Take notice that on the 6th day of October 2026 a Scheme prepared under section 6 of the Presbyterian Church Property Amendment Act 1996 was submitted to a Commission of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand in relation to the Margaret and Ellen Thompson Trust, a charitable trust created by bequest from Sister Elinor Thomspon to The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees.
The purpose of the charitable trust is to invest the capital of the trust and apply the income for a salary of a Deaconess in New Zealand.
Given that the Order of Deaconesses was dissolved in 1975, the Trustees have determined that it is impossible to carry out the object of purpose of the trust. Moreover, the Trustees have also determined that the amount of trust property, being $11,500, is inadequate to carry out the object or purpose on which the trust property is held.
The Scheme proposes to amend the terms of the trust so that the purpose on which the trust property is held becomes as follows:
To apply both the capital and income of the trust for the purpose of supporting women in ministry training and formation (both lay and ordained) within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, as the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (or any successor) shall from time to time determine.
In the event that the Scheme is approved, once the funds are transferred to a Ministry Training and Formation Fund, the Margaret and Ellen Thompson Trust will be wound up.
This notice is given by The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees pursuant to section 10 of the Presbyterian Church Property Amendment Act 1996 and is dated and published on the 30th day of October 2026.
Any person who wants to oppose the Scheme may, no later than 60 days after the date of publication, lodge with the Commission written objections to the Scheme or make written representations concerning the Scheme to the Commission.
Written objections or representations must be sent to the Assembly Executive Secretary at erin@presbyterian.org.nz or PO Box 9049, Te Aro, Wellington 6141.
Further particulars may be obtained from the office of The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees at trustees@presbyterian.org.nz
Deadline for objections 29 December 2026.