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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
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From the Moderator
Mantle of leadership
Life has seasons. A new season began for me at GA25 when I was inducted as Moderator of the PCANZ. Although I had known for two years as the Moderator Designate that the day was coming, its reality becomes real as the words, prayers, bestowing of korowai tapu and the signing of the Centennial Bible pass on the mantle of leadership and responsibility from one to the next. Thank you to all those who have prayed and supported me to this point. That needs to keep happening.
There were several highlights for me at GA. The most special was at the Opening Service when my children, their husbands and wives, and all my and Helen's grandchildren walked up the aisle with us and then sat through the two-hour service. There were 25 in our family group. Other highlights included the worship we had together - led by the St Paul's Trinity Pacific worship team; the excellent hospitality of the St Paul's congregation; meeting in a church; being looked after by all those who organised behind the scenes and volunteered to serve. From my perspective it was a fantastic event with fellowship and encouragement to the fore.
Church partners
Since GA I have moved around meeting people and key stakeholders with whom I will be involved over the next two years. The first event was a meeting with the Church Partners (Presbyterian, Methodist, and Anglican), who are the denominational partners in local congregations in Union and Cooperative parishes. There are two non-active partners in the movement, Christian Churches New Zealand (formerly The Associated Churches of Christ) and the Congregational Union of New Zealand. These partners still support a small number of parishes by leaving capital in them by agreement.
UCANZ (Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand) is the umbrella national organisation that maintains relationships between parishes and the Church Partners. Back in June at the UCANZ Conference, it was agreed to initiate a review of UCANZ by the Church Partners - the UCANZ Review Commission. For those unfamiliar with UCANZ terms, a Union parish is a church where denominational partners have joined together, excluding the Anglicans (their polity does not allow them to participate in a union setting). Cooperating parishes occur when partners join in local cooperation, including the Anglicans. Union and Cooperating agreements are the responsibility of regional church courts (presbytery, synod, diocese). In 2025, there are about 105 Union and Cooperating parishes. PCANZ (which has a total of approximately 419 churches) comprises about 30% Union and Cooperating parishes. A report on the first meeting of the Commission can be viewed on the UCANZ website here.
Prison Chaplaincy
I was invited to attend the 25th Anniversary Dinner of Tira Tūhāhā Prison Chaplaincy Aotearoa on Nov 6 in Trentham - being in Wellington that week made it feasible. It was a great night with the guest of honour being one of our own, Rev Doug Mansill, who was honoured for his long service and innovative ministry in prison chaplaincy and restorative justice. He also promoted his new book.
There were a number of Presbyterian Revs serving as chaplains. As they shared a little, it was evident that it is a challenging ministry that an average person has no idea about. They talked about interacting as a chaplain with gang members and associates who band into tight units in prison, and the rule of the strongest and most threatening being the currency of life. People whose crimes have brought them long, sometimes life sentences. Speaking with the lowest of the low in the prison yards, sex offenders especially against the young. How does a chaplain be Christ with compassion with the likes of these?
Then those I spoke to brought up the issue of redemption. It is a dirty word in many quarters, even in the Church. An insightful theological comment was made. Without redemption, the system has no Christian values whatsoever and will always fail society. I headed back to where I was staying, thinking and still thinking, we must protect redemption with our theologising, speaking, and the actions that follow. We believe in redemption for those who repent.
Peter
Right Rev Peter Dunn
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
It has started…it seems to start earlier every year… the Christmas music, decorations, and stress, over-activity, shopping, crowds, traffic, noise, drama, and, of course, watching movies we have now seen hundreds of times. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear …”
And that question… “What are you doing for Christmas?”
It is hard not to get sucked into the hurry and busyness and frantic overcommitment. Powerful forces have a vested interest in you spending money you do not have, on things you and your family do not need, with time you cannot really spare, to keep up with … well, it seems everybody!
While a moderate increase in busyness is only natural, it doesn't have to be this way. Is it possible to be busy (having a lot to do) but not hurried (having too much to do). We can choose. We can value family, friends, and ordinary moments together as a gift from God. That sounds like a plan
General Assembly
A focus of our life together was the recent General Assembly. We were treated to wonderful hospitality as we prayed, worshipped, shared food and drank together, taking the opportunity to celebrate and learn together and our hearts and bodies fed. I am sure you would want to join me in thanking the wonderful team from St Paul’s Trinity Pacific for their hosting of us so magnificently. Our Moderator Peter Dunn moderated us as we attended to the business before us.
General Assembly Evaluation
Everyone who attended Assembly has been sent an opportunity to provide feedback and offer their evaluation. This online survey provides an opportunity to assist the Business Committee and Moderator-elect to plan for the next Assembly in 2027.
Assembly Minutes and Matters for Consideration by presbyteries and church councils
All Assembly minutes will be posted online shortly. Other matters for consideration will be sent out over the coming months.
Assembly Office changes
Rev Erin Pendreigh commences as our Assembly Executive Secretary on 2 February 2026. I am sure you will join me in praying for Erin as she concludes her current role as Mission Advisor for Southern Presbytery and prepares for her new role. This will therefore me by last column for Bush Telegraph as Assembly Executive Secretary.
I will provide a brief handover for Erin and retire on 28 February 2026.
It has been a joy and delight and huge privilege to serve in this role, and thank you for your support, care and prayers.
Staff
I have been reminded again how blessed we are to have such dedicated and gifted people serving our Church at a national level. From the team at the Knox Centre – Geoff New, Ivan Martinz, Andrew Nicol, Darryl Tempero, Seb Murrihy, Susan Peters; Presbyterian Youth Ministry – Matt Chamberlin; Children and Families – Karo Wilson; the team at the Research Centre – Jay Robinson, Rachel Hurd, Andrew Smith and Andrew McPherson; Church Schools director – Stephanie Wells; Assembly Office – Nani Susijanto, Michaela Press, Bronwyn Miller, Katrina Graham, Angela Singer, Kate Wilson and Phil King.
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
Assembly Office is closed over Christmas
Assembly Office will close on Friday 19 December 2025 and will reopen again at 8.30am on Monday, 5 January 2026. For urgent matters over this time, please contact me on my mobile.
Our thanks to you all
On behalf of the whole Assembly Office team, thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement and support during the year. We wish you a happy and Christ-centred Christmas and look forward to serving and supporting you in 2026.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
PCANZ White Ribbon
Advent & Christmas: Call to Sacred Action this Season of Hope
As we journey through Advent toward the celebration of Christ's birth, we are reminded that the Prince of Peace came into a world desperately needing peace; not only peace among nations, but peace within our homes, our relationships, and our communities.
This Advent, the PCANZ White Ribbon campaign calls us to recognize that all spaces are meant to be sacred. Our churches, our homes, our schools, and every corner of our communities should be sanctuaries where safety, respect, and dignity flourish. Yet we know that violence, particularly violence against women and children, violates these sacred spaces and wounds the very heart of God.
The Christmas story itself speaks powerfully to this mission. Mary, a young woman, said "yes" to God in circumstances where she was vulnerable. Joseph chose to protect rather than expose her. The angels proclaimed peace on earth. In the holy family, we see a model of respect, protection, and sacred relationship.
Every person bears the image of God - every woman, every child, every individual carries inherent dignity and worth that must never be violated. When we allow violence to continue unchallenged, we deny this fundamental truth of our faith.
This season, we are called to move from silence to action. Being followers of the Light of the World means we cannot remain in the darkness of inaction. We must:
- Speak out against all forms of violence and abuse
- Stand alongside those who have experienced harm
- Challenge attitudes that diminish or demean others
- Create cultures of respect in our homes and communities
- Teach our children that love never harms
As we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent, let us also illuminate the path toward homes and communities free from violence. Let our celebration of Emmanuel—God with us—inspire us to be truly present with and for one another, especially the most vulnerable among us.
This Christmas, let peace begin with us.
See PCANZ 2025 White Ribbon resources here, and email Hana to visit your church and share about PCANZ White Ribbon.
Rev Hana Popea
PCANZ White Ribbon Ambassador
Global Mission
I begin this month’s article by acknowledging the recent death of Ian Gray at the age of 100. Ian was the founding principal of Onesua High School, (now Onesua Presbyterian College) in Vanuatu in 1953. Onesua has played a leading role in education in Vanuatu ever since and Ian remained interested and supportive of the college until the end. The college is currently planning a restoration of their chapel with plans to name it the Gray Memorial Chapel. Donations for this project can be made to Global Mission.
In October I visited Vanuatu to review projects and plan ahead for new developments. This included a visit to Talua Theological Training Institute where we are supporting Ni-Vanuatu English teacher Melvin Lolo. It was good to see the progress Melvin has made in her role and to learn that she will continue in the position next year.
A team from Leith Valley Church in Dunedin has just returned from Port Vila after successfully completing a building renovation project. Congratulations to Very Rev Richard Dawson and his team for a great effort, and to Neville and Gloria Jones for providing invaluable logistical support.
Take a moment to view the short video greetings from our partners churches in Vanuatu and Myanmar to the PCANZ’s General Assembly.
I have had a request for a copy of Light and Love, the history of PCANZ mission in India written by the late Rev Doreen Riddell. If anyone has a copy they are willing to part with, please contact me.
Earlier this year I took study leave on the topic of decolonising mission. If interested, you can read my report here.
And so 2025 is drawing to a close. I conclude with my thanks to those who have shown interest and given prayerful and financial support for our global mission partners, and extend my best wishes for meaningful and fulfilling Advent and Christmas celebrations
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Children and Families
Kia Ora everyone.
It is hard to believe that we are at the beginning of the Advent season already. Where has the year gone?
The Advent season is a time of waiting with anticipation, and as I reflect on this, I am reminded of how children respond to the weeks leading into Christmas. I cast my mind back to my own childhood and remember the thrill, the excitement, and impatience of waiting for Christmas day! There would be the day that Dad arrived home with a real Christmas tree on the back of the truck (where he got them from each year I never knew!). We would excitedly open Christmas cards as they arrived in the mail and string them up in a corner of the living room. There was a buzz in the air, my sisters and I could just not wait until Christmas!
Now, as adults, Advent has a different feel. There’s a sense of rush and hurry, of time going too fast, and of stress and tiredness. I wonder what it would be like to take the cue from our young ones – they seem to embody the theme of waiting with anticipation quite perfectly! May we each know a sense of giddy anticipation amidst the hustle and bustle of December!
The Little Book of Advent
Once again, The Little Book of Advent is available for families wanting an easy, meaningful devotional to utilise during the Advent season. With a Bible verse, reflection question and prayer for each day of Advent, this is the perfect way to help focus on Scripture during this busy time of year. Be sure to check out all our Christmas and Advent resources on our website.
As we close out the year, a heartfelt thanks to all who contribute to ministry with children and families! May God bless you with rest and refreshment over summer.
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
Intern
Recently Jinxu Li from Jiangsu, China, has begun as a summer intern with PRC. She is currently doing post-graduate study in Museum and Heritage Practice at Victoria University of Wellington. She is working with a series of Chinese Christian posters used by Rev Herbert Davies of the Canton Village Mission, which provide a window into the political, social, economic, and religious landscape of early 20th century China. She has also examined files from Rev Alexander Don.
Jinxu has been scanning, digitising, cataloguing and conducting research for the posters and related archival material, and she will continue these tasks, as well as writing a blog post, while back in Wellington. Welcome, Jinxu!
Presbyterian Research Network
In October there were two meetings of the Presbyterian Research Network (PRN). The group is reorganising after some downtime due to Covid. PRN now has officers, including Martin George Holmes as the new chairperson. It also has set two priorities for the coming year: to continue the individual speakers on Thursday evenings, and to organise a day-long forum on a Saturday, with topic and speakers yet to be determined.
PRN has already sponsored or co-sponsored four speakers in 2025. The latest speaker was Very Rev Dr Graham Redding on 13 November, on the relationship between the University of Otago and the Presbyterian Church. Over 40 people gathered to hear the talk, which was packed with detail on the history. It was well received and most of the attendees shared conversation and refreshments before and after the talk. Thank you, Graham!
In Christ
Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Save the Date: AI Webinars – March 2026
In March next year we will be having webinars considering the place, use, and implications of AI within Christian ministry and life. We will have presenters from the Theology Department (Otago University) and Carey Baptist College. We will also have presenters from the IT industry who will speak about the AI landscape. The presenters are preparing specifically for these webinars. This is a significant opportunity to engage with this issue. More details to follow.
New KCML Website
We are pleased to announce our refreshed website is up and running. You will find a number of resources, information, and training events relating to all aspects of the PCANZ’s training of ministers and leaders. You can access the website here.
150th Anniversary – 3 May 2026
Next year will be the 150th anniversary of KCML (and its earlier iterations such as the Theological Hall). A celebration service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church (Dunedin) on Sunday evening, 3 May 2026. There will be an opportunity during the weekend for people to visit KCML/Knox College for a tour and catch-up with each other. Details to follow.
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. 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 go to www.otago.ac.nz and click on ‘Apply to Enrol’. To register your interest for audit please go to the KCML website. Fees and travel subsidies for those ministers studying for credit or audit are available.
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup
We commit to strengthening relationships in our Church
The General Assembly has agreed to a simple but significant commitment. As a Church, we will grow and deepen whanaungatanga, our life of relationship. This is a shared way of being the Church.
Whanaungatanga is the bond that forms through shared experiences, mutual care, and working side-by-side. This belonging and unity reflects who we are – and whose we are – as the Body of Christ.
What does whanaungatanga look like? Showing up for one another, building trust, listening well, and choosing connection over isolation.
We have seen commitment to relationships build trust, helping us face challenges with creativity. When trust grows, collaboration grows. When collaboration grows, mission grows.
Whanaungatanga is a commitment to our unity in Christ, rather than being defined by our challenges. We are not being asked to become something new or unfamiliar. We already know this way of being.
So how do we grow and deepen this commitment?
- Building relational connections within and beyond the Church.
- Showing up. In-person gatherings matter, whether in congregations, presbyteries, General Assembly, or special events. Being together builds trust.
- Presbyteries will keep shaping local direction, shaped by whanaungatanga.
- Church councils are encouraged to make decisions shaped by whanaungatanga, collaborating and praying with other congregations.
- Making use of the new “Metaphors for Whanaungatanga” discussion guide, a tool for groups to slow down and listen together. It is suited to the start of a meeting, retreats, …even a study series during Lent. Download the discussion guide.
- When conflict or frustration appears, choosing to be committed to unity in Christ.
- Deepening trust in God and one another. Humble listening strengthens discernment.
This commitment is simple but profound: we travel together. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
The Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga workgroup would love your feedback on any aspect of how we grow and deepen whanaungatanga. Please email Allister Lane here.
Together in Christ
Allister Lane (Convenor)
Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup
Presbyterian Church Schools
Chaplains at Christmas time
As the end of the year looms all our Presbyterian schools’ chaplains are incredibly busy.
There are nativity plays involving the littlest students - like the one held at a neighbouring assisted living residence by St Cuthbert’s. There are the Leavers Chapels for their oldest students like Saint Kentigern’s which includes a pipe band-led procession through the school afterwards. There are prize-givings for all levels and final dinners for boarders (with special candle-lighting liturgies in the case of Solway College). There are carol services (on the lawn in Queen Margaret College’s case), as well as chapels. For some there are also Founder’s Day services like at St Orans.
There are service events like Iona helping their local church St Columba’s weeding and planting day at a local reserve. Or the gathering of gifts, money and food like Rangi Ruru does each year for Presbyterian Support’s Christmas Box appeal in Christchurch.
In amidst the farewells there are Orientation Days for students enrolled for 2026 as Lindisfarne have held where the chaplain gets to meet the next cohort and explain their role. There are announcement ceremonies for the student leaders of next year including the chapel and/or service prefect/team. At the same time, chaplains have to farewell the team they have been working with.
Many chaplains, like John McGlashan’s, are also attending end-of year camps, making connections for next year. They are also making other plans eg. St Andrew’s has sent me the list of 2026 Boarder’s chapels.
In addition, this is the term when many chaplains get pushed out of their usual chapel spaces to accommodate exams and end up wherever there is room. As a Scots’ chaplain said, “I’ve learnt that having the Bible and lighting a candle makes that space chapel”.
Please pray for our Presbyterian School chaplains at this very special time as they endeavour to share the Christmas message
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
GA Emissions Reductions Workgroup
Christmas Sustainably
Advent and Christmas is a high point of the Christian year. The calendar is full with pageants, carol services, and end-of-year celebrations.
For ministers and for congregations, the joy of the season is often intermingled with exhaustion and frantic busyness as we try to live up to our own hopes, expectations, and long-cherished traditions.
Talking to some colleagues this week, many are feeling worn out by “ordinary busyness”, while some are just keeping head above water with some additional “extraordinary busyness”. It left me asking, why is the season when we celebrate God’s coming among us characterised by frantic busyness and exhaustion? It’s not sustainable and does not embody the truth of God’s incarnate and abundant life among us.
What we do to ourselves, we also do to our earth. The Christmas season is often synonymous with prodigal wastefulness and excessive materialism, which puts an enormous strain on the ecosystems we depend on for our life and wellbeing. It’s not sustainable.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Things can be different. Hope, joy, peace, and love can be celebrated without “burning the candle at both ends”, so to speak. Lots of church communities and families are breathing new life into old traditions through a sustainable and eco-friendly lens.
I commend to you the Eco Church “Sustainable Christmas” web page, which contains some fantastic resources for doing Christmas sustainably. It includes liturgies, prayers, art, and practical tips for reducing our environmental impact as a church and as individuals. Visit it here.
As we approach the manger once more, let us remember that the Christ-child comes among us, not wrapped in glittered single-use paper and plastic tinsel, but “as a young plant in dry ground”.
Rev Dr Jordan Redding
Convenor of the General Assembly Emissions Reductions Workgroup
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund – On Call interest rate falls
The PIF On Call Fund will pay interest at 3.25% p.a. from 1 December 2025 (down from 3.50% p.a., where it has been since from 1 July 2025). The PIF On Call rate tends to follow the Official Cash Rate up and down. The Official Cash Rate fell by 0.25% to 2.25% p.a. in late November, the ninth cut in the last 15 months. Commentators are now mixed as to whether this is the bottom of the cycle, or whether the Reserve Bank will need to continue to stimulate the economy by making more cuts.
The interest rate on the PIF Long-Term Fund remains at 3.0% pa plus inflation. For the September quarter, the Long Term Fund paid inflation interest of 1.0% and reserve interest of 3.0% (on top of regular interest of 0.75%).
A reminder to please provide advance notice (of at least 3 days) for major (>$100,000) withdrawals. 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.
Shannon Wigston Assistance Fund
The Shannon Wigston Fund is now available to provide financial assistance for the benefit of the spouse or partner of a deceased Presbyterian minister (National, Local or Amorangi).
Please email the Trustees for more details or if you would like an application form.
This Assistance Fund complements the Presbyterian Benevolent Fund, which is available to provide financial assistance to Presbyterian ministers and their families.
Trustees Annual Reports
The Trustees suite of annual reports will shortly be available on the PCANZ website here. This includes the PIF Annual Report and Beneficiary Fund reports.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
PressGo
MEF closure
There were a number of decisions that related to PressGo at GA25. With the closing of the MEF, the work of PressGo will be more limited. However, the new PressGo board is in the process of looking at where the focus will be in the future. The first meeting of the new board will be in early December. This will be largely strategic in nature, reflecting on the reviews that were presented at GA and looking at the future work of PressGo. Part of this work will be to consult with presbyteries by connecting meaningfully with their mission enablers to talk about the best use of PressGo resources in the next period.
Apply for a grant
In the meantime, we are receiving applications for Give It A Go grants ($500 and considered at any time) and Presbyterian Foundation (for grants up to $10,000, due date 1 March 2026). For further information please email PressGo.
Very Rev Hamish Galloway
Chairperson
PressGo
CWS Notices
CWS: 80 Years of Compassion and Service
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Christian World Service (CWS), making it the oldest continuously operating aid and development agency in New Zealand. Throughout these eight decades, CWS has remained steadfast in its purpose as the aid and development arm of New Zealand churches, upholding the commitment to serve some of the most vulnerable and impoverished communities across the globe.
The unwavering generosity of Christian congregation members throughout New Zealand has been vital to our success. Since our inception in 1945, this support has enabled us to reach tens of thousands, if not millions, of people whose lives were marked by poverty and injustice. Through these collective efforts, countless lives been transformed, moving them closer to the dignity and blessings that we believe God intends for all.
It is heartening to reflect on the progress that has been made. In 1980, around 40% of the world’s population lived on less than US$2 a day. Today, that figure has dropped to 10%, which is a remarkable improvement.
However, that 10% still represents about 800 million people. Then the number of refugees worldwide has grown from an estimated 10 million in 1980 to over 40 million last year. Additionally, the number of displaced people in conflict-affected countries has soared to over 100 million.
Our journey is far from over. As we continue to represent a caring nation of believers, many of whom are deeply compassionate towards the world’s most vulnerable, we express our deepest gratitude to the donors and volunteers who have supported CWS through the decades. This Christmas, we return to one of the most fundamental needs for people living in poverty and injustice: access to safe and healthy water. We invite you to support our Give Water, Give Life appeal this festive season, and we wish you and your loved ones abundant blessings for the New Year.
Notices
Mark Elsdon events & workshops: Leveraging hidden assets for mission and growth - Feb 2026
Christian Savings invites you to a night of insight, and meaningful conversation with Mark Elsdon, author, speaker, social innovator who explores the intersection of faith, investing, and social change. Speaking from an American context, Mark will challenge churches to uncover the wealth of resources we have and how to deploy these for Gospel work in our individual context. Panel discussion follows with local experts and stakeholders who will tie the themes of Mark's presentation to our context. Following day attend a Workshop on New mindsets to unlock Gospel outcomes with Mark Elsdon and local experts, crafted to teach Design Thinking. Mark will illustrate how our approach to problem solving will be the central tool in unlocking the resources around us for the Gospel. Evening events: Auckland 16 Feb & Christchurch 18 Feb (6pm-8pm). Workshops Auckland 17 Feb & Christchurch 19 Feb (8.30am-12.30pm). Register here.
PCANZ delegate reporting on the World Council of Churches gathering - Mon 8 Dec
Rev Dr Jordan Redding recently attended the World Council of Churches gathering in Egypt as the PCANZ delegate. The gathering marked 1700 years since the first ecumenical Council of Nicaea and asked, “Where now for visible unity?” If you’re interested in hearing about the conference, what was discussed, and what church unity might look like today, you’re welcome to attend an online meeting 7pm Monday 8 December. Jordan will offer short reflections and invite conversation about what it might mean for the PCANZ. To receive the link, email Jordan. You can also read Jordan’s report on the conference here.
Scholarships for Ministry Education and Further Education
The Presbyterian Development Society (PDS) is launching a new strategic direction aimed at supporting ministry education and the ongoing eduction of the Presbyterian Church. The new direction includes three scholarships aimed at 1) reducing the financial barriers to people considering ministry in the PCANZ, 2) encouraging people to give theological study a go, 3) supporting the professional development of paid staff and non-paid leaders in the church, and 4) increasing the diversity of ministers with a higher education (Masters or PhD level). More information will be provided by PDS soon.
Inaugural McKinlay-Matheson Memorial Lecture - 28 January 2026
The inaugural Judith McKinlay Memorial Lecture on 28 January 2026 by Professor Lynn Cohick, a highly respected biblical scholar. In her address, ‘Famous, Infamous, Anonymous: Esther, Vashti, and the wife of 1 Peter 3’ she will build on Judith McKinlay’s legacy of exploring the complexity of women’s identities in Scripture, inviting us to hear their voices afresh beyond patriarchal and cultural constraints. Time: 5.15-6.30 pm at Archway 1, University of Otago, Dunedin. See more.
Nominating Committee
Tēnā koutou katoa. Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The role of the Nominating Committee is to make nominations to the General Assembly (through Council of Assembly) for appointments and election to the Church’s national committees, work groups and other nationally appointed bodies. In making recommendations for appointment, the Nominating Committee must act fairly and transparently to ensure, where possible, a balanced representation of appropriately skilled and experienced people who encompass the diversity of the Church.
Now that General Assembly ’25 has concluded, the Nominating Committee brings to your prayerful attention the need to fill the vacancies that exist in the following committees for the 2026-2027 term: Leadership Sub-committee - a Pacific Presbytery representative is needed for this committee / Resource Subcommittee – additional members are needed including Ministers to form a balanced committee / Book of Order Advisory Committee – three more members are needed who are not lawyers (including Ministers), to form a balanced committee / Doctrine Core Group – several female church leaders are needed to form a balanced committee and it is noted that all current members are Ministers / Church Architecture Reference Group – female members are needed / Assembly Business Workgroup – at least two members from Northern Presbytery are needed to join the committee in advance of the 2027 Assembly.
All nominees must complete a Nomination Form (available via presbytery or by contacting the Nominating Committee). Please email nominations by the end of January to Rev Brendan O’Hagan, Convenor of Nominating Committee.
Moderator’s Advent message
Read and download here the Moderator’s Advent message that was sent to the Church last week. The Moderator Right Rev Peter Dunn will also send a Christmas message to the Church this month.
See PCANZ Jobs page vacancies
See our PCANZ website for current jobs including Outreach Pastor at Mahurangi Hope Church, and roles with Scripture Union, Bible Society, Christians Against Poverty and more here.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – summer bookings now open to all ministers
Summer bookings are now open to all minsters, not just those with school aged children. Get in quick for the vacancies December 2025 and January 2026. 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 and video here.
Greetings from the Theology Programme at the University of Otago!
The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers many opportunities for the study of Christian Theology, on-campus and via distance study, see course details here. Subjects on offer include: Old Testament and New Testament Studies, Church History, Systematic Theology, Māori Theology, Pacific Theology, Ethics, Practical Theology and Ministry (including Chaplaincy Studies), and Biblical languages (Hebrew and New Testament Greek). The Theology Programme also has a Centre for Theology and Public Issues, offering papers with a strong social justice focus on contemporary issues. Study toward a qualification, or take a single paper. Qualification options: Diploma in Theology; Bachelor of Theology; Postgraduate degrees in Theology, Ministry, Chaplaincy, and Faith-Based Leadership and Management; MTheol; and PhD.
See papers here. See paper on Christian Ministry in te ao Māori Semester 1 paper, with a block course in Lower Hutt from 9-13 February, 2026.
2025/26 lectionary available
The lectionary for 2025-2026 Year A Matthew is available here. The lectionary starts in November with the 1st Sunday of Advent and is the calendar of the liturgical year, including Scripture readings for each week.
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.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Changes in Status
Rev Roxy Gahegan, minister Ellerslie/Mount Wellington – St Peter’s Presbyterian Church to chaplain Glendowie – St Andrew’s Retirement Village, 30 September 2025.
Rev Jill McDonald, minister Hastings – St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to other recognised minister, Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu, 5 October 2025.
Rev Richard Gray, minister Waiuku and Districts Combine Churches, Northern Presbytery to other recognised minister, Alpine Presbytery, 5 October 2025.
Non-PCANZ Ministers in PCANZ Parish Stated Supply
Rev Jeff Odhiambo (Anglican), to stated supply at Remuera – Somervell Memorial Church, Northern Presbytery, 5 October 2025.
Non-PCANZ Ministers in PCANZ Parishes
Rev Tania Shackleton (Methodist) to minister, Tapanui Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 10 October 2025.
Deaths
Rev Robin Lane, Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 17 September 2025.
Congregational changes
Te Puke – St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, dissolved 31 October 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.