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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
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From the Moderator
Tēnā koutou katoa
I have been reflecting lately that a large part of the role of being Moderator of the PCANZ is to be a part of gatherings within our Presbyterian whanau.
I join with parishes when they celebrate significant occasions in the life of their church, such as 150th anniversaries or when they open a new building. I join with presbyteries when they come together for resourcing, worship and business. I join with the Council of Assembly for discernment and decision making about matters affecting our national Church. As I write this, I am soon to gather with women ministers at Te Maungarongo marae in Ōhope for learning, fun and encouragement. I join and lead annual retreats with ministers, and so on.
Recently someone made the comment that when the Moderator joins such a gathering, it is like the whole of the Church is with them. This speaks to the role that the Moderator plays.
Through such gatherings bonds are strengthened between colleagues, and parishes can be encouraged and resourced. These gatherings remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and our local parishes. Across the country we can develop links and networks with others that enrich the whole body of the PCANZ.
And, as we look at Scripture, we see how gathering was an important part of the life of the early church. Recently, I preached on the passage from Acts 2: 46-47 which talks of the early church gathering together, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”.
When there are opportunities to gather with others across our Presbyterian family, I encourage you to take them and enjoy the fellowship of being together.
Yours in Christ
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
In May I attended a Te Aka Puahou hui at Te Maungarongo Ōhope Marae. This role is one that offers huge opportunities to be present, to be with, to be alongside and to see, hear and experience God at work. I am very thankful for the privilege. As I travelled home, I reflected again on the specialness of this place, the setting, the rich history, and the people.
My experience is not that I have just been welcomed – but rather – I have been included. From the first time I visited, and was welcomed, I was told this is my place. Down through the years, that has continued to be conveyed. It runs deep; it is part of the DNA. It is embodied, lived out in words and action. And as a result, it changes you. I wondered if this is the experience of people who visit our churches?
Place is also important for Pacifica people. The journey of place for the people of St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Church in Christchurch in more recent years has had more than its share of challenges. An arsonist attack; damage in an earthquake; and repairs underway when the February earthquake hit resulting in the need to demolish the building. The leaving of the site (purchased for the new stadium); a new site purchased, and in 2018, the opening of the church building and later the hall. And we can experience this and the hospitality of St Paul’s Trinity Pacific (and Alpine Presbytery) for our Assembly in October. We will be welcomed and included.
It would be great to see presbyteries advise they have filled all of their commissioner numbers as we come together as the Assembly to (as our Book of Order states):
(a) to worship God,
(b) to facilitate and resource the life, worship, and spiritual nurture of the Church,
(c) to act in a judicial capacity as the supreme judicial body of the Church,
(d) to act in an administrative capacity as the supreme administrative body of the Church,
(e) to act as the legislative body of the Church, and
(f) to deal with such other matters that the General Assembly considers appropriate.
Voting for Moderator-designate
Upon receipt of all presbytery nominations, I will work with the Nominating Committee in compiling the election packs and ballot paper and these will be sent to each parish council in early/mid-July. Instructions about how to vote in this stage of the process will be provided with the pack.
General Assembly 2025
The 2025 General Assembly will be held from 20-23 October at St Paul's Trinity Pacific Church, Christchurch. Assembly will start with a powhiri and Opening Service from 1pm on Monday 20 October and conclude following the closing service on Thursday 23 October around 1pm.
Information about the number of commissioners available to each presbytery has been forwarded to presbytery executive officers. Presbyteries will be engaging in their process to determine those who will be commissioners. In addition, each presbytery may commission up to six (6) young adult commissioners.
Deadline for reports, proposals and recommendations to be considered by General Assembly 2025
The deadline for receiving all reports and proposals that will be considered by this year's General Assembly must be received by the Assembly Executive Secretary 5pm, Friday 6 June 2025.
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
Pray for our Partners
We often talk about ministry challenges and barriers to doing God’s mission. I ask you to take a few minutes to try and imagine the ministry and mission context of two of our partner churches and pray for not only our brothers and sisters in those churches, but all those countries’ people. The Presbyterian Church in Myanmar (PCM) and the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) are parts of Christ’s Body who do not have it easy.
More than a month after two powerful earthquakes devastated Myanmar, it is spiralling deeper into crisis as continued military attacks, obstructed aid access and widespread displacement has left nearly 6.3 million people in urgent need. The 28 March quakes killed over 3,800 people and damaged or destroyed more than 55,000 homes across multiple regions.
Families already displaced by years of conflict face early torrential rains, extreme heat and rising risk of disease. Nearly 20 million people – more than a third of the population – needed assistance even before the earthquakes.1
Vanuatu consists of 83 relatively small islands with 1,300 kilometres between the most northern and the most southern. Although the country officially has three languages, it is home to 138 indigenous Oceanic languages. Often these speakers cannot understand each other.
Vanuatu has not been particularly politically stable, and, apart from the recent earthquake, there are several active volcanoes and the country regularly experiences tropical cyclones which cause devastation. Damage to crops and food producing plants are particularly impactful as many rely on subsistence farming.
“Vanuatu's population (estimated in 2008 as growing 2.4% annually) is placing increasing pressure on land and resources for agriculture, grazing, hunting, and fishing. Ninety percent of Vanuatu households fish/consume fish, which has caused intense fishing pressure near villages and the depletion of near-shore fish species. While well-vegetated, most islands show signs of deforestation."2
May our brothers and sisters in the PCM and the PCV experience God’s presence and find hope and joy in the Lord, despite the challenges everyday life holds.
1. United Nations news, 2 May 2025.
2. Wikipedia.
Rev Dr Jaco Reyneke
Acting Global Mission Director
PressGo
PressGo, the University of Otago Theology Department, First Church of Otago and KCML are partnering to host a conference featuring Rev Dr Sam Wells (St Martin’s-in-the-Fields, London) as a keynote speaker and conversation partner.
The Catalysing Christian Communities Conference (a conference building on the Investing for Mission Impact Conference on Social Enterprise that the PCANZ held before General Assembly 2023) will be held Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August 2025 at
First Church of Otago, Moray Place, Dunedin.
Sam will deliver two keynote addresses on Thursday: “God’s Abundance and Our Scarcity” and “Discovering God’s Abundance and Renewing the Purpose of God”. Then on both days we will process this in the Aotearoa context, with local guests to inspire, motivate and challenge participants.
Ministers and leaders will be able to apply for travel subsidies via KCML, and discounts will be available for multiple registrations from one church. We anticipate a basic registration fee of $125 (GST inclusive) per person due to the support of our sponsors.
The programme is being finalised and registrations will be open shortly. To make sure you get notifications and updates please email Lisa Wells.
Additionally, at 5.15pm on the Thursday, Sam will give a public lecture at the University of Otago, Burns 1 Lecture Theatre on, “Before the Foundation of the World: Rediscovering the Purpose of God”. This is a free lecture and expands on material from the conference.
Very Rev Hamish Galloway
Chairperson
PressGo
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Kia Ora
I recently spent time with the New Zealand Children’s Ministry Network, a group of people who hold similar roles to mine in other denominations and parachurch organisations. Each year, we gather in person for a retreat where we share and reflect on ministry with children in our individual contexts, look at collaboration opportunities, and journey together in the joy and challenges that we face in the roles we hold. It was a time of refreshment and encouragement with others who share the same passion to see children nurtured and celebrated within faith communities.
I have spent a lot of time recently reflecting on the journey of children’s ministry in the PCANZ. It is so encouraging that, for the majority of churches, children are treasured members of the faith community where their participation and presence is part of the local church DNA. What we take for granted here in New Zealand is not always reality in other parts of the world. And so, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage church leaders to continue striving to ensure our children have a seat at the table, that they are actively participating in worship, are given the opportunity to connect with believers of all ages, and that we acknowledge that children and young people bring their own contributions to our faith communities. I would also love to hear stories of what intergenerational ministry initiatives are being undertaken in various churches in the PCANZ.
Kia Tipu/Way2Go
Each year, Scripture Union host some fantastic training events throughout NZ, where children’s ministry leaders have the opportunity to upskill, network, and be encouraged in their ministry. The final of these events is happening in Christchurch on June 7, so be sure to check out their website and register now!
May you be blessed as you seek to notice the joy and wonder of children in your ministry
Karo
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
Architecture and Theology
Hewitson Library is supporting a course on Architecture and Theology at the University of Otago, through its Chrysalis Seed Collection on Christianity and the Arts. Professor Murray Rae will teach the course on the UO campus from 7-11 July, both for those taking it for credit and for interest only. Register for the course here.
And here are ebooks and books that Hewitson Library members can check out at any time, in this area of study.
Not yet a member of Hewitson Library? No worries, please request membership by emailing us here.
Ng Collection
We are also pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust to help preserve and digitise material in the Ng Collection. This material, with its links to our Chinese history, helps us to remember the richness and diversity of our Asian congregations and the importance of their stories within the wider, increasingly multicultural story of the PCANZ.
Rachel Hurd
Archivist
Presbyterian Research Centre (Archives)
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
New Book Group
Are you interested in hopeful reflection around the Church’s missional identity in the secularized West? Join other leaders in a low-key and encouraging forum as we engage the book Pilgrims and Priests: Christian Mission in a Post-Christian Society by Stefan Paas. Dr Paas is Professor of Missiology and Intercultural Theology in Amsterdam and has first-hand experience as a church-planter. Canon Dr Cathy Ross says this book is, “an unflinching analysis of the place and role of the church in the secular West... He gives us a fresh take on evangelism and witness, and a compelling missional vision for small Christian communities in our secular culture... Inspiring, challenging and immensely helpful.”
- This is for leaders in PCANZ church communities.
- It will begin in June where meetings will take place weekly on an agreed evening for around 6 weeks.
- Be prepared to commit to the whole time so that the group can benefit from continuity.
Participants will be eligible for a book grant of 50% off the price of the title (please utilise retailers with competitive price-points e.g. Amazon.au or Blackwells), or $50, whichever is least. Please respond to Andrew Nicol at KCML to register your interest by 30 May.
Minister’s Study Grants
If you are a Presbyterian minister and are planning to do some further study, you may be eligible to apply for a study grant. The next round of applications for our Minister’s Study Grants will be considered on 11 June. For more information, please look at our website or you can contact Ivan Martinez.
On behalf of the KCML team
Sebastian Murrihy
Lecturer/Ministry Formation Co-ordinator
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Connect conference
Join us at PYM’s Connect Youth Leaders and Young Adult Conference, Friday 15 - Sunday 17 August at Willow Park Conference Centre, Eastern Beach Auckland. Our main stage theme for Connect 2025 is “Good News: Encountering the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and exploring what it means for us, the church and the world. Please encourage your youth leadership teams, young adults and senior high school students to attend. The conference provides the opportunity for attendees to connect, worship and learn with their peers and colleagues. See here for more information.
Young Adult Commissioners at GA 2025
The PYM Young Adult Commissioners Programme helps train and support Young Adult Commissioners to attend the General Assembly. We are looking for young adults aged 18-30 who are self-assured and have a mature Christian faith. Up to six young adult commissioners can attend from each presbytery. Check out further info on our website and contact your presbytery youth enabler if you have a potential candidate.
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.
Join our Facebook Group!
We have a Presbyterian Youth Ministry Facebook group! in addition to our Facebook Page. Joining our Facebook group will mean that you can choose to always get our important updates instead of the Facebook algorithm deciding for you :)
Peace
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
The Women and Girls of our Schools
As I wrote previously, 2025 is a special year for women in the Presbyterian movement. Our Presbyterian schools are a reminder that girls have been important for over 100 years. And our seven girls’ schools and three co-eds continue to provide a faith-based education to thousands of girls throughout the motu (country).
Our Presbyterian schools model female leadership in their staff with many principals, heads of schools and departments being women. While this seems obvious in girls’ schools, women are also leading in boys and co-ed schools. Until this year St Andrew's, a co-ed school, had a female rector (principal).
Female chaplains are also well represented. Currently we have eleven female chaplains throughout the schools. Some work in junior areas and some with the seniors. Some work part-time while some are full-time, Some have been doing this role for over 15 years and others only started this year. Currently none of the female chaplains are ordained Presbyterian ministers although one is an Anglican priest, and another is looking at the Local Ordained Ministry programme. They also come from youthwork backgrounds, and Baptist churches, with and without teaching qualifications, etc. What they all share is a commitment to share the Good News of Jesus to the young people in our Presbyterian schools.
They are not the only women sharing their faith in this context. In our bigger schools the chaplains are supported in Religious (or Christian) Education by other teachers. Many are women. They come in, part-time or as another subject during their teaching day, to introduce the faith story and invite students to explore further.
Whether through conversations or chapel services, simply being there through crises, and celebrating successes, teaching and mentoring, these women are the visible face of Christ to many. Their ministry impacts about 13,000 young people every year, and who knows how many staff and whanau besides. Please pray for them, and if you get the chance, thank them – they are amazing.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Christian World Service
Vanutau earthquake: Churches Humanitarian Team response
CWS facilitates a group known as the Churches Humanitarian Response team, with whom we collaborate on emergencies that take place across Oceania. Thankfully, this year there have been no devastating cyclones that hit the islands. However, in December, the group focused on what might be needed in response to the earthquake in Vanuatu.
Through your generous support we have been able to partner with both the Anglican and the Presbyterian churches in Aotearoa New Zealand to contribute to the work of Anglicans in Port Vila helping those displaced and providing food and shelter. They also facilitated collecting food from parishes and communities from neighbouring islands and transferring it to Port Vila where it was distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
As the locals have wrestled with their emotional responses to the crisis, support has provided psychosocial intervention through trained counsellors and volunteers.
We have also supported the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand who arranged for a team of structural engineers to travel to Port Vila from March 1-8 and assess the safety of the Vanuatu Presbyterian church buildings.
Engineers Allen Spring and Kim Wealleans, accompanied by Global Mission volunteer Neville Jones, made visual assessments of several buildings. They were also asked to inspect the Vanuatu Council of Churches building. At the time of writing, they have recommended demolition of one building for safety reasons.
Notices
Presbyterians 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.
Eco Church: The Pentecost Art Project
The Pentecost Art Project brings together art from across Aotearoa, exploring these powerful symbols — breath, wind, fire, birds, flight, light — through a uniquely Aotearoa lens. Our hope is that this project will enable people to see and better understand the presence of the Holy Spirit in their own lives and in the world around them. Come, Holy Spirit. Haere mai, e Te Wairua Tapu! See the project here.
Prepare for Matariki - resources
See the PCANZ website for church resources for Matariki including ideas for church services, video, and other resources to download.
Hunua Presbyterian Church Celebrating 150 Years
On 19 October 2025, Hunua Presbyterian Church celebrates 150 years of ministry. Do you have a story connected with the history of our church, if so we would love to hear from you so we can share at our celebration. Email Hunua Presbyterian.
Common Grace: Faith Communities & Māori Ward Referendums
Common Grace Aotearoa is equipping and educating faith communities about Māori wards referendums. In October 2025, 43 local authorities will hold referenda about whether to keep Māori wards alongside local body elections. Christians have a unique role to play in this conversation. See more here.
Catalysing Christian Communities conference, 21-22 August & Public Lecture, Dunedin
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. An Anglican Diocese of Dunedin event will be held 20 August and it's expected attendees will be able to register for this event.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – dates available June & July
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.
A Rocha Eco Church Korero and Gatherings
Eco Church and A Rocha NZ have kōrero, events and gatherings throughout the country over the coming months including in Wellington, Christchurch, and Raglan in June. See details here.
SUNZ Boys Camp Pōnui Island, 1-5 July
Camp Mission is the ultimate winter adventure for Year 11-13 boys happening 1-5 July 2025 on the breathtaking Pōnui Island. Dive into a week of faith-building, team building, and fun-packed activities designed to challenge and inspire! From wide-games to sports, overnighters to the epic island-wide challenge, there's no shortage of excitement. Register here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Deaths
Rev Bill Cuthers, Minister Emeritus, Pacific Presbytery, 25 October 2024.
Rev Apa Lealiifano, Minister Emeritus, Pacific Presbytery, 6 January 2025.
Rev Stan Stewart, Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 12 April 2025.
Rev Dr Graeme Ferguson, Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 28 April 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.