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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Research Centre
Global Mission
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
PCANZ Emissions Reductions Workgroup
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Our Moderator, Right Rev Peter Dunn, takes a break from his column this month. You can read Peter's recent Pentecost message to the Church here.
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Nau mai, haere mai ki a koutou katoa
Over the past few months, since starting as AES, I have made several trips to our national marae, Te Maungarongo, where I have spent time with Moderator Tamiana, Honey, and members of Te Aka Puaho.
My first visit as AES was in March this year, when we met and had a kōrero around the tīkanga of the marae. I had visited in the past and enjoyed my stay and the walks along the beach. Tamiana and Honey had visited my neck of the woods when they attended my induction as AES in February. They had never been so far south. I was a bit loath to tell them that Balclutha isn’t the bottom of the South Island. Now, with me being AES, we needed to get to know each other in a new way. It was important for me to assure the moderator that I would respect the tīkanga of the marae, as they wanted to assure me of their respect for me in my role as AES. We couldn’t assume such things, though – we needed to spend time talking and listening over a cuppa or a meal together. Intentionality in building understanding and relationships.
A few weeks ago, in early May, there was a celebration at Te Maungarongo – after ten years, a licensing service was held for five people who had completed their Amorangi training done in partnership with KCML. In talking with the 5, prior to being welcomed onto the marae, they all shared it had been a long road getting to this point. There were nerves and excitement amongst the licentiates and their families as we were called onto the grounds. The pōwhiri had speeches, much laughter, and singing. Darryl Tempero (representing KCML) and I had no real idea of what was said, but we recognised and responded to the warmth being exchanged between parties. We smiled as the women hurried the speeches along.
From the pōwhiri, we went into the wharenui for the licensing service. What a special service and time of acknowledgement. We were reminded that these five people felt called by God, that they were standing within the aroha of their families, their calling could not be separated from both God and the families who raised them. We were reminded that wherever they went in their ministry, God would be there. There were tears and laughter, and as Janie, Iranui, Danny, Faye and Honey led us in communion, there were nerves and pride and a real sense of community as they worked together serving the bread and wine.
Then we went to have lunch. A feast. All of this, although good, is just background – I wanted to share a conversation I had with Tamiana.
It had been ten years between licensing services for Te Aka Puahou. I asked Tamiana - did he have a plan for the next class of Amorangi training? I was really asking – would it be another ten years before I was back celebrating the licensing of Amorangi?
Tamiana, in his wise and gentle way, said, "Oh no." They needed seven more people to provide ministry within Te Aka Puahou, and he was committed to these seven being from their young people. There was a real clarity of the need for Te Aka Puahou – they need seven more ministers. And absolute intentionality in the need to ‘pass the baton down’. I didn’t ask what was meant by "young." I know that in some spaces, anyone under 60 is considered young. But as Tamiana spoke, I didn’t think that was what he meant. He is recalling the work of John Laughton and Sister Annie – reaching the young.
If you get to spend time with Moderator Tamiana and Honey, you might get to hear the wider vision that has been given to them for Te Aka Puahou. Seek out the opportunity if you can.
This weekend (it will have already happened), a large group of youth will gather at Te Maungarongo. They come from Presbyterian church schools and youth groups from around the motu. Intentional investing in our young people.
On a Zoom call this week, I heard another story about an explosion of young people giving their lives to the Lord in a particular context. Which is resulting in the need to provide discipleship and connection into local churches. A story of intentionality in making sure we respond to faith responses.
I also recently heard of a young couple feeling called to move between islands – from the north island to the deep south – to work with young people. The locals have commented that shorts and jandals are being worn with the temperature only being 6 degrees (a knowing shake of the head – they will come to their senses and wear jeans before long). But another story of intentionality - the young couple and a congregation stepping into a new ministry together.
There will be many other stories of intentionality around about us. Can I encourage us to notice the signs God is at work amongst us, be responsive to what God is doing and be thankful that we are part of a movement that is bigger than ourselves. As the Psalmist says
Psalm 145:3-4 – Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another: they tell of your mighty acts.
Mauri ora,
Erin
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Noho Marae - Te Maungarongo Marae (Ōhope) – 11–13 September
You are invited to a weekend immersion to hear, engage, and reflect on our story in Aotearoa. And where better to learn about the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Aka Puahou, and our bicultural journey than at the national Presbyterian church marae: Te Maungarongo Marae at the sparkling Ōhope beach. Rev Tamiana Thrupp, Rev Dr Murray Rae and Rev Dr Wayne Te Kaawa will be our Kaiako. Numbers are limited. Register here.
Study Leave
From June to October, Rev Dr Darryl Tempero and Rev Seb Murrihy will be on study leave. From October to the New Year, Rev Dr Andrew Nicol will be on study leave. All three have study leave proposals, which will continue to deepen and widen our engagement with the church here in Aotearoa NZ and the global church.
Sick Leave
I have required surgery and will be on extended sick leave. The surgery was initially a few months away but was suddenly (and gratefully) brought forward. In my absence, and due to three faculty being on study leave, Rev Phil King will be Acting Principal. Fortunately, Phil now has an office at KCML. Phil, of course, will still be attending to his Global Mission role; his work with KCML will be oversight. Rev Erin Pendreigh has been supporting and advising KCML as we have navigated things, and will continue to remain in close support to Phil and the KCML staff during my absence.
All KCML workstreams will continue with some reduction of training events in the second half of this year.
Yours in Christ
Geoff New
Principal
Presbyterian Research Centre (PRC)
Record Keeping
Recently, we’ve had a number of enquiries at the Archives from parishes wanting to know what kind of records it’s important for them to keep. Your records tell the story of your congregation, and they also help provide accountability and enable you to meet statutory and church requirements.
These are some of the most important records to keep;
1. Registers – these include marriage and baptism registers and funeral registers if your congregation keeps them.
2. Minutes of Session, Board of Managers and Parish Council.
3. Annual Reports
4. Communion Rolls / Membership Lists
5. Plans of buildings (including renovations) and legal documents relating to property.
6. Important correspondence.
7. Financial Records. These must be retained for seven years, but after this most bank statements, invoices etc can generally be discarded, provided that a ledger, cash book or digital equivalent is kept.
8. Records relating to groups for children and young people.
9. Older records for Women’s organisations, Bible Class, Sunday School, Busy Bees, Christian Endeavour, choirs and other groups.
10. Photographs
You can find more information about what to keep on our Recollect website (Presbyterian Research Centre). If you click on the “Your Records” tab under the main logo, you will find several useful articles about parish records.
If you are looking for more detailed information, we can send you our Retention and Disposal Schedule for Parish Records which sets out exactly what you need to keep. Please email us at pcanzarchives@prcknox.org.nz.
We can also send you our Guide to Managing Digital Records.
We’re always happy to provide help and advice about managing your records, so if you have any queries, please get in touch with us.
Regards,
Rachel Hurd
Archivist, PRC
Leprosy Mission
The Leprosy Mission is offering youth advocate scholarships to Nepal for young adults interested in learning about this important ministry. This is a great opportunity for those with an adventurous spirit and interest in global mission. Successful applicants need to be free to travel in January 2027. Find out more here.
Council for World Mission
In May we hosted a team of children’s educators and ministry leaders from Council for World Mission (CWM) member churches around the world. Their programme included learning about models of children’s ministry including Messy Church and Godly play, and they also had a full day hosted at Saint Kentigern Schools and College. Then a few days at Te Maungarongo marae in Ohope before concluding their programme back in Auckland. I’m grateful for the ministry exposure and hospitality offered by so many of our PCANZ congregations and members throughout this programme, helping to resource partner churches in their ministry.
Presbyterian Women of Aotearoa New Zealand funds distribution in Vanuatu
In early June a two-person team of Global Mission volunteers will be meeting with Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu leaders to discern options for distributing a fund of $90,000 received from Presbyterian Women of Aotearoa New Zealand following their dissolution in 2023. Nicola Young and Rebecca Dudley will meet with PCV women’s ministry, PCV Health and other leaders to assess the best options for the use of this fund.
CWM Annual Member’s Meeting
In June the PCANZ will be hosting the CWM Annual Member’s Meeting in Auckland. The General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM), Rev. Pek Muan Cuang will be attending. During his time in New Zealand, we are arranging for him to preach at some of our congregations and meet with PCANZ members who have supported our partnership with the PCM. We hope this will lift the profile of our partnership and provide encouragement for the PCM in their ongoing challenges coping with life and ministry in the context of Myanmar’s civil war.
Please feel free to contact me with any matters relating to Global Mission.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
phil@presbyteran.org.nz
Kia ora koutou,
It's been an encouraging season. The Holy Spirit is clearly at work — we're seeing increasing numbers of rangatahi wanting to know more about the Christian faith. Easter Camps and Easter Services drew thousands of young people across Aotearoa, and many made strong, meaningful commitments. What a time to be in youth ministry!
New Website Resources
Two pages worth sharing with your whānau:
- Exploring Faith — for those curious about the Christian faith
- New to Faith — for those who've recently made a commitment
Key Leaders Retreat — Queenstown 2026
11–14 September | Queenstown. With Connect on pause, this is the gathering for youth ministry leaders — focused on refreshment, connection, and equipping. Please prioritise it, and book flights early for the best rates. Key Leaders Retreat →
Sustainable Practices for Youth Ministry
Longevity of youth leaders is one of the most critical factors in effective ministry to rangatahi — it takes time to build the trust that opens doors. This free resource helps churches think through managing volunteer leaders and employed youth workers across seven key practices. Well worth working through together. Explore the resource →
PYM Internship
Know a young person sensing a call to youth ministry? The PYM Internship combines formal academic training with a supported church placement, fully connected to KCML and the PCANZ. Your encouragement could be what a young person needs to take that next step. Find out more →
Child Protection Quick Check
- Safety WoF: Required within the first 12 months for anyone working with children or youth — online training available anytime, or join our live series in September.
- Police Checks: Best completed before a leader begins.
- CPO: Every parish needs an appointed Child Protection Officer.
📱 Beat the Algorithm — Join the PYM Facebook Group →
Nāku noa, nā,
Matt Chamberlin | PYM
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
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.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
PCANZ Emissions Reductions Workgroup
Never let a good crisis go to waste
As painful as our current fuel crisis is for the economy and for many Kiwi households, it may well provide the impetus needed to transition away from fossil fuels.
One way that Presbyterian churches can encourage this transition is to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Rethinking transport can be a good place to begin. Here are some things you could explore:
- Encourage carpooling to worship services and other events. Carpooling is already common in most churches, typically for pastoral reasons. We will often coordinate rides for people who are homebound. Why not extend this to include the whole congregation? After all, we’re all going to the same place on Sunday.
- Manage travel to/from meetings to reduce the amount of travel required. For church staff, this may mean having some work-from-home days. It could also mean coordinating jobs so that multiple trips can be combined into one.
- Encourage public or active transport wherever possible. Stop driving wherever there is a bus, or you can bike or walk. This not only makes good environmental sense. You save money on fuel, get healthier, and have “space” during the commute to think and pray.
- Offer mileage rebates per km for public or active transport. Incentivise staff by offering mileage rebates even if someone isn’t driving. So, if one staff member walks and another drives, they would both get the same reimbursement.
Changing driving habits can be very difficult in New Zealand. Our towns and cities have been designed to make us car-dependent. But there is a unique opportunity, as people look to save on fuel, to change habits and behaviours in ways that are good for us and our planet.
Rev Dr Jordan Redding
Convenor
PCANZ Emissions Reductions Workgroup
Association of Reflective Practice in Theological Education (ARPTE) Conference
November 16-18
The Association of Reflective Practice in Theological Education (ARPTE) conference is being held at Vaughan Park, Auckland in November. Entitled Shared Wisdom, Shared Practice, this conference offers a space to connect theological educators alongside practitioners in supervision, spiritual direction, and CPE. Come and be refreshed among colleagues and kindred spirits in a place of beauty, contemplation, and hospitality.
Participants are invited to submit of abstracts of a paper (200-300 words) for workshop-style presentations from an angle of ministry practice e.g., pastoral ministry, supervision, theological education, spiritual direction, chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education. Email to: reflectivepracticearpte@gmail.com before 13 September 2026
Conference webpage: here
Registration page: here
International Rural Churches Assoc (IRCA) Conference 2026 – Roots, Faith & Identity
The International Rural Churches Association (IRCA) Conference 2026 will be held in Sibiu, Romania, from Monday, 20 July to Saturday, 25 July 2026, hosted by the Evangelical Academy of Transylvania.
The conference theme, “Roots, Faith and Identity: People and Communities Living on the Land,” reflects on the deep connections between faith, history, land, and community life in Europe and beyond. In a complex global context shaped by questions of identity, belonging, and relationship with the land, the conference offers space to share stories, build relationships, and journey together as an international and ecumenical community.
The conference begins on Monday, 20 July and concludes after breakfast on Saturday, 25 July. Anyone who is interested can also participate remotely on ZOOM.
For further information or to register for the Zoom link, visit the conference website here.
Receptions to the Roll:
Rev Geoffery Odhiambo Stated Supply Somervell Presbyterian Church to Minister Somervell Presbyterian Church, 7 May 2026
Changes in Status:
Rev Mark Maney, minister Norwest Presbyterian Churches to minister Greyfriars Eden Epsom Presbyterian Church, 21 May 2026
Retirements
Rev John Malcolm, minister Greyfriars Eden Epsom Presbyterian Church, to minister emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 31 December 2025
Rev Tom Waight, minister Waipu Presbyterian Church, to minister emeritus Presbytery Northern, 31 December 2025
Rev Wayne Matheson, other recognised minister, Presbytery Central, to minister emeritus Presbytery Central, 28 February 2026
Rev Murray Lambert, minister Matamata – St Andrews Presbyterian Church to minister emeritus Kaimai Presbytery, 1 May 2026
Resignations from Roll of Ministers:
Rev Greta Muller, other recognised minister Presbytery Central- Nukuhau Tapu, 5 March 2026
Deaths
Rev Alastair Harray, minister emeritus, Presbytery Central- Nukuhau Tapu, 19 March 2026
Rev Nehe Dewes, minister emeritus, Te Aka Puahou– Māori Synod, 6 April 2026
Rev Hariata Haumate, minister emerita, Te Aka Puahou – Māori Synod, 10 May 2026
Congregation Changes
St Paul’s – St Mark’s Presbyterian Parish change of name to Whanganui to St Paul’s in the City, Presbyterian Church, Whanganui, 19 May 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.
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
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