Pictured: Right Rev Rose Luxford Moderator PCANZ and Rev Tamiana Thrupp Moderator Te Aka Puahou at Waitangi 2024.
Download the designed pdf version of the Moderator's 2025 Waitangi Day message here.
Tēnā koutou katoa
As I look forward to being at Waitangi again this year I think back to last year and the privilege it was to participate in both the Waitangi Day services alongside the Moderator of Te Aka Puahou, the Rev Tamiana Thrupp. Tamiana and his wife Honey, Executive Officer of Te Aka Puahou, were great companions to be there with. They guided me in terms of protocol on Waitangi Day, and the afternoon before we enjoyed the spirit of the place as we visited stalls, listened to different speakers, and partook of delicious kai. Many different cultures were there together and that felt very rich.
There is of course much talk at present about Te Tiriti, and I have just finished reading a book a colleague gave me titled, “Huia come home” by Jay Ruka, Dean of Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary. On the back cover of the book is the following: “Using the story of the untimely extinction of the huia, Jay Ruka offers a fresh perspective on the narrative of Aotearoa; a tale of two cultures, warring worldviews and the things we lost in translation”.
One section of the book pays particular attention to the story of Te Tiriti and the church’s involvement which is very helpful. The knowledge of our history then leads into exploring our worldviews. Jay’s book is written mainly for a Christian audience, but it is hoped that others will also find it helpful. It is a fascinating read, and I commend it to you.
It is so interesting to reflect on the reality of having different cultural worldviews and how that impacts how we react to different happenings. Our cultural worldviews also intersect with our faith understanding and God’s ongoing work in the world. I have seen that throughout my ministry as different cultures seek to work together in parishes; in 2018 I undertook study leave in this area - “Moving from co-operation to community in multi-cultural congregations.”
I have been reminded again of the dynamic of different worldviews in my time in Samoa for the Council for World Mission gathering. The cultural lens through which we view life influences our values, actions and decision making. It is shaped by many things and also carries many assumptions. And so, it is really good to have conversations with people from other cultures; to seek to understand how each other see and live in the world. Our assumptions can be broken, our eyes opened to new possibilities, and we become enriched through the process.
As we approach Waitangi Day, let us take the opportunity to engage with others to explore the different worldviews and understandings of Te Tiriti that exist and seek to build our bicultural relationships. This occurs through our Christian worldview and experience – following Jesus who was able to step into different settings and find ways of engaging with a wide range of people with grace, wisdom and compassion. We can ask ourselves, “What is Jesus calling us to do in this space?” And the light of Christ goes before us to guide and illuminate us.
As we have heard so recently in our Christmas season, “What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1: 4-5)
Ma te wa
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
moderator@presbyterian.org.nz