Moderator of the General Assembly

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The Right Rev Hamish Galloway of Christchurch is the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hamish was installed as Moderator on 29 September 2021 at the Church’s online General Assembly (the 2020 GA was  delayed until 2021 due to Covid-19, it was held 29-30 September 2021 online due to Covid-19 restrictions). Read the sermon he gave at the opening Worship.

Hamish is the minister of Cashmere Presbyterian Church in Christchurch.

Born in Timaru, he studied at the University of Canterbury. After graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Laws, he worked as a law clerk and solicitor in Christchurch. He then studied at the Presbyterian Theological Hall from 1981, completing his training in 1983. 

Hamish ministered at St Stephens Presbyterian Church, Timaru from 1983 until 1988. 

From 1989 to 2010, Hamish served at St Andrew's College, Christchurch, first as Head of Religious Education and chaplain, and then as Head of Pastoral Care and chaplain.

He studied through Massey University for a Master of Business Studies, graduating in 1999.

Hamish was senior pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, from 2011 - 2020 before moving to his present role at Cashmere Presbyterian Church.

Hamish has spent time studying and working overseas: in 1989, he was minister at Lake Cowichan United Church, Vancouver Island; in 1999 he was chaplain at Scots College in Sydney for six months and also studied at the University of Wisconsin for three months. In 2009, he was minister at Bromley Methodist Church, London.

He has served the Presbyterian Church as Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery, clerk of the South Canterbury Presbytery, two separate terms on the Council of Assembly, Co-convenor of the Facilitation Committee, member of the Doctrine Committee, and as 2004 General Assembly co-ordinator.

Hamish says he will bring to the role of Moderator, “A vibrant and passionate love of God and leadership and strategic thinking skills honed over years of ministry in different contexts”.

“My range of ministry experience in parish and chaplaincy, in a variety of countries and denominations, provides a base that will helpfully inform my time as leader.”
Hamish plans to focus on his Moderator theme of intergenerational ministry – Empowering Generations - during his two-year term.

He has created an Empowering Generations website to resource the Church, offer workshops, and interact with all Presbyterians and parishes.

He says, “A particularly important focus for me will be encouraging the Church to steward resources wisely and effectively to empower the next generation of the Church. Hangaa e te Atua he whakapaparanga mo nga wa e heke mai nei - Build O God a generation for the times that are coming.”

Hamish is married to Anne. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.

  • Download a hi res image of Moderator  Right Rev Hamish Galloway
  • Download or view here official photos from the installation of new Moderator Right Rev Hamish Galloway at the online 2021 General Assembly, evening of 29 September.
  • Watch on vimeo or read the sermon given by Right Rev Hamish Galloway as the new PCANZ Moderator at the opening of General Assembly 2021 on 29 September.