- Contact those who contribute to Bush Telegraph here.
- Subscribe to Bush Telegraph and other ministry publications here.
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
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Church Register
Notices
Social Media
Events
Jobs
Subscribe to publications
From the Moderator
Tēnā koutou katoa
I have just returned home from spending an enjoyable weekend with the Mackenzie Co-operating Parish - preaching at services at Fairlie and at Tekapo over the Matariki weekend. It was stunning weather with blue skies, frosty mornings, and thick snow on the mountains and surrounding ground. God’s good creation all around!
How fortunate we are to have people who feel called to rural ministry and all the particular dynamics that come with that. Often, they are quite isolated, with long distances to travel. They can have to cope with extreme weather conditions (just last week some of the roads in the area were closed due to ice and snow) and it can be difficult to get cover for preaching when holidays are taken. So, a big shout out to those in ministry in rural areas, you are a blessing to the communities you serve in and to our national Church.
One of the Scripture readings I used for my sermon in both places was Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”. This theme worked in well with talking of Matariki, and taking the time to stop and ponder and reflect. What season are we in as individuals, and as church communities? Is a particular season over, and a new one presenting itself? Are we open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, taking us out of what is familiar and predictable, and being willing to put our feet on a different pathway?
May this season of winter be a time to rest - remember and look to the future. A time to enjoy the rhythm of the seasonal weather, to reflect on the varying seasons of our lives and to have trust in God as we go into the future.
“You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure for ever”. [Psalm 16: 11]
Ka kite ano
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
The shortest day has come and gone. It has been a day I have associated with reading – often because it is cold and wet outside!
Maybe like me you are reading articles from places like England, Wales and Australia showing a marked increase in people attending churches. Labelled the quiet revival, it speaks of broad-based growth among most expressions of church “particularly Roman Catholic and Pentecostalism” (more here).
Delving a little deeper, one might suggest young adults are discovering faith online, and turning up at a church on Sunday morning ready to engage and commit and participate straight away in things such as Bible Study. Interesting times! One might say an answer to prayer!
While on the one hand I had a sense of excitement, I also recalled a few things closer to home. I referred a couple of months ago to our own statistics and wondered if we were noticing. The Council of Assembly has noted with deep gratitude the work done by Margaret Gault on reflecting on our information – see here.
And then two quotes from others commenting on us. First, words from Dr Rosemary Dewerse, Thornton Blair Research Fellow, I think from her work in 2017: “Presbyterians hold a reputation for intelligent faith and for valuing Christian education, but in the process of listening I am hearing deep concern over levels of biblical illiteracy, a lack of confidence in the Gospel, and God-knowledge that is too small.”
Then the words of a former Moderator, Rev Dr Graham Redding: “The future of the PCANZ will rely as much on our willingness to be re-evangelised with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it will on our appropriation of organisational principles and Church growth strategies.”
As I read and thought and reflected, excited by what I was reading I found myself praying – not for God to change ‘the church’ or ‘others’ – but rather God increase my confidence in your Gospel and by your Spirit – re-evangelise the church – starting with me…
Friends, in such a time as this, might we all be God’s agent as people are searching for meaning – and be found ready - along with others – to be continually transformed by the Good News of Jesus.
Voting for Moderator-designate
Election packs are being prepared and will be sent to parish councils containing information about each of those nominated, together with voting instructions and a voting paper.
General Assembly 2025
The 2025 General Assembly will be held from 20-23 October at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Church, Christchurch.
Assembly is a time for us to learn, grow and celebrate our Church's life and mission. Full details about the event are available on the dedicated General Assembly website.
Commissioners to Assembly
Pursuant to Book of Order 8.16 (1) A presbytery is responsible for the organisation of appointments of commissioners to attend the General Assembly (2) The selection of commissioners is to be based on the total number of full members of congregations within a presbytery, on a fair and reasonable basis. For every 100 members, a presbytery will commission one elder or minister and will allocate the commissions across the congregations within the presbytery.
Guidelines have been issued to all presbyteries to assist in the process. These provide assistance in responding to issues raised at past Assemblies to assist with ensuring a wide and fair range of commissioners are chosen including a balance of lay and ordained and a gender balance. This includes encouragement to get people to attend, and also encouragement that a commissioner should not attend successive assemblies.
Nominating Committee
Each parish council and presbytery has been sent information from the Nominating Committee providing background material and explaining the process and vacancies they are seeking to fill. Nominations can be submitted as an electronic copy – use this link (please note this has been updated since the communication was sent to church councils) - or emailed to Alan Judge or posted to 14 Argyle Street, Mornington, Dunedin 9011. A reminder: please send completed nomination forms to the Convener by 5pm on 31 July 2025.
Police checks
A reminder about the requirements of those completing police checks. Please see details here. Applications that use old forms or are incomplete applications (such as no Application Form or identification documents) will be automatically returned as Assembly Office cannot process these applications.
Update your office bearer contacts
We use electronic communication to share information, update on important matters and pass on other news. Our office’s ability to do this is dependent on church councils advising updates to key contact people, changes in email etc. Please pass on any changes to Nani at our office, so that we can ensure we are communicating with the appropriate office bearers.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Supporting Leadership and Educational Development in Vanuatu
In May we sponsored delegates from the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu to an International Rural Ministries Conference in Fiji. The conference covered topics relevant to the Pacific including seasonal work, climate change and drug abuse. We hope this will help the PCV to equip their leaders and address missional challenges in their context.
Congratulations to Saint Kentigern Boys and Girls Schools who undertook a successful project in Vanuatu in June. Photos of this can be viewed on the Global Mission Facebook page. Two more teams of Year 12 and 13 students from Saint Kentigern College will travel to Vanuatu this month to renew their partnership with Onesua Presbyterian College and work on another school project.
Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal
Thank you to all who have donated to our earthquake appeal for the PCV. We have so far raised over $30,000 and this will be a massive help as they work their way through a long list of rebuilding and maintenance projects. The country will be dealing with the effects of December’s earthquake for a long time. This 30 minute-long video is a helpful insight into the challenges facing Vanuatu as they try to rebuild.
There was distressing news of a deadly suicide-bomb attack on a church in Syria recently, and the US strikes on Iran are likely to have increased persecution of Christians in the region. We are definitely enduring troubling times. I recently chaired the CWM Annual Members Meeting where the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM) General Secretary Rev Pek Muan Cuang gave an update on their context. It was sobering to hear his account of the very challenging conditions facing Myanmar citizens. The PCM is well-supported by the international ecumenical community, but the reality is Rev Pek was returning home to a country at war, where hope is in short supply. Please continue to pray for them.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Kia ora koutou
It has been an epic month for PCFM! In early June I travelled to Wilmore, Kentucky, to attend Intergenerate Conference. Julianne Managh, Children Youth and Families Coach - Kaimai Presbytery and Mandi Geustyn, Children and Families Advisor - Southern Presbytery, joined me for four days of connecting, learning and sharing about intergenerational ministry. It was a true privilege to meet some of the leading academics in this area - the people who literally wrote the book on intergenerational ministry! With workshops, roundtable discussions, taste-and-see experiences and paper presentations, there was much to take away. We are now in the process of digesting what we’ve learned! Keep an eye out for how we may share this new knowledge with the wider Church.
I was also very fortunate to be invited to present a workshop during the conference. I focussed on the journey the PCANZ has been on to intentionally prioritise the faith formation of young people, and the development of the Whānau Friendly Process as a tool to help churches discern together their priorities in this space. A small but enthusiastic group attended the presentation, and there was some really positive feedback on this framework.
Child Protection and Safety Warrant of Fitness
As we look ahead to the second half of 2025, I am encouraged to see churches and presbyteries taking steps to ensure they are meeting the requirements of our Child Protection Policy. A reminder that all staff and volunteers working with children and youth must undertake our Safety Warrant of Fitness training. Our next online course is in September, free for PCANZ members to undertake. More details here.
One final thought from me; while I was in Kentucky, I was overwhelmed with joy to see fireflies. The experience of seeing them for the first time filled me with a child-like excitement that rippled out around me. Afterwards, a few people who had watched me commented how happy they were to see me be excited by something they saw as common and normal.
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
Vale Peter Matheson
Rev Dr Peter Matheson passed away in April. We are deeply saddened by this. Peter had a long involvement with PRC and its predecessors, and he was always a great source of encouragement to us.
Peter was a pastor and professor, activist and historian. Peter’s major area of study was the Reformation, with a particular focus on radical movements and on the role of women, especially Argula von Grumbach, an early German supporter of Protestant reform.
Earlier this year Peter donated a collection of his written works, which ensured that the Hewitson Library has a full complement of those works in our circulating and Presbyterian collections. And we have purchased ebooks of his works that were available. See here for a list of those books and ebooks, sorted by subject area. And PRC has a large collection of Peter’s archival material available for research.
In Peter’s time in Dunedin. from 1965-1982, he served as convenor of what was then the PCNZ Historical Records Committee. In this role he provided immense support to the development of the Presbyterian Archives. He was also very involved with the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), which worked to encourage the study of NZ Presbyterian history, including through public talks and seminars. Since returning to Dunedin in retirement in 2004, he remained one of our staunchest supports and brightest guiding lights.
We are revitalizing the PHS, which had been in abeyance since Covid. We have restarted and will continue a speakers’ series. We would like to hear from anyone who has an interest in NZ Presbyterian history and would like to be involved with the Society or simply to find out more about it.
Peter preached, “I am a historian. It is always those who look back to the rock from which they are hewn who lead the great renewal movements in history … so that today we can do a new thing, as … Isaiah proclaims. True Heritage is about the Future.”
Thank you, Peter, for the many blessings you have shared with us in your time amongst us.
Rachel Hurd and Jay Robinson
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Winter Block Course
We are in the midst of our Winter Block Course with NOM interns and LOM probationers. Our teaching this time has included input from various guests: Rt Rev Rose Luxford joined the class to share her vision as Moderator, Prof Paul Trebilco (Otago University) conducted a deep dive into Scripture, also, Rev Brendan McRae and Sue Mepham and members from Flagstaff Community Church facilitated bicultural reflection on ministry with a Matariki focus.
Online Learning Opportunities
In the second half of this year, KCML is running a series of online workshops exploring a range of topics. These will be suitable for anyone in church leadership:
- Redeeming Conflict: From Fighting to Thriving. This is a two-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings 13th and 27th August. This workshop is facilitated by Ivan Martinez.
- Ministering in Today’s (Secular) World. This is a three-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings 3rd, 10th and 17th September. This workshop is facilitated by Sebastian Murrihy.
- The Essence and Practice of Worship. This is a three-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings, 1st and 8th October and 19th November. This workshop is facilitated by Darryl Tempero.
- In addition, we will have an evening forum near the end of the year exploring AI. Details still to be confirmed. This forum will be facilitated by Andrew Nicol.
We are currently updating our website which we hope to go live soon. More details for these workshops will be available on our website when live.
Preaching Community of Practice
In addition to our online workshops, we are also starting a Community of Practice among preachers in Northland. The Community of Practice will begin with a physical gathering on 19th July. It will then meet monthly, primarily online, for teaching input as well as peer observation on sermons. The space is designed for mutual growth and encouragement in the practice of preaching.
Finally, our principal, Geoff New, is back from study leave.
On behalf of the KCML team
Sebastian Murrihy
Lecturer/Ministry Formation Co-ordinator
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Invest in Your Youth Leaders: Connect Youth Leaders and Young Adult Conference
Friday the 15-17 August at Willow Park Conference Centre, Eastern Beach, Auckland.
Connect is PCANZ’s national youth leaders conference designed to equip, refresh, and inspire those leading young people in our churches. This is a vital space for your youth leaders and young adults to grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and strengthen their connection with others. Here’s what past participants have said about the conference:
“Thank you Connect, I’m going home fired up with the skills I’ve learnt. Such an uplifting time.” “I loved the diverse participation of different cultures.” See here for more information.
PYM Internship
Do you know someone considering youth ministry or youth work training? The PYM Internship provides a structured learning programme, specific learning experiences around our Presbyterian Identity and access to a great learning community. Learn more at PYM Internship.
Sustainable Practices of Youth Ministry
Youth leaders who stick around for 5-7 years achieve so much more than someone who only has a 1–4-year tenure. This resource provides simple steps that a church can take to help retain and support their youth leaders: Sustainable Practices for Youth Ministry.
Peace
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Schools’ Female Chaplains
Welcome to the first in a series of columns from our female school chaplains. I am pleased to have this month the Rev Dr Deborah Wilson, Chaplain, Queen Margaret College share below about her work:
I have been chaplain at Queen Margaret College (QMC) in Wellington for just over six years. We have almost 800 girls, and a few preschool boys. Our students come from around the world, including China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Germany. Our location in Wellington’s CBD, among the diplomatic and cultural institutions of the capital, provides rich opportunities for engagement and learning beyond the classroom.
As chaplain I am part of the Wellbeing Team, and I head Religious Education. A typical day begins with morning prayer, followed by teaching R.E. lessons where I lead searching conversations; from Genesis to gender, from miracles to mental health. In an age of anxiety, digital overload, and political instability, these equip young women to live with integrity, resilience, and spiritual depth.
Each week I lead a chapel service (without a chapel) with a student team. It’s an empowering space where girls develop confidence in public speaking, creative leadership, and spiritual reflection.
QMC offers NCEA and Scholarship Religious Studies. Students go on interfaith trips, plus the annual PYM noho at Ohope marae; an experience that weaves together faith, culture, and shared learning in a uniquely Aotearoa context.
Our lunchtime craft club is a favorite space. Students gather to crochet, knit, and weave, which often leads to unguarded conversations, particularly for those who may be shy or anxious. Threads of yarn become threads of relationship, and a quiet space becomes sacred ground.
As a female chaplain in a girls’ school, I carry a particular calling: to model spiritual leadership that is wise, compassionate, and grounded. When women’s voices are still marginalised in religious spaces, and where faith is often caricatured as narrow or patriarchal, it matters deeply that our students see a woman in this role. It matters that they hear theology spoken in a female voice, that they see compassion exercised with strength, and that they experience pastoral care shaped by shared understanding.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund – interest rate unchanged
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund will remain at 3.50% p.a. from 1 July 2025. The PIF On Call rate tends to follow the Official Cash Rate, currently 3.25% p.a., with more cuts possible in 2025. A reminder to please provide advance notice (of at least 3 days) for major (>$100,000) withdrawals.
The interest rate on the PIF Long-Term Fund remains at 3.0% pa plus inflation.
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.
Budgeting for interest income to 30 June 2026
The Trustees consider that an interest rate of 3.0% p.a. would be prudent when budgeting for On Call PIF interest income for the year to 30 June 2026. In doing so, they note that the actual return will reflect movements in the Official Cash Rate over that period and may be more or less than 3.0%.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Notices
Read the PressGo June newsletter
Download and read the PressGo newsletter published in June. It contains information on recent projects supported, grants, resourcing and equipping innovative mission, the Board, and how you can help PressGo. Download and read it here.
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.
The Well - new free Bible Society resource library
Explore 'The Well', our brand new Resource Library packed with free Bible-based tools for you, your whānau, and your ministry. Whether you're looking for Bible studies, reading plans, audio bibles, or fun resources for little ones like the Little Believers Kit, The Well has something to refresh and encourage everyone. Sign up for free and log in here.
Watch video talks from Mental Health and Faith: The Struggle for Soul, Identity, and Flourishing
ISCAST–NZCIS Conversations 2025, in collaboration with the Centre for Theology and Psychology at Melbourne School of Theology, offers videos of recent talks from the “Mental Health and Faith: The Struggle for Soul, Identity, and Flourishing” series. What does the Christian faith have to offer those struggling with mental illness? Can we redefine wellness and well-being to encompass both the “long dark night of the soul” and the pursuit of joy and flourishing? Watch videos here.
Last chance to apply for Tindall funding... closes 7 July
Applications for funding from The Tindall Foundation are now open! Donations from $500 to $15,000. As a Faith-based Donation Manager for The Tindall Foundation, Presbyterian Support NZ invites applications from Presbyterian churches, Co-operating Ventures, presbyteries, Presbyterian Support regional organisations and Trusts associated with the Presbyterian family. Apply online by 9 am on Monday, 7 July 2025, info here.
Just Stories: sharing stories from the Presbyterian whānau
Just Stories is a new platform sharing stories of justice in action from the Presbyterian whānau in Aotearoa and beyond. 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 the Presbyterian whānau, reflecting the diversity and creativity of responses from individuals, groups and community organisations as together we stand alongside, work for transformation and foster hope in our communities. Read more, and see website and Facebook.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – dates available July- 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.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Church changes
Akaroa – Banks Peninsula Presbyterian Church Trinity, Alpine Presbytery, dissolved 31 December 2024.
Akaroa Banks Peninsula Community Church, Alpine Presbytery, created 1 January 2025 (cooperative venture with Anglican Church).
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Tertius Jacobs, ordained and inducted minister Tuakau Union Parish, Northern Presbytery, 22 May 2025.
Minister Changes
Rev David Sang-Joon Kim, minister Avonhead/Upper Riccarton – St Mark’s Church, Alpine Presbytery to minister Glenfield Community Church, Northern Presbytery, 15 December 2024.
Rev Johanna Warren, Minister Emerita Alpine Presbytery to Minister Emerita and stated supply Whangarei - St John’s Cooperating Church, Northern Presbytery, 20 January 2025.
Rev Martin Baker, minister Clevedon Presbyterian Church to other recognised minister, Northern Presbytery, 26 January 2025.
Rev Phyllis Harris, minister Lincoln Union Church to Minister Emerita Alpine Presbytery 26 May 2025.
Rev Ron Bennett, Minister Emeritus to other recognised minister, Kaimai Presbytery, 27 May 2025.
Rev Ron Bennett, other recognised minister to minister Morrinsville – Knox Presbyterian Church, 22 June 2025.
Retirements
Rev Ron Bennett, minister Te Awamutu Presbyterian Parish to Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, 30 April 2025.
Resignations from the PCANZ roll
Rev Helen Harray, minister emerita, Southern Presbytery, 9 June 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.