy Convenor: .......(2023-27). Members: Honey Thrupp (Te Aka Puaho 2021-25), Brad Kelderman (2021- 25), Rev Prof Paul Trebilco (2021-25), David Dally (2021-25), Dr Andrew Hill* (2023-27), Rev Dr Bonnie Robinson* (2023-27), Rev Esther Sabey* (2023-27), Sharon Spragg* (2023-27), Rev Ed Masters* (2023-27), Chris Lamborne* (2023-27), Rev Tom Mepham* (2023-27) .......(Pacific Presbytery 2023-27). Associates: Assembly Executive Secretary, KCML Principal; Synod of Otago & Southland.
Resource Sub-committee
Convenor: Craig Donaldson* (2021-25) Deputy Convenor .......(2023-27). Members: Eli Elikana (Pacific Presbytery 2023-25 2 year extension), Tania-Rose Taitoko (Te Aka Puaho 2018-25), Martyn Vincent (2021-25), Rev Tom Waight (2021-25), Fritsen Kristiano* (2023-27), Ann McMillan*(2023-27). Associates: Synod of Otago & Southland; Church Property Trustees; PCANZ Finance Manager, Assembly Executive Secretary
National Assessment Work Group
Co-convenors: Rev Douglas Bradley(2021-25), Rev Mike Kirkby-Sing (2023-2027)* Members: .......(Te Aka Puaho 2016-23), Soomemea Faatui (Pacific Presbytery 2021-25), Margaret van Ginkel (2023-2025 2 year extension), Laurie Mills (2023-25 2 year extension), Brent Richardson (2021-25), Paula Levy (2021-25), Jin Sook Kim* (Asian Congregations 2023-27), Rob Pendreigh*(2023-27), Cathy Fraser*(2023-27), Amanda Guy*(2023-27), Rob Williams*(2023-27). Associates: Principal KCML, Leadership Sub-committee.
Book of Order Advisory Committee
Convenor: Rev Dr Kerry Enright* (2023-2025), Deputy Convenor: Rev Peter McKenzie*(2023-2027). Members: Jordan Grimmer (2023-25, 2 year extension), Rev Brett Johnstone (2023-25 2 year extension), Andrew Irwin* (2023-27), Efi Efaraimo (2021-25), Peter Weir* (2023-27), Anna High (2023-25), Mayhaka Mendis (2023-25), Very Rev Dr Graham Redding (2023-25). Associates: Assembly Executive Secretary, Book of Order Advisor.
Personnel Work Group
Convenor: Rev Stuart Simpson* (2023-27), Deputy Convenor .......: Members: Rev Rainier Raath (2021-25), Lois Robertson (2021-25), Anesi Tauasili*
(2023-27), Rev Christine Sorenson*(2023-27), Rev Gene Lawrence*(2023-27).
Assembly Business Work Group (for 2023 Assembly)
Convenor: Rev Alistair McBride (2018-23) Deputy Convenor. Members: Rev Heather Kennedy (2018-23), Rev Dan Spragg* (2023-27). Rev Richard Gray (2023). Associates: Clerk of Assembly, Deputy Clerk of Assembly.
Assembly Business Work Group (for 2025 Assembly)
Convenor: To be determined from the members. Members: Rev Shona Bettany* (2023-27), Rev Anne Stewart* (2023-27), Rev Dan Spragg (2023-27), Gerald Broadfield* (2023-27). Associates: Clerk of Assembly, Deputy Clerk of Assembly.
Doctrine Core Reference Group
Convenor: Rev Prof Murray Rae (2021-25) Deputy Convenor: Rev Dr Fei Taulealeausumai (2021-25). Members: Aaron Geddis (2023-25 2 year extension), Rev Malcolm Gordon (2021-25), Rev Dr Jordan Redding (2021-25), Margaret van Ginkel (2021-25), Timothy Lim*(2023-27), Rev Mark Maney*(2023-27), Rev David Williams*(2023-27).
Church Architecture Reference Group
Auckland: Roger Low; Wellington: John Grant, Ric Slessor; Christchurch: Rev Stephanie Wells, Rev Dugald Wilson, Gordon Galkie.
PressGo Board
Chair: Very Rev Hamish Galloway* (2023-27) Deputy Chair: Anne Overton (2021- 25). Members: Rev Mahaki Albert (Te Aka Puaho 2021-25),Hannah North*(2023-27), Rev Pennie Otto (2021-25), Rev Won Hyuk Jung*(2023-27). Associate: Assembly Executive Secretary.
UCANZ Standing Committee
Members: Rev Stephanie Wells (2023-25 2 year extension), Rev Hanna Popea-Dell* (2023-27).
Judicial Panel
Makesi Alatimu, Wendy Aldred, Barry Ayres, Frazer Barton, Lilias Bell, David Carden, Roy Christian, Vivian Coleman, Mavis Duncanson, Rachel Dewar, Kerry Enright, Richard Fowler, Lorraine Francis, Mary Gibbs, Carol Grant, Richard Gray, Diane Gilliam-Weeks, Annette Hannah, Bruce Hansen, Bruce Harris, Tausala Iosefa, Andrew Irwin, Brett Johnstone, Tokerau Joseph, Fakaofo Kaio, Allister Lane, Alistair McBride, Robyn McPhail, Garry Marquand, Norman MacLean, Sylvia Miller-Hardie, Ron Mills, Cherie Moran, Nyalle Paris, Nathan Parry, Stephanie Pettigrew, Joanna Pidgeon, Alex Robinson, Michaela Ryan, Alastair Sherriff, Pamela Tankersley, Wayne Thompson, Ikipa Tongatule, Marilyn Wallace, Nicola Watkin, Peter Whiteside, Dugald Wilson, Virginia Wilson.
Church Property Trustees
Chair: Rev Dr Ron Mills (until November 2023) Andrew Souness (from November 2023), Deputy Chair: Andrew Souness (until November 2023). Trustees: Paul Barber, Marie Burgess, Helen Carter, Brian Dangerfield, Margaret Galt, Roger Gyles, John Harvey, Hao Hoang, Alan Jamieson, Lyn Murray. Trustees on Leave of Absence: Right Rev Rose Luxford, Winston Timaloa. Associate Specialist Trustee: Ruth Rainey
It was noted that Church Property Trustee appointments are open ended, and only new trustees are appointed by Assembly. It was reported that the following trustees had retired since the last General Assembly: Rev Chris Elliott.
Proposal F1: Bi-lingual Bible
Rev Ryhan Prasad spoke to this proposal and responded to questions.
Rev Prasad moved, it was seconded
[23.049] That the Church recognise the 2022 Bi-lingual edition of Te Paipera Tapu as its preferred Bible for use in worship throughout the country.
Assembly engaged in a period of debate. The motion was agreed
Proposal F2: Church Council Quorum
Rev Stuart Simpson moved, it was seconded
[23.050] That the quorum requirement for a church council be eased to allow the absence of a minister in some circumstances.
After a period of debate, the matter was suspended.
In brief…
There was a Presbytery Central presentation by Rev Stuart Simpson; Kaimai Presbytery presentation by Rev Simon Cornwall and Rev Reece Frith; overseas guests were introduced to the Assembly - Rev Collin Keleb, General Secretary Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu, Mrs Roslyne Keleb, Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu PWMU president, and Mrs Rossie Caleb, principal Onesua High School, and Collin and Rossie spoke to the Assembly; Rev Andrew Doubleday the Missions Facilitator for Uniting Congregations Aotearoa New Zealand was introduced to the Assembly; and the new executive officer for Christian World Service Dr Tim Pratt was invited to speak to the Assembly about the work of his organisation... see the Friday business video below to watch many of these addresses and presentations.
Video: GA23 business sessions
Watch video of GA23 Friday morning business below:
- Morning session 1 video, up to morning tea time. watch here
- Morning session 2 video, up to lunch time. watch here
- Afternoon session 3 video, after lunch to end of business, watch here
Video: Worship
Watch here the video of Worship led by Rev Joshua Joseph Tepou on the second day of GA business.
Video: Second keynote address: Rev Dr Andrew Callander
Rev Dr Andrew Callander gave his second keynote address which speaks to Rose's Moderator theme, “Authentic and Hopeful in Christ – beginning with what is life-giving". Watch the video or download it here. Andrew says he attended a workshop with Rose and was especially struck by a reading by Rob Voyle, “An Appreciative Inquiry Paradigm for Transitional Ministry”. Appreciative Inquiry is a strengths-based idea—that focusing on what is working for people empowers them to imagine and incarnate life-giving ways of being and doing, whereas focusing on what is wrong locks them into unproductive cycles of failure and shame.... Download full text of Andrew's keynote addresses from the GA2023 website.
PCANZ ministry videos
The Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office video was played at Assembly today giving a brief overview of the their work and people - watch the video below.
Video: GA evening event: CoA Emissions Reductions Workgroup workshop
An evening where stories were shared, good news stories from across the country of Presbyterians involved in grassroots projects that promote emissions reductions, connect with their faith, and point to the hope that we all have in the coming Reign of God. After requests for the videos that were shown, the Group is happy to share the following links:
- Not for profit entity Manaaki Energy –St Andrews Hastings and the Maori Climate Commissioner, watch video and download information.
- Ngaio Union Repair café, watch video.
- Bathgate School Garden, Seedling Community, South Dunedin, watch video.
- “We Can Produce Our Own Power” Documentary by 350 Aotearoa, watch video.