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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Children and Families
Presbyterian Research Centre
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Presbyterian Church Schools
GA Emissions Reductions Workgroup
CWS Notices
Church Register
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From the Moderator
Tēnā koutou katoa
As I write this, I am part way through a two-week visit to the North Island - preaching at various places, attending some meetings and catching up with church folk.
In Havelock North I enjoyed participating in a ‘Kirking of the Tartan’ service – the first for me. It was good to have lunch with the Hawke’s Bay ministers, visit a number of retired ministers as I travelled down through the Wairarapa, and then preach at Island Bay in Wellington. I also had the opportunity to attend a movie night at Ngaio Union Church and meet a number of the congregation.
And coming up… a 170th anniversary service at Papakura First Presbyterian, Auckland.
In all of this I am again impressed with the calibre and faithfulness of the people I meet in the various parishes within our national Church. Such a rich treasure and rich diversity of giftings and ways of being the church in the communities around the motu.
Being in Hawke’s Bay was a reminder of the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Many of our churches in the area responded to help the communities in various ways with food, hospitality, donations, blankets etc and we give thanks for their commitment and work in this space. Living out the gospel and being a neighbour in such time of need.
You can read here an update letter from Rev Jill McDonald of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Hastings, outlining how donated money has been used to help those affected so badly by the cyclone. Such great work.
May the blessing of God – Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Spirit - be with you all
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
General Assembly
Our General Assembly takes place in Christchurch at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Church, starting at 1pm on Monday 20 October. Our Book of Order outlines the primary purposes and functions of the General Assembly. It begins this by stating - to worship God. That is where we start… and finish.
Indeed, our Book of Order opens with these words: The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (which in this Book of Order is referred to as “the Church”) is part of the one holy, catholic and apostolic church recognizing Jesus Christ as its Lord and Head.
It is always good to be reminded about who we are and whose we are.
I am conscious of the extra work that is being undertaken to make this event not only an effective forum for our Church’s business, but also an opportunity to celebrate, learn and grow together. Can I ask you join with me, and many others, in praying for Assembly. For our incoming Moderator Rev Peter Dunn; for the Assembly Business Work Group; the Local Arrangements team - the people working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of each day; volunteers; staff; and all Commissioners.
For more information and details about how to register for GA25, please see the General Assembly website.
Voting for the Moderator-elect
Church councils have received a pack with the profiles of nominees and a voting paper. If your parish council has yet to vote, I warmly invite you to prayerfully discern who God is calling to this position and to vote accordingly. Please read the information about the voting process and participate in this important process. Completed voting forms should be emailed or posted to reach me by 5pm Wednesday 20 August.
Notices of motion for the Assembly due by 12 noon Friday 17 October 2025
The deadline for notices of motion has been set as 12 noon Friday 17 October. These should be sent to the Assembly Business Work Group Convenor Rev Dan Spragg, email him here. After this date, only motions arising from dialogue or debate will be accepted.
Ngā manaakitanga
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
GA Emissions Reductions Workgroup
The General Assembly Emissions Reductions Workgroup was established in 2022 to promote initiatives to help our Church to partner with Eco Church Aotearoa, reduce carbon emissions, monitor progress, and report to the General Assembly on our efforts towards this goal.
Season of Creation 2025: Peace with Creation
This September, churches around the world will once again unite to celebrate the Season of Creation — a month-long opportunity, from 1 September to 4 October, to renew our commitment to care for God’s creation.
This year’s theme is Peace with Creation drawing from the promise found in Isaiah 32:14–18. In this powerful passage, Isaiah offers a vision of deep restoration — not only between people, but also between humanity and the rest of creation. Across Aotearoa and around the world, ecosystems are groaning under pressure. Yet this scripture extends a hopeful invitation: to become active participants in God’s healing work through justice, humility, and faithful action.
There are many ways to be intentional and active during the Season of Creation — as a church and in your local community. The international Season of Creation 2025 Guide is full of ideas and inspiration, and you’ll also find a wide array of resources on the websites of A Rocha Aotearoa and Eco Church to equip your church for meaningful involvement.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Host a Season of Creation service, speaker evening, or study group
- Invite a speaker - A Rocha and the Eco Church network have many people across the country available to speak at services or events
- Join the Eco Church network - or take the next step if you're already on the journey
- Plan a local action - such as tree planting, a rubbish clean-up, or a kai-sharing event
For more inspiration, A Rocha will host a free, online Eco Church kōrero on 4 August at 7pm which will explore this year’s SOC theme and share practical ideas for how churches can be involved. More details on the eco church facebook and website.
Rev Dr Jordan Redding
Convenor
General Assembly Emissions Reductions Workgroup
Global Mission
The Council for World Mission produces a devotional resource called Sundays with CWM. The July 13 devotion was written by Van Lal Hming Sangi, one of the female leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar, offering an interesting perspective from Myanmar’s context and a call to pray for peace and democracy. Sundays with CWM can be downloaded here.
Vanuatu
A team from Wakatipu Presbyterian Church recently took part in children’s camp with the Bush Mission outreach in Vanuatu. Rev Dr Carlton Johnstone said it was great to return after five years and to reconnect with people they knew from their previous visits. You can see photos of the team and their experience on the Global Mission Facebook page.
Saint Kentigern College sent a team of Team 12 and 13 students to Vanuatu in July, sharing in programmes at Onesua Presbyterian College and Popowoh School. The aim of the visit to Onesua College reestablished their relationship and will help them assess options for the future. This continues the great work Saint Kentigern has been doing in Vanuatu with their service programmes in the past few years. Photos are also on the Global Mission Facebook page.
Global Mission will be hosting four youth leaders from the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu at Presbyterian Youth Ministry’s Connect national youth leaders’ training weekend in August. The team will also spend a week in Auckland learning about PCANZ mission and discerning opportunities for future shared programmes.
Opportunities to serve in Vanuatu
We still have a request from the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu for an education specialist to help them review and develop their education policy. This would be voluntary but expenses would be covered. If you have had a career in education and have an interest in supporting mission in developing nations, get in touch with me to discuss further.
See also the request for a business development manager at Talua Theological Training Institute.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Kia Ora everyone!
It is Term 3 already, and I trust that all who oversee children’s ministry programmes are settling well into the new term.
For this month’s Bush Telegraph, I thought I would share with you some of the literature I have been reading recently, focusing on intergenerational ministry. I have physical copies of most of these titles, which I am willing to lend out. However, almost all of them are available as E-Books, for a reasonable price.
Intergenerational Christian Formation by Holly Catterton Allen, Christine Lawton and Cory L. Seibel
This book is a fantastic introduction into the ‘why’ of intergenerational ministry, and is a great starting point for anyone passionate about seeing all ages thrive and grow in faith together.
A Gospel for All Ages by David Csinos
This book is a fantastic read for ministry leaders looking to be more intentionally intergenerational. It explores strategies for proclaiming the gospel in intergenerational faith communities, including conversation, vibrant worship and experiential education.
Intergenerate Series
After each Intergenerate Conference, a book is released featuring many of the workshops and papers presented at the conference. We have copies of Intergenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry (2018); Engage All Generations: A Strategic Toolkit for Creating Intergenerational Faith Communities (2021); All Ages Becoming: Intergenerational Practice in the Formation of God’s People (2023); and All Ages Imagining: A Renewed Vision for an Intergenerational Church (2025).
Intergenerate NZ
Intergenerate NZ conference is coming up in October, with the theme “Living the Story”.
- Auckland, Tuesday 7 October
- Christchurch, Thursday 9 October
For more information or to register, check out their website.
Employment Opportunity
Scripture Union NZ currently have two pivotal vacancies in their Children and Families Team – one in Auckland and one in Christchurch. More information can be found here.
May we each be child-like in our faith, filled with awe and wonder at the goodness of God,
Karo
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
PRC Display at the Catalysing Christian Communities Conference
PRC will be present at this conference, with our Director Jay Robinson staffing a display. This conference runs 21-22 August at First Church of Otago in Dunedin, and it features guest speaker the Rev Dr Samuel Wells. Dr Wells will highlight his work on an incarnational theology of church culture, innovation, and presence in a secular society. More information on the conference, including a link for registration, is here.
Hewitson Library holds, or will shortly hold, nearly two dozen titles by Dr Wells, available for checkout. This includes his works on preaching, worship resources, ethics, mission, and the role of church in community. See that list of resources as it grows here.
Ng Collection update
On behalf of the New Zealand Chinese Heritage Research Charitable Trust (NZCHRCT), PRC would like to again thank the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust Fund and the Aotearoa Gaming Trust Fund for the recently received grants to NZCHRCT. PRC has a memorandum of understanding for working with NZCHRCT, and we are home to the Ng Collection of archival materials on New Zealand Chinese. This is certified a UNESCO Memory of the World collection. Taken together, the two grants will enable the continued work of the NZCHRCT archivist over the entirety of this fiscal year, and that very tangible and sustaining support is very much appreciated. Already he has processed for use one of the two thick folders of photos acquired this past autumn from the Dr James Ng estate. He will soon turn attention to begin processing the 96 boxes of Ng archival files also received then.
In Christ
Rev Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Online Learning Opportunities
KCML is running online workshops. These are for anyone in leadership:
- Redeeming Conflict: From Fighting to Thriving. This is a two-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings 13 and 27 August. This workshop is facilitated by Ivan Martinez.
- Ministering in Today’s (Secular) World. This is a three-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings 3, 10 and 17 September. This workshop is facilitated by Sebastian Murrihy.
- The Essence and Practice of Worship. This is a three-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings, 1 and 8 October and 19 November. This workshop is facilitated by Darryl Tempero.
For more details and to register your interest, please check out the KCML website.
Study Grants
Senatus is calling for applications for those seeking financial support for presbytery approved study leave and post-graduate study, including the Begg-Dickie scholarship for their next meeting on 29 October. Information and applications as well as guidelines can be found on the KCML website. For more information or to submit an application please contact email the registrar. Applications close 30 September.
Theology Programme Otago University and KCML Summer School 2026
From 26-30 January 2026, Professor Lynn Cohick will teach an intensive course in Dunedin entitled Women in the New Testament and Early Church. Lynn is Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director of the Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University. This course will explore women’s participation in and contributions to the Christian story in the first five centuries and discuss women’s participation in the church today. Fees and travel subsidies are available to PCANZ ministers in good standing. The course can be taken for credit or audit. To enrol for credit see here and click on ‘Apply to Enrol’. To register your interest for audit please email the KCML registrar. Ministers studying for credit can apply for a subsidy for fees/travel. Those ministers auditing the course can access a subsidy for audit fees and travel, email the KCML registrar.
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Exciting Signs of Life in a Challenging Season
Despite a tough decade for youth ministry in Aotearoa, there are many signs of life. Gen Z is more open to Jesus than previous generations. We are seeing an increased hunger for Jesus in many ministry settings, what an exciting season of ministry!
Still Time to Register for Connect 2025!
Youth leaders are one of the most valuable resources in the life of our Church. Sending them to the Connect Youth Leaders and Young Adults Conference is an excellent way to encourage, equip, and inspire them. They’ll join with others from across our Presbyterian and Uniting whānau for fresh insights, great worship, practical tools, and shared stories in youth ministry.
Register here, closes 4 August – don’t miss out!
PCANZ Safety WOF Training
If you have children’s or youth leaders who need to do the WOF training get them to join our online WOF training sessions:
Thursday the 4 September 7-9pm - Session 1: Intro & Ethical Practice
Thursday the 11 September 7-830pm - Session 2: Health and Safety
Thursday the 18 September 7-9pm - Session 3: safe recruitment and responding to abuse
The PYM Website
The PYM website is a well-used resource in our Church with over 7,000 annual visits to the site. It offers loads of free resources for discipleship, leadership, games, and advocacy.
Join us for Take 15 Prayer
Pray with us for 15 minutes each week as we pray for the 1.6 million children and young people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Join us each Thursday from 1:00pm-1:15pm. Sign up for the zoom link here
Thank you for your continued support of youth ministry in the PCANZ. Please keep praying for and encouraging young people in your communities.
Peace
Matt Chamberlin
PYM National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Schools’ Female Chaplains
Welcome to the second in a series of columns from our female school chaplains. I am pleased to have this month Kimberley Park, Middle and Senior School Chaplain, Columba College, Dunedin.
I have been chaplain here for two years, alongside my colleague Jennifer Crump who serves the Junior School. Our roles weave together pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and educational leadership, providing students with a safe and nurturing space to explore the Christian faith, values, and meaning in their lives.
At Columba College, we lead regular chapel services that we hope are both reflective and engaging, drawing from Christian tradition while remaining relevant to the diverse experiences of our students. We trust that these services are more than school routines — they are moments to pause, reflect, and be reminded of who God is and how God is relevant in our lives. We also lead special services throughout the year, such as Easter, Christmas, and commemorative events such as St Columba Day, which help mark significant times in the life of our school community.
Alongside these responsibilities, we teach Religious Education, encouraging students to ask big questions about life, purpose, and belief. In the senior school classroom, we explore the Christian faith, church history, then a range of other religions and ethical perspectives, helping students think critically and compassionately. We seek to not only broaden their understanding but also encourage respect and empathy for others.
We believe our roles are vital in a world that is often fast-paced, fragmented, and uncertain. Young people today face many pressures, and biblical literacy is very poor. As Chaplains, we seek to offer a consistent, compassionate presence that reminds students that they are valued not just for what they achieve, but for who they are. We trust that our work supports the spiritual wellbeing of our students and staff, builds community, and encourages reflection and hope. That we are an essential part of the fabric of the school, helping shape students who are not only well-educated, but also faithful, thoughtful, and kind.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
CWS Notices
Christian World Service has moved basecamp
Christian World Service has relocated its head office to the Village Presbyterian Church in Ilam, Christchurch. The move was prompted by our constant process of trimming costs so that more funding can go to the mission of helping our global partners in their work, addressing the injustice of poverty. We remain deeply grateful and blessed for the years of support given CWS when we were located in the Aldersgate Centre as managed by Durham Street Methodist Church. We already miss the fellowship of the Aldersgate Centre but at the same time feel very welcomed by the Village community. The move marks a new beginning for CWS as we celebrate our 80th year of multi-denominational support of the unmet needs of many of the world’s most vulnerable citizens. Christian World Service is the longest running international aid and development agency in New Zealand history. Our continued thanks to all our team for making this move possible in such a short time. So now that we are settled in, it’s onwards and upwards as we continue our Christ-centred mission.
Notices
UCANZ new development
UCANZ’s Standing Committee is excited to announce a new development in the life of UCANZ. It has approved the restructure of Rev Andrew Doubleday’s (Ministry Facilitator) fulltime role to half-time in order to enable a job share opportunity. Andrew Doubleday will concentrate on ministry facilitation aspects while Rev Andrew Howley will take on a half-time role as administrator. It is hoped this new arrangement will be in place by 1 August. This will mean congregations will need to email Andrew Howley first in all cases, and then they will be directed to the relevant person.
Know someone over 65 and struggling to pay Auckland rent? Affordable rentals now available
The Selwyn Foundation’s housing for older people joint venture with Auckland Council – community housing provider Haumaru Housing – is offering safe, warm and comfortable one-bedroom rental homes to eligible singles or couples over 65 years of age who can live independently. Affordable rentals are offered at 50% of market rent on selected units, with homes located in friendly neighbourhoods across South Auckland, the North Shore and West Auckland. If you or someone you know is over 65 and looking for a secure, affordable home to age in place, see here or contact Haumaru Housing on 0800 430 101 or email.
GA25 News - sign up for General Assembly daily summary email
Just enter your name and email here to receive during the General Assembly emails with a summary of the latest decisions made by our Assembly and related events. We will update the PCANZ Church website each day too. Sign up now.
Christian Savings Governance Conference Aug - Sept
Theme is "A Clear Vision for Confident Governance," reflecting the evolving landscape of the New Zealand Church. Christian Savings Governance Conference will be held 27 Aug Christchurch, 3 Sept Auckland, and 10 Sept Wellington. Learn from great speakers and be equipped with practical governance skills, Gospel inspiration, and clarity to serve with confidence. Confident governance starts with clear perspective—knowing what and who we stand for, alongside a compelling Gospel vision for the future. Register here.
Course: Making Sense of Making: An Exploration of God, Faith & Art – 12 &13 Sept
A short course at Venn Centre for the Arts designed to help you explore how the arts fit in with God’s good world. It’s a chance to slow down, engage deeply in some big questions around art and faith, and reflect on how the Christian faith renews and transforms the arts. Open to all, a retreat-like time involving teaching, discussion, and reflection, along with fellow creatives. Register here.
Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund
Are you a minister considering domestic or overseas travel as part of your study leave? Are you a lay worker or elder in a PCANZ church considering a study course that requires travel? The Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund offers travel grants to church workers wanting to further develop their area of service to the Church. The Fund is administered by the Personnel Workgroup, and the closing date for applications is 30 September each year. Criteria and application form can be found on the Church website here, Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund. Please contact Kate Wilson with any queries.
Catalysing Christian Communities conference, 21-22 August & Public Lecture, Dunedin - reg closes 8 Aug
PressGo working with the University of Otago Theology Department and First Church of Otago, along with the Dunedin Anglican Diocese, will host Rev Dr Sam Wells (St Martin’s-in-the-Fields, London) 21 and 22 August, 2025. Sam is a well-known author, speaker, theologian and missiologist and he will be the keynote speaker and conversation partner. A public lecture will be held University of Otago on Thursday 21 August at 5.30pm. Email Lisa Wells for updates, and to enquire about travel subsidies. See the PressGo FB event page here, register here - closing date to do so is 8 August. (An Anglican Diocese of Dunedin event will be held 20 Aug and it's expected attendees will be able to register.)
Just Stories – download & share flyer
Download the Just Stories flyer. Just Stories is a collection of stories of ‘justice in action’ from the Presbyterian whānau: the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, Presbyterian Support and Presbyterian Church Schools. It also includes stories from beyond our Presbyterian whānau, reflecting the diversity and creativity of responses from individuals, groups and community organisations, uniting us together as we stand alongside and work for transformation and foster hope in our communities. See the Just Stories website and the PresCare PCANZ website page for more details.
Christian Conference of Asia vacancies
The Christian Conference of Asia is seeking candidates for several roles: CCA General Secretary, a senior position, involving international ecumenical leadership in the Asian ecumenical movement, closes 30 September 2025. CCA is also seeking Programme Coordinators for the following areas: Mission in Unity; Ecumenical Leadership Formation; and Communications and Publications, close date 9 October 2025. All roles are based at the CCA headquarters, Payap University Campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Information on all roles here.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – dates available Aug- October
There are two holiday houses at Glen Innis Station, Central Hawke’s Bay, available at no cost (other than refundable bond) for National Ordained Ministers for a re-creational holiday one week each year. One of the houses, Maud Hooper, is now also available for use by Local Ordained Ministers, Amorangi, and Local Shared Ministry team members - outside school holiday periods - at a cost of $200 per week (plus a refundable $100 bond). It's self-contained accommodation for up to seven adults and one baby, with modern facilities (including Wifi and dishwasher) as well as access to a range of onsite recreational facilities (games room, swimming pool, tennis court) in beautiful country surroundings. Info, videos and booking details here.
Speaker panel - Faith for Earth: Sacred Wisdom in a Time of Uncertainty, 30 Aug, Auckland
Join us as we explore two essential responses to the ecological crisis: inner transformation through spiritual connection with the natural world, and practical action across all sectors. Speakers from theology, farming, sustainability, business, and local government. Sat 30 Aug, 9:30am–2pm (lunch included). Maclaurin Chapel, 18 Princes Street, Auckland. RSVP here admin@nzcis.org (for catering). Koha. Read more.
Lecture: From Galileo to Laudato Si’ - Vatican Astronomer shares Why Science Needs Faith, 3 Aug, Auckland
Vatican Astronomer, Brother Consolmagno SJ will talk on how our understanding of faith and science has changed radically from the time of Galileo, as can be seen in how Pope Francis blended science and faith in his encyclical Laudato Si’. Its key insight is that our science, and the technology it spawns, is deeply connected to the flawed but redeemable human persons who do the science, and who make and live with technology and its consequences. University of Auckland, 3 August, 1pm. Old Government House, 102-G36 Lecture Theatre, 24 Princes Street. All welcome. Read more here about this New Zealand Christians in Science lecture plus other upcoming lectures.
Become a Sports Chaplain
There are two ways you can train to be a sports chaplain: blended learning with an online course covering 22 topics and a one day workshop and cohort Zoom meetings to connect with other trainees. Or by including Sports Chaplaincy training in an NZQA programme of study. This is fee-based and builds upon option one by diving deeper into the themes and topics run by Carey Theological College. After training accreditation process (endorsement from your church, police vetting, signing our code of conduct), and then support in finding a placement. See more.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Pauline Hampshire, ordained and inducted national ordained minister Akaroa Banks Peninsula Community Church, Alpine Presbytery, 29 June 2025.
Rev Winston Timaloa, ordained and inducted national ordained minister Auckland Central – Newton Pacific Islanders, Northern Presbytery, 3 July 2025.
Local Shared Ministry Teams commissioned
Lumsden-Balfour Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 15 July 2025.
LSM ministry enabler: Rev Margie Rea.
Team members: Mark Heslip (LSM Leader), Jonathan Elder, Jen Hellewell, Bruce Humphries, David Selbie and Pauline White.
Retirements
Rev Phyllis Harris, minister Lincoln Union Church to Minister Emerita, Alpine Presbytery, 26 May 2025.
Rev Vosalevu Fina’i, chaplain Middlemore Hospital to Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 30 June 2025.
Rev John Mattock, local ordained minister Stratford – St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu, 7 July 2025.
Church Changes
Feilding Oroua Presbyterian Parish, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, dissolved 30 June 2025.
Lumsden/Balfour/Kingston Presbyterian Church, change of name to Lumsden-Balfour Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 15 July 2025.
Deaths
Rev Elizabeth Mansill, Minister Emerita, Northern Presbytery, 15 July 2025.
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.
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn 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.