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IN THIS MONTH'S BUSH TELEGRAPH
- From the Assembly Executive Secretary
- Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
- Presbyterian Research Centre
- Global Mission
- Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
- Presbyterian Church Schools
- Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
- PressGo News
- Church Register
- Notices
- Social Media
- Events
- Jobs
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From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Nau mai, haere mai ki a koutou katoa
In my first week as AES I received a letter from the General Secretary of the Council of World Mission (CWM) asking if the PCANZ would consider hosting the Annual Members Meeting in June 2026. I knew about CWM having been on one of their New Face Mission Trips to Taiwan and to Wales in 2024/2025. I also knew about CWM because last year I encouraged the PCANZ (prior to knowing I would be changing roles) to host CWM’s 2026 New Face program – ReVisioning Education Programme which was run in Auckland and Te Maungarongo Marae in May 2026 with Karo (our PCFM Director) and Phil (Global Missions Director) organising and supporting it ably.
I spoke with my predecessor, Wayne who conveyed it would be an honour to say yes to hosting. I then spoke with Phil who said… ‘Well, if we do it you will be too busy but yes, I could help’. So, my first official letter went out accepting the request to be the host of the AMM of CWM. And then Phil asked – had I read the letter? Because we have to find churches to take the delegates to on the Sunday, and we have to host a welcome dinner for 70 people. Easily done!
This column is a big thank you to all who helped the PCANZ host the CWM AMM. Bronwyn (National office) who assisted in writing letters of support to immigration for about 40 delegated. Four congregations opened their pulpits, their services, and provided lunch for delegates from around the world - thank you St Columba at Botany, St Johns Mt Roskill, St Johns Presbyterian Church and Onehunga Co-operating Parish. Rev Carolyn Kelly came to the meeting and led devotions every morning and evening, skilfully weaving scripture and reflective questions with examples of movements of advocacy within NZ, as we considered the work CWM and its partner churches undertake.
We had two ‘younger’ guests from the wider PCANZ family join the meeting as I seek opportunities to pass the baton of participating in the work of the wider church. Thank you to Masele and Maungapaia for engaging and reflecting strategically about the partnership we have with CWM.
As part of our hosting, we invited the Moderators and spouses from Pacific Presbytery and Northern Presbytery, and a local past National Moderator to join us for dinner. At short notice they came and brought greetings from the PCANZ to the delegates. It was lovely to see connections from years ago being rekindled over food. (Reverend’s Fakaofo and Jooseop knew each other from 20 years ago).
How easy it can be to stay in our little corner of the world only looking at our issues and our church and our ways. Hosting reminded me that we are part of a global movement and we have much to learn and much to offer. Hosting allowed me to speak to the delegates about what we are doing, the good and the not so good. It was an opportunity to once again highlight two of the videos that were made for GA25 – inspiring clips from Forge and Te Aka Puahou. It was moving to have the CWM Mission Secretary of Education, the Rev Dr Amelia koh-Butler stand and share of the warm and hospitality she had experienced only weeks before from Te Aka Puahou, after watching the video filmed at the Marae. The inter-woven stories of the PCANZ, Te Aka Puahou and CWM along with the Forge video, so inspired the Mission Secretary of Discipleship he asked if a member of Forge could be part of a program being run in the UK in 2027. He was so impressed by Forge’s intergenerational and intercultural way of being, he would like Forge to inspire other pioneers within the CWM family.
All of this was amazing and added to it…I got to see our PFCM Director, Karo Wilson, and our Global Missions Director, Rev Phil King at work. The passion Karo has for our younger generations and the knowledge she shared in the area of safeguarding was impressive. In Karo we have a cutting-edge resource!
And likewise, I was in awe as I watched Phil engage with people across many cultures, who partner with the PCANZ through Global Missions. I witnessed the fruit of years and years of time Phil has spent building relationships, supporting and connecting, all on display. The warmth of their welcomes, the hugs, and the comfortable slipping back and forth between each other’s languages. There was a real sense of humility and equality, emphasising Phil’s desire that we cross culturally partner together for the good of the Kingdom.
As we continue to think about our CWM partnership – a number of us reading this have already experienced some amazing opportunities via trips and encounters with others from many nations, through scholarships. It all ultimately reminds us that we are part of a wider network, one endeavouring to empower us in the spread of the Gospel, as we learn from our neighbours.
One such CWM initiative is CWM Sunday. It offers churches an opportunity to celebrate God’s mission through worship, reflection and a renewed commitment to justice, partnership and transformation – see the link below to tap into this resource.
https://www.cwmission.org/news/spotlights/cwm-invites-global-communion-to-celebrate-cwm-sunday-2026/
Whether we choose to join in with CWM or not, I encourage us to be thankful for the passion we have been given for others as we acknowledge that the PCANZ is but one thread in the weaving of God’s kingdom.
‘I truly understand that God does not show favouritism, but welcomes those from every national who fear Him and do what is right’ Acts 10:34-35
Erin Pendreigh
Assembly Executive Secretary
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
The winter block course took place in Dunedin from June 8-19. The six LOMs and 2 NOMs are in the second and final year of their training, and their shared experience over the past 18 months has seen them establish a strong rapport. They are now on the downhill run with the spring block course in September signaling the beginning of the end of their internships and preparation for graduation and the next stage of their ministry to follow. This cohort reflects the multicultural nature of the PCANZ and with a Presbyterian School chaplain training as a LOM it is not solely a programme for parish ministry. This is who we are as a church, and it’s encouraging to see leadership coming through that demonstrates this.
Darryl Tempero and Seb Murrihy will be on study leave until September, returning in time for the spring block course. Darryl is researching different ways of discerning God’s activity and leading; Seb is working on his doctoral studies exploring how the church can live faithfully in our constantly changing, fast-paced world.
KCML Principal Geoff New is on sick leave for an indeterminate period, recovering from open heart surgery to replace a valve. Geoff’s return to work will be gradual and he is hoping to be well enough to teach at the spring block course in late September.
Recordings of the KCML faculty’s popular webinars on “AI and Christian Life” are now available in the resource library of our website: https://knoxcentre.ac.nz/resources/ . With advances in AI impacting on our lives daily these webinars are a helpful resource for each of us personally and also for leaders across the breadth of our movement.
Phil King
Acting Principal
Presbyterian Research Centre
Mark your Calendars
“Contentious Presbyterianism” is the name of a Forum sponsored by Presbyterian Research Network (PRN) and PRC, to be held at 10 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday 29 August in the Frank Nichol Room on the campus of Knox College in Dunedin. Jim Veitch and Niki Francis will be providing the Dunedin launch of Jim’s book, Lloyd Geering: Prophet or Heretic? Martin George Holmes, Mark Grimshaw, and Terry Pouono will also be speaking, and Alofa Lale and Yvonne Wilkie will be contributing to the panel discussion. Lunch will be provided. A nominal koha will be requested for attendance. Zoom livestreaming will be available for the bulk of the day’s sessions. More details are to be released later. We hope you can join us.
In Christ,
Rev Jay Robinson
PRC Director
Global Mission
In May I shared in a mission consultation with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu, led by the Council for World Mission. Church leaders from throughout Vanuatu gathered in Port Vila for four days to discern the signs of the times and consider the way forward in mission. Following the consultation I was joined by volunteers Rebecca Dudley and Nicola Young. They met with PCV leaders to assess funding for projects supported by a grant received from PCANZ’s Presbyterian Women. The focus of these projects will be supporting the PWMU with leadership training for women and PCV health projects, particularly dental care for children. I also spent time preparing for project work including a chaplains training programme taking place in August, and the Gray Memorial Chapel Project at Onesua College. Read about this in the Nambawan newsletter.
We recently hosted the General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. Rev. Pek Muan Cuang preached at St. Columba at Botany on June 21, Leith Valley in Dunedin on June 28, also visiting Batch Church. He shared about the huge challenges facing the church in Myanmar and expressed gratitude for the support received from the PCANZ over many years. See these photographs on the Global Mission Facebook page; a Mingalaba newsletter summarising our partnership with the PCM is here. Rev. Pek returned to Myanmar on July 1 and will be involved in coordinating support for internally displaced persons affected by the civil war.
For those who may be discerning a call to global mission, Kim Shaw of Korowai Coaching is offering an online workshop on mission discernment. This workshop is relevant for those considering “Where to from here?” and also for those in leadership roles. “Beyond the Sidelines: Bringing Mission Back into the Centre,” Wednesday 22 July, 7pm, https://events.humanitix.com/mission-beyond.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
phil@presbyterian.org.nz
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Greetings from PCFM!
Well, it has been a whirlwind start to the year, and I’m wondering how we’ve managed to make it to July already!
At the end of March, I was privileged to travel to Palmerston North for Central Presbytery’s gathering, and to meet a few of the wonderful people working in the children and families ministry space. It was fantastic to see what’s happening in the presbytery, and to celebrate the great things being done by churches in that part of the country. I’m hoping to attend gatherings in the other presbyteries in the coming months.
In May, PCANZ hosted participants of the Council for World Missions Revisioning Education – Mission and Ministry with Children programme. It was a delight to share the variety and depth of education and ministry with children within the PCANZ. A real highlight was spending time at Ohope, on the marae, and learning together from each other’s experiences.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SAFETY WOF – September
It is important that those working with children and young people in the Presbyterian Church are well equipped to handle some of the tricky stuff that might come their way. The Safety WOF training is a great way to upskill and equip volunteers and paid children and youth workers, and is essential for anyone working with young people in the PCANZ. For more information, or to sign up, go to https://www.safetywof.org.nz/
Intergenerate
Intergenerate is a fantastic conference exploring the importance of, and implementation of Intergenerational ministry and worship. If your church is looking for fresh inspiration and ideas, be sure to check out one of the conferences happening around the country in August.
- Thursday August 6 – Riccarton Baptist Church, CHRISTCHURCH
- Saturday August 8 – St Barnabas Church, NELSON
- Tuesday August 11 – The Anchor Church, WELLINGTON
- Friday August 14 – Mangare Bridge Baptist Church AUCKLAND
For more info, or to register check out Intergenerate.com.au//events
Nga Manaakitanga,
Karo Wilson
Director, PCFM
Presbyterian Church Schools
The Presbyterian Church Schools Advisory Group has recently surveyed church schools seeking feedback on the role of the church school’s director, which is currently vacant. As a result, the job description has been refreshed, and the position has been advertised. This is a half-time role that would suit someone with a background in education and ministry, and the passion and drive to help grow the relationship between the PCANZ and Presbyterian schools. The job description and application details are here.
While the church school’s director role has been vacant, Rev. Hayden Luke has been providing some support and pastoral care for school chaplains. This has been well received and appreciated by those whom Hayden has connected with.
St. Cuthberts College principal Charlotte Avery has resigned and is returning to the UK for family reasons. We thank Charlotte for her contribution to the Presbyterian Schools network and wish her well for the next steps in her career.
Coming up - the Presbyterian Church Schools Conference will be held at Solway College in Masterton from August 5-7.
Phil King
Church Schools Advisory Group Chair
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund – interest rate unchanged
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund will remain at 3.25% p.a. from 1 July 2026. The PIF On Call rate tends to follow the Official Cash Rate, which is expected to start rising again soon. We suggest congregations use an annual rate of 3.5% for budgets to 30 June 2027. A reminder to please provide advance notice (of at least 3 days) for major (>$100,000) withdrawals.
The interest rate on the PIF Long-Term Fund remains at 3.0% pa plus inflation.
The PIF is open to parishes, but not to individuals. Rates are subject to change. For details on the Long Term Fund or further information, email the Trustees’ Executive Officer, Russell Garrett.
Wigston Shannon Assistance Fund - for the spouses of deceased ministers
The Wigston Shannon Fund is available to provide financial assistance to the spouse or partner of a deceased Presbyterian minister. The Fund can assist meet to a variety of costs by way of a grant (typically up to $10,000).
For an application form, please email trustees@presbyterian.org.nz.
Glen Innis Holiday Houses - available to all ordained ministers
Thanks to the generosity of James McNutt, ministers of the Presbyterian Church are able to enjoy up to one week each year in one of two holiday houses (free of charge) on Glen Innis Station, just south of Waipukurau, Central Hawke's Bay. The holiday houses are available for National Ordained Ministers, Local Ordained Ministers, and Amorangi without cost (subject to a refundable bond).
For more information, please check out the website here.
Vacancies for the next three months
Maud Hooper:
July 20-26, July 27-2, Aug 10-16, Aug 17-23, Aug 24-30, Sept 7-13, Sept 14-20, Sept 21-27, Sept 28-4, Oct 4-11
James McNutt:
July 20-26, July 27-2, Aug 10-16, Aug 17-23, Aug 24-30, Sept 7-13, Sept 14-20, Sept 21-27, Sept 28-4, Oct 4-11
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
PressGo News
PressGo and PDS are excited to announce a collaboration around some new funding streams within the PCANZ. The funds will come from PDS reserves and applications will be processed by PressGo in consultation with PDS. The new areas of funding are PDS Community Asset Development Grants in the following categories:
“Asset Development” Grant
This is a grant of up to $20k to:
- Cover the costs of an external expert to come in and work with a congregation or ministry to identity how their assets might be developed to improve financial sustainability while furthering their mission.
- Possibly also contribute to a feasibility study to explore a particular idea
“Seed Funding” Grant
A grant to provide seed funding towards social or green enterprise. This is a grant of up to $20k or up to half the cost of the project (whichever is less) to get an initiative going. Initiatives could include:
- Solar installation
- Shared office space
- A new business (like an OpShop)
- A community centre
- Housing projects
Generally, successful applicants will need to show that the project will 1) generate income (or significantly reduce the running costs of a church/ministry, and 2) advance the mission/ministry of the church/ministry.
“Asset Strategy for Presbyteries” Grant
This grant covers the costs of an external expert to come in and work with a Presbytery to develop a strategy for its assets. This strategy may involve:
- Identifying opportunities for impact investing
- Considering ethical investment/divestment
- Identifying strategic property assets
- Identifying potential partnerships (e.g. with local hapū/iwi, social housing providers, organisations, or other denominations
For more information about these grants, application forms and deadlines for applications please email Pressgo@presbyterian.org.nz
Notices
Christian World Service Winter 2026 Newsletter is out
Daily life in Lebanon, a silent hell! Christian World Service looks on with a heavy heart. However, as you will read in this newsletter, we are not letting up - we cannot let up - in supporting our partners in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world doing whatever they can to bring peace and a better, safer and more just future for those impacted citizens.
CWS Supporters Newsletter Winter 2026
Also, we share tributes on the passing of our beloved colleague Rob Wayne who set the highest standards of relationship with many of the partners undertaking this frontline work.
Tributes flow for Rob Wayne
Those, like Rob, who came before us (including past National Director Brian Turner who features in our first podcast) have shouldered the fight. It is our responsibility to continue doing so.
https://hail.to/christian-world-service/article/V6cm5VU
Onwards and upwards!
Church Register
Licensing
Rev Don John Hiramana-Rua, to Amorangi, Te Aka Puaho, 9 May 2026
Rev Alice Iranui Tawa, to Amorangi, Te Aka Puaho, 9 May 2026
Rev Honey Hukarere Thrupp, to Amorangi, Te Aka Puaho, 9 May 2026
Rev Janie Ingram, to Amorangi, Te Aka Puaho, 9 May 2026
Rev Faye Apanui, to Amorangi, Te Aka Puaho, 9 May 2026
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Geoffery Odhiambo, Minister Somervell Presbyterian Church, 11 June 2026
Resignations from Roll of Ministers
Rev Jason Goroncy, other recognised minister Southern Presbytery, 7 June 2026
Deaths
Rev Neville Winskill, minister emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 23 May 2026
Rev Anthony Hepburn, minister emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, 20 June 2026
Rev Gladys Burgess, minister emerita, Alpine Presbytery, 26 June 2026
Congregation Changes
Gisborne Presbyterian Church, Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu, closed 30 June 2026
Jobs
Check out our job vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table and featured ministerial vacancies for the latest vacancies available in Aotearoa and around the globe.
New and updated vacancies this month include Mosgiel–North Taieri Presbyterian Church seeking a Nationally Ordained Minister (FT) and Dunedin’s Flagstaff Community Church is seeking a Kai Manaaki – Children and Families Leader (PT).
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more.
Social Media
Check out in one handy place the links to the social media of the Presbyterian Church and its ministries including websites, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and video.
Subscribe to publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.