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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
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From the Moderator
I took a break from writing an article for the last edition as there was little to report at the time. After a very busy start to the year, there was a bit of downtime. However, engagements, participation at events, preaching at Churches that have invited me, and article writing have all added up to a steady workflow since then.
On February 12, Erin Pendreigh was inducted into her new role as Assembly Executive Secretary in her home parish in the town of Balclutha, South Otago. A great service well led by Rev Andrew Harrex from Laurence and others, with myself preaching. The Moderator of Te Aka Puahou attended, as well as some members of the Council of Assembly and Assembly employees. Many from the Otago and Southland region and beyond, plus locals, attended. Please pray for Erin as she comes to terms with the job. As we all know, it is a challenging role.
At the very end of February, I attended the two-day onboarding and strategic planning for the Church Property Trustees (CPT) in Christchurch. I discovered that "those people" have their finger on the pulse of PCANZ not only as missionally minded trustees of the property and bequest funds. "Those people" are highly skilled, Spirit-led as they walk through the complexities of their task. I was happy to hear what they were saying and the direction they were talking about to allow the wealth of our Church to be released for the building of God's Kingdom.
As soon as the Trustees’ meeting finished, I flew to Auckland to preach at a significant event. The dedication of the newly formatted Cook Island Māori Bible - Te Bibilia Tapu Ra. The service was held at the Newton Presbyterian Church with a large congregation in attendance, including Church and political dignitaries representing different aspects of Cook Island society, both from New Zealand and the Cook Islands. For example, I sat beside the King’s Representative of the Cook Islands and his wife at the after-service meal. It was a real privilege to be asked to preach, feeling a little out of my depth, though, but everything went well. I want to make special mention of the Rev Robert Robati-Mani and his late wife Marina. From memory, it was about 17 years ago that Robert was commissioned, I presume by the Council of Assembly at the time, to work on this project. It was a long journey for Robert and Marina with the help of the New Zealand Bible Society, who facilitated the advice of international scholars and also the printing to bring the new format of Te Bibilia Tapu Ra to fruition. Thank you, Robert, for your long journey in the same direction as this one. God bless you.
In March, I spent three days taking part in the Northern Presbytery Ministers Retreat. This was a good time of fellowship and discussion, and I hope encouragement for all those involved. I spent a couple of hours at Laidlaw College meeting Presbyterian students, two of whom are training for ministry with KCML. Then it was on a plane again to Tauranga and a drive to Te Maungarongo Marae at Ohope Beach (our PCANZ national marae) for the Council of Assembly, although I missed the first day.
Then it was back home for a quieter three weeks, and it was refreshing to be back to parish ministry for Easter. Finally, last weekend, the Synod of Otago and Southland and Southern Presbytery met for its yearly combined meeting. It was Synod’s AGM; Presbytery had some business, and the rest of the time was spent taking input from two KCML staff and some amazing reports from people and organisations that Synod have supported financially. This year, Sports Chaplaincy and Rural Chaplaincy spoke. Overall, without any bias, the Southern Presbyterian have good things going with their collegiality. The 125th anniversary of the formal joining of the southern (south of the Waitaki River) and northern Presbyterian Church to become the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand was noted.
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues,
As I write this, I am just home after attending the combined Synod of Otago and Southland AGM and the Southern Presbytery Gathering, held in Wānaka. I was indeed surrounded by friends and colleagues, as KCML contributed to resourcing the church and small, ordinary stories were shared, reminding all gathered that God is indeed at work. Chaplaincy was also a focus, recognising the work in the margins where the tools of the church are not readily available, as chaplaincy lives a ministry of presence. It was good to gather with so many ministers and elders attending to the business of the church.
Much has happened since I last contributed to Bush Telegraph, and I continue to learn more about the many things the AES is asked to do. One unexpected task was to draw the winners of the Neighbours Day promotion. This year the draw was for a fruit tree or fruit bush to be sent to the church for them to plant. Our Comms Manager (Angela) conveyed that it was a somewhat low‑key draw as she handed me pages listing the churches that had submitted their entry, along with their stories about what they would do with a fruit tree/bush if they were selected to receive one.
I asked how many I was able to select. She just smiled and said, “As many as you want,” but added that she had a limited budget.
Oh, what a responsibility!
There were 39 entries, so I sorted a cuppa and sat down to read the entries.
St Francis Co‑operating Parish in Clive — oh, I used to go to this church for midnight carols with my Nana on Christmas Eve many, many, many years ago (a tick next to them).
St Paul’s Maheno Otapopo in Oamaru — our immediate past Moderator’s church (a tick next to them).
St Heliers Presbyterian Church in Auckland — I visited there and heard some cool stories, and I trained with their minister back in the day (another tick).
Gosh, I had only read three stories, and I had ticked three churches! And so it went on. Thirty‑nine churches and thirty‑nine ticks. I don’t think I will be asked to do an unofficial draw again. Thirty‑nine trees were double what the budget for this promotion had allowed for. It was a bit of a fail!
Or was it?
Thirty‑nine churches read an invitation to choose a fruit tree/bush, with a challenge to plant it on their church property in a way that the neighbourhood could be invited (once it had grown) to come and enjoy the fruit. For some, this invitation would add to existing church gardens; for others, it sparked the idea of adding fruit to the beautiful flowers already planted.
The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Over a Monday morning tea, where National Office staff and Church Property Trustees share what their coming work week looks like, this fruit tree story was shared. Angela was delighted that 39 churches wanted to invite their neighbours to pick fruit, while acknowledging that the budget allowed for about 20 trees (and postage).
So later that morning, I received an email from Russell at CPT. He had an idea: a couple of trusts that had been sitting might align well with this Neighbours Day project. He invited me to check them out. So, I shook the money tree with the team, and we found that 39 trees/bushes — plus postage — was indeed doable.
But wait, the enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Angela went to her fruit tree/bush supplier to organise postage and shared the story of these churches and their entries. The supplier was inspired and offered to absorb the increased delivery cost, charging only the “pre‑war” delivery rate.
Well done to the 39 churches who ‘WON’. We look forward to seeing photos of the planted trees and, in years to come, fruit being picked.
Interwoven through all of this is the thought that some churches might have asked, “Is it worth planting a tree when it might take four or five years to fruit? Will we even be here?” I loved reading the hope expressed — that this wasn’t about the churches and their future, but rather the hope that even one fruit tree would benefit the neighbourhood they are called to serve.
A great Neighbours Day indeed.
Also, something I learnt last month: did you know that if you send your church newsletter to parishioners by email, you can include the Presbyterian Research Centre on the mailing list (pcanzarchives@prcknox.org.nz)? They will archive them for you. One hundred years from now, a reader could choose to read your church’s AGM reports or weekly newsletters to gain a sense of what was happening in your church community.
Finally, with the Church School Director position currently vacant, we have contracted Rev Hayden Luke for four months to maintain connections with school chaplains and principals while the advisory group surveys the schools and reviews the job description before advertising for a permanent replacement. Hayden will support Solway College as they host the Church Schools Conference in August, as well as support the Rangatahi Noho Marae over King’s Birthday weekend. Hayden will hold these connections alongside his work as minister at B@tch in Dunedin. We appreciate Hayden’s willingness to continue these relationships during this time.
Centre for Ministry and Leadership
150th Anniversary
This weekend, we celebrated our 150th Anniversary. Explore our 150th webpage. You can now scroll through a timeline outlining 150 years of developments in training and formation, and read people’s stories about their time when training here. We also invite you to upload your own story and reflections.
Artificial Intelligence and Faith – four weekly webinars
From Wednesday, 6 May, we will be holding four online AI sessions, each following on Wednesday at 7pm. We have convened theologians and an industry expert to engage with us. Sessions include Dr Stephen Garner (“AI and the Spiritual Life” and “Is there a place for AI in the worshipping life of the church?”, Dr Andrew Shepherd (“How technology shapes us”), and Matt Ensor (“Practical questions about AI and Christian Life and FAQ”). Register here for these free webinars.
Noho Marae Te Maungarongo Marae (Ōhope) – Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September
This is our two-yearly noho marae 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 our national marae. Our kaiako will be Rev Dr Murray Rae, Rev Dr Wayne Te Kaawa, Rev Tamiana Thrupp, and Hana Seddon. The programme will include topics such as “Our Presbyterian Story: From Māori Mission to Te Aka Puahou”, “The Aotearoa Story: Pākehā Missionaries and Māori Evangelists”, “The Māori Prophets”, and “Exploring Te Tiriti.” Register here.
Study Grants
Applications for study grants are invited from PCANZ ministers in good standing. Applications close on Friday, 29 May. Information and an online application form are available here.
KCML Quarterly Pānui
You are invited to subscribe to the new KCML Quarterly Pānui (newsletter) which will feature reflections, training opportunities, and events. Subscribe here.
Yours in Christ
Geoff New
Presbyterian Research Centre (PRC)
“Dunedin Deaconesses” talk
Rachel Tombs will be speaking about her research on the Presbyterian deaconesses at a talk on Thursday, 14 May, at 5:30 pm in the KCML Seminar Room, on the Knox College campus in Dunedin. This presentation focuses on the Presbyterian Deaconess Movement in Dunedin between 1940 and 1974. Rachel will explore the expectations, freedoms, and challenges of the deaconess role, and argue that the deaconesses were both a part of the established gender order and a challenge to it. Refreshments will be provided from 5pm.
Presbyterian Research Network (PRN) is sponsoring this event as part of their quarterly speaker series. PRC is co-sponsoring it, in support of our Presbyterian Church Deaconess Collection, a UNESCO Memory of the World Collection: here. If you have Zoom on your computer or device, you may join this event live on the day, by clicking here: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74408721985?pwd=suivOVnekjIvdxxw4FotbSHio4lOZ0.1
“Faith and Finance” book launch
PRC staff were happy to attend the book launch of “Faith and Finance: A History of the Otago Foundation Trust Board. 1945-2025” (to access this title from Hewitson Library, please see: here. This event was held at Burns Hall, First Church Otago, on Thursday 16 May, and it featured presentations by the book’s authors, Dorothy Page and Austin Gee, alongside book-signings and a highly sociable reception afterwards. The book project was conceived in 1999 and completed this year, to great acclaim by those present on the night.
The book covers the long history of the Otago Foundation, based in Dunedin. Established in 1845 as an essential part of the planning for a Free Church Scottish Settlement in Otago, the Otago Foundation Trust Board have over nearly two centuries funded from its investments a carefully considered selection of the church’s activities, from evangelism and outreach programmes to historic building conservation. For many years, the Trust funded several professorial chairs at the University of Otago. Over the decades the Trust has been closely linked with the commercial development of Otago, and of Dunedin in particular.
In Christ,
Rev Jay Robinson
I Love Taiwan Youth Mission Programme
I Love Taiwan is a two-week programme for young adults hosted by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, with this year’s dates being July 2-16. Participants meet with youth from Asia and around the world, learn about life in Taiwan and share in outreaches in both urban and rural settings. Global Mission supports the participation of PCANZ youth in this programme, including a travel subsidy. Information about I Love Taiwan 2026 is here; and the application form is here. As we received the information late this year we are hoping to have a later closing date of May 29. Please note that applications need to be endorsed by Global Mission to qualify for a travel subsidy, so contact Global Mission Director Phil King for further information before submitting an application.
Visit to India
We have been invited to send a team to India to celebrate the dedication of the completed Riddell Block at St. Thomas School in Jagadhri. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for September 10. A limited number of subsidised airfares is available to those interested in attending. Contact me for information.
ReVisioning Education Ministry Training Programme
The PCANZ is hosting a team of international mission leaders for a Council for World Mission programme in May. Entitled “ReVisioning Education”, the programme focuses on mission and ministry with children. PCANZ’s hosting responsibilities will be shared by Global Mission and Children and Families with Auckland churches, Saint Kentigern College and Te Aka Puaho, all making significant contributions to the programme. Pray for safe travel and positive outcomes for all who contribute to and participate in this programme, which will run from May 16-24.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions relating to PCANZ Global Mission.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
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
Eco Church Kōrero – Eco Disciples
Our next Eco Church Kōrero is on Monday, 4 May at 7pm (online). These once‑a‑term gatherings are a great opportunity to connect, share, and hear what’s happening across Eco Church communities — we’d love to see you there. Register here.
This kōrero will focus on Eco Disciples, a new six‑part video series from A Rocha Aotearoa exploring eco‑theology and practical creation care in Aotearoa. You’ll get a first look at the series, with space to share feedback and help shape the resource.
Watch the trailer here.
The Equip Series – Mental Health Training for Home Group Leaders
A new open‑access training series on mental health for churches, designed especially for those involved in pastoral care and small‑group leadership. The Equip Series will run once a month, on Mondays, for the rest of the year.
The first session, on Monday, 4 May at 7pm, introduces a biblical understanding of mental health and explores practical implications for home groups.
The Equip Series comes from a new national network for mental‑health ministry, bringing together experienced practitioners, church leaders, and trainers. Each session will be a mix of insights, theory and practical tools.
Koha registration – once registered, you’ll receive access to the whole series.
For more information and to register, see here.
ISCAST–NZCIS Conversations 2026: Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are everywhere, and Christians are not immune. In this three-part series, the ISCAST–NZCIS (Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology - New Zealand Christians in Science) Conversations 2026 brings together scholars from across science, theology, and technology to explore why conspiracy theories spread, who believes them, and what resources Christian faith offers for navigating a world awash with misinformation.
When: Thursday nights, 7, 14, and 21 May on Zoom. See here.
Asia Sunday 2026
Asia Sunday will be observed by member churches and councils of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) on Sunday, 17 May 2026, the Sunday before Pentecost. This year’s theme is “Hope for Redemption of Groaning Creation Amidst Bondage to Decay.”
Asia Sunday is observed annually across the region as an opportunity for prayer, worship, and solidarity with the peoples and churches of Asia. In 2026, the theme draws on Romans 8:22, reflecting on the “groaning of creation” amidst the overlapping social, political, economic, environmental, and spiritual crises facing the region.
CCA General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara notes that while these realities cause deep suffering, the biblical image of groaning is also one of hope — like the pain of childbirth — ultimately leading to new life.
CCA encourages all member churches, councils, and ecumenical partners to observe Asia Sunday on 17 May 2026 using the theme and resources provided.
The Asia Sunday 2026 Liturgy is available here
Pentecost Reflections 2026 from the Bible Society
Beginning on Pentecost Sunday, 24 May, join Bible mission leaders from around the world for a week of Scripture, prayer, and reflection on the Holy Spirit. Pentecost Reflections 2026 will trace the story of the Spirit from creation through to the life of the Spirit‑filled believer today. You’ll receive a daily email throughout Pentecost Week with Bible reflections and prayers. Register here to make sure you receive the daily Pentecost emails.
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.
Changes in Status:
Rev Dr Marie Ropeti-Apisaloma, from minister Owairaka and Samoan Presbyterian Church Onehunga to minister Owairaka, Northern Presbytery, 20 October 2025.
Rev Lynmaree Sopoaga, local ordained minister, Malvern Cooperating Parish, to local ordained minister Avonhead/Upper Riccarton – St Marks Church, 26 February 2026
Rev Peter Cheyne, minister Emeritus Southern Presbytery to Minister East Taieri Presbyterian Church, 1 April 2026
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
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.
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.