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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
PressGo
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Church Register
Notices
Social Media
Events
Jobs
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From the Moderator
Tena koutou katoa
“Christ is risen – he is risen indeed!” These are wonderful words that were proclaimed in many places around the world on Easter Sunday, including Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a joyous day as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life that flows for us from that. I trust that you all had a memorable time in your various ministry settings over Easter.
Coming up
After some time at home in April, May involves a number of trips away as there are two more dialogues on sexuality (in Kaimai and Alpine presbyteries), and I am also participating in the gatherings of those presbyteries. There are meetings with Presbyterian Support Otago, the SAGE group (as you will have read about in the Council of Assembly News), preaching at the 150th anniversary for St Luke’s in Remuera, the women ministers’ gathering at Ohope, and Council of Assembly in Auckland.
The week prior to Easter I also attended and participated in the joint Synod/Southern Presbytery meeting and that was a good time of sharing and connecting.
Meeting up
As I attend various gatherings within our Church, I find that it reinforces my belief of the importance of coming together for engagement and encouragement. It can be very easy for people to feel dislocated from the Church – locally, regionally and nationally. To meet up with colleagues, fellow elders and people from other parishes, is to know in an ‘earthed’ way what it is to be part of the Body of Christ. Sharing our struggles, frustrations, joys, dreams and visions, connects us to each other and to the one whom we follow, Jesus Christ. It strengthens us both individually and collectively and gives witness to the one who binds us together. And it is also what the early followers of Christ did as they witnessed to the Risen Christ and forged the church that we are part of.
“How excellent are the Lord’s faithful people!
My greatest pleasure is to be with them” [Psalm 16: 3]
Ka kite ano
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
The date of 9 April passed without much notice. I had made a handwritten comment in my diary. It read, “80th anniversary of death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” You may know something of his life. His faith-driven life during the Second World War resulted in his execution. Many have read his books and been inspired, challenged, disturbed, and confronted by his struggles, faith, prayers, theology, sense of responsibility and vision. For me, The Cost of Discipleship is a must read.
Bonhoeffer believed that our troubled world could be transformed by a believing church… but he held that could only be possible when the church itself was transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Bonhoeffer writes, “Prayer is the supreme instance of the hidden character of the Christian life. It is the anti-thesis of self-display. When we pray, we have ceased to know ourselves and know only God whom we call upon.”
Profound and as applicable today as when he lived.
Voting for Moderator-designate
Church councils have now forwarded nominations to their presbytery. Where a presbytery has received more than two nominations, the presbytery will over coming weeks circulate the list of nominations to presbytery members, together with the 150-word statements and proof of acceptance by each nominee. They with arrange a secret ballot of presbytery members from the nominations received from church councils. Each member votes for up to two names on the list. A preferential system of voting will be used. The presbytery appoints those to oversee the counting of the vote and refers the detailed voting results to the presbytery/presbytery council. Before confirming the names of the presbytery’s two candidates, the presbytery council must take into account the requirement for the Church’s institutions to represent the diversity of age, gender and cultural groupings. Presbyteries send the names of those candidates to me by the closing date of 5pm 3 June 2025.
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 Pauls 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 6 young adult commissioners.
Deadline for reports, proposals and recommendations to be considered by General Assembly 2025
Following consultation with the Assembly Business Work Group convener, a deadline has been set for receiving all reports and proposals that will be considered by this year's General Assembly. All material must be received by the Assembly Executive Secretary by 5pm, Friday 6 June 2025. Please note – your presbytery will set a date prior to this to ensure that they can comply with this deadline. This timeframe will enable us to facilitate a consultative process with presbyteries prior to Assembly. In this way, we will be able to fulfil the 2012 Assembly’s decision supporting presbyteries’ participation in the setting of the Assembly agenda.
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
Earthquake Appeals
Thank you very much for every contribution made to the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu and Presbyterian Church of Myanmar earthquake appeals.
As of 15 April 2025, $32,342.05 has been donated to help with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) recovery efforts, after the 17 December 7.3 magnitude earthquake which left 14 people dead and over 200 injured in Port Vila.
Using recommendations from the engineers’ report, the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu is currently initiating projects like repairing Christian Education House. Your donations are making a difference.
As reported when the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM) earthquake appeal was launched on 7 April, funds were promptly sent to help the PCM’s efforts to quickly assist people displaced by the 28 March 7.7 magnitude earthquake where 5,313 people died, 11,366 were injured, 1,111 remain unaccounted for, and 10,197 households were rendered homeless. As of 15 April, $4,780.00 has been received to support our partner church in Myanmar. We continue to pray for agencies providing essentials like tarpaulins for shelter as temperatures reach 41 degrees Celsius in the worst hit areas, and the monsoon season starts. We pray for people to experience God’s presence despite the devastation.
If you are stirred to donate, please transfer money to the Global Mission account (02 0500 0086963 10) with reference ‘PCV Earthquake Appeal’ or ‘Myanmar/Quake’ and your name as reference. Email Katrina Graham if you need a receipt.
Communities Reaching Out
Global Mission facilitates and supports outreach. We are helping as Saint Kentigern is planning for an upcoming service trip to build a new kindergarten at the Opowoh Presbyterian School in Vanuatu.
Neville Jones, who has been a very helpful volunteer facilitator/project manager in Vanuatu, is also getting all the ducks in a row for a team from Dunedin, led by Very Rev Richard Dawson, to go in July to help repair the Christian Education House.
May these trips be a blessing to both the groups reaching out, as well as the communities benefitting from their generosity.
Rev Dr Jaco Reyneke
Acting Global Mission Director
PressGo
Catalysing Christian Communities conference, 21-22 August, Dunedin
PressGo is working with the University of Otago Theology Department and First Church of Otago, along with the Dunedin Anglican Diocese, to host a visit of Rev Dr Sam Wells (St Martin’s-in-the-Fields, London), on 21 and 22 August, 2025.
Following on from the “Investing for Mission” conference in 2023, we will offer a 2-day conference event. Sam will be the keynote speaker and conversation partner, and will also give a public lecture at the University of Otago on Thursday 21 August at 5.30pm.
Sam is a well-known author, speaker, theologian and missiologist. His framework of Community, Commerce, Culture and Congregational Initiatives is part of his work on an incarnational theology of church culture, innovation, and presence in a secular society.
This is a 'don’t miss' event. Further details will be available soon, so watch this space or email Lisa Wells to ensure you receive updates. An event hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin will be on the previous day, Wednesday 20 August, and we expect attendees will be able to register for this event as well. Travel subsidies may be available.
Very Rev Hamish Galloway
Chairperson
PressGo
Presbyterian Children and Families
Term 2 is upon us, and I trust that those who serve in children and family ministries across the PCANZ were able to experience refreshment and rest during the holiday period.
School chaplains
I recently spent time in Auckland with Rev Stephanie Wells and Matt Chamberlin, where we connected with chaplains from Saint Kentigern’s and St Cuthbert’s. I find it so encouraging to see how ministry with children and young people happens within an education setting, and it was a privilege to network with those who have been called to guide and encourage the faith formation of students in this very special context. I was thrilled to be able to share some of the resources that PCFM has developed, and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with our Church school chaplains.
New Zealand Children’s Ministry Network
This month, I am spending time with the New Zealand Children’s Ministry Network team. This group, made up of my counterparts from several other denominations, meet once a year to share knowledge, discuss trends, and discern strategies for what children’s ministry might look like in the next year for New Zealand.
Intergenerate Conference in Kentucky
I am looking forward with excitement and anticipation to June, when I will travel to Intergenerate Conference in Kentucky. There is a great wee cohort of New Zealanders attending, with representatives from the Baptist and Anglican churches, as well as a contingent of three from PCANZ. The theme for the conference is, ‘Connecting Head, Hearts, Hands’, and will be a great time of learning from some of the leading academics in the field of intergenerational ministry, as well as experiencing practical, hands-on ways of leading a congregation to be intentionally intergenerational. I would appreciate your prayers - firstly, as I prepare the presentation I will be sharing on the Whānau Friendly Process and PCANZ’s intergenerational journey, and also for safety as our team travel to the States.
Kia noho a Ihowā ki a koutou (The Lord be with you)
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
Technology has changed and so too should our suggested guidelines
From discussions with parishes, we know that most church records are now being created in digital formats. And, although we have written guidelines and recommendations for how parishes should care for and preserve these records, we are aware that the guidelines themselves are becoming out of date.
Over the next few months, we plan to review and, where needed, re-write the recommended processes for managing digital records. Yet, we want to ensure that the guidelines are reasonable and reflect the needs of congregations. We would love your feedback, suggestions, and requests for topics you would like us to address in this new document.
We plan to talk about what to keep and what format to keep it in. Would it be useful to give tips on how to save files in new formats? Should we include a list of what records to retain as well? All suggestions and requests are welcome. You can email your thoughts to us here.
Yet, regardless of what these guidelines say, the most important thing to remember is that no matter what format it is in, digital or physical, please save it. You are the gatekeepers and guardians of your parish’s history, and we are honoured to be able to help you save these important records for the future.
Susan Garwood
Digital Content Curator
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Forge Aotearoa
We are looking forward to our Forge Hui in Auckland, May 16-18 with guest Andrew Root. Based on previous Huis, this will be an excellent and thoughtful weekend that will be both encouraging and challenging. For more information on the Hui or to register see here.
Community of Practice Pilot
KCML faculty are developing a ‘Community of Practice’ with preachers in Northland. We are designing this Community of Practice to be a supportive community of preachers who are learning the craft of preaching together. The intention of this group is to meet monthly, primarily online, but with two face-to-face gatherings a year. There will be teaching input from KCML faculty as well as peer-to-peer learning in an encouraging environment.
We are excited about the formation of this community. It is something of a pilot for us as we explore the possibilities of forming more communities of practice. Future communities of practice may not only be for preaching but could also be formed around other important aspects of church life and ministry like church leadership or mission or spiritual formation.
We look forward to starting with our Northland preachers in July. And we look forward to exploring the possibilities this mode of community and learning may have for Presbyterian ministers, elders, and church leaders around Aotearoa.
On behalf of the KCML team
Sebastian Murrihy
Lecturer/Ministry Formation Co-ordinator
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund – interest rate change
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund will fall from 4.0% p.a. to 3.75% p.a. from 1 May 2025. The PIF On Call rate tends to follow the Official Cash Rate, currently 3.50% p.a., with more cuts expected 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. Inflation for the 1st quarter of 2025 was 0.90%, but a deficit of -2.0% was deducted from Long Term account-holders as negative reserve interest for the last quarter.
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 suitable 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%.
Olive Burnett Loan Fund - Ministers’ Loans now interest-free
Burnett Loans are now interest-free for all eligible ministers (for a trial period up to 31 December 2027). The purpose of the Burnett Loan Fund is to support the borrower’s ministry. The Fund makes loans to eligible PCANZ ministers to assist them with funding the cost of goods or services, which cannot reasonably be met from the minister’s current resources. Loans will be provided for, but not necessarily limited to, the purchase of a motor-vehicle, major vehicle repairs, computers or laptops, medical expenses, training costs and fees, and household appliances or furniture. Loans will not be provided for travel, or routine goods or services, unless in exceptional circumstances and at the absolute discretion of the Trustees. More details are available, email John White at the Trustees’ Office.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Notices
CWM Sunday 20 July
Download resources for CWM Sunday including a letter, liturgy, PowerPoint, and video and script. CWM encourage you to circulate these materials and to consider taking up a special offering in support of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) as they continue their recovery efforts following the December 2024 earthquake. Download resources here.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 1-8 June 2025
The week of prayer for Christian Unity in Aotearoa New Zealand falls between Ascension and Pentecost. Join with fellow Christians in common worship, particularly during this week. Download the internationally common service here, Further information and resources available from WCC here.
Apply for CCA Asian Ecumenical Institute training, 3-30 August 2025
Christian Conference of Asia invites applications for the Asian Ecumenical Institute 3-30 August 2025 training programme at Payap University campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The theme: “Enduring Faith and Embracing Unity towards Ecumenical Witness” Commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Limited to 24 participants aged 24-35, endorsed by a CCA member church/or ecumenical organisation. Read more and apply here. Closes 15 May 2025.
Apply for Leprosy Mission Youth Advocate Scholarship 2025-2026
A life changing chance to shift your perspective on what’s truly important, while making amazing friends. The Leprosy Mission New Zealand seeks applications from your students and young adults 18-25 years for its Youth Advocate Scholarship 2025-2026. The trip to Nepal is mid-Jan 2026. To apply see here. For more information contact Nadia 022 199 57 58 or email.
Charities Services webinar: Benefits and obligations of a registered charity, 6 May
Charities Services are hosting a webinar designed for newly registered charities, new officers, or those who simply need a refresher on the topic, Includes a Q&A session with Charities Services staff. By the end of the webinar, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and obligations of being a registered charity, 12pm – 1pm. Register here.
IRCA Oceania Network ZOOM - 22 May
Kitchen Table type conversation as we introduce ourselves and share news and challenges. This will be immediately before the IRCA Oceania 2025 Fiji Face-to-Face Conference in Fiji and Rotuma 26-30 May 2025. Hear the latest stories from around the region, and those staying home get the latest on connecting up with the conference online. Thursday 22 May 2025, 1300 NZST. Email for Zoom link.
CWM Mission Secretary/Mission Programme and Partnership - closes 15 June
Assist CWM in developing proposals and strategies for guiding member churches to engage in mission and partnership through its flagship programmes. You will be expected to relocate to Singapore for four years, which can be renewed. Work in partnership with member churches, ecumenical partners, and peoples’ movements in promoting peace and community development while also taking the responsibility of a particular region the person represents. Read more and apply here.
Mental Health Hospital Chaplain, Hillmorton Hospital, Canterbury - closes 19 May
Be part of a team of Mental Health Chaplains at Hillmorton Hospital, Christchurch, a major provider of specialist mental health services in Waitaha Canterbury. Part Time 0.5FTE. To apply see the SEEK ad here. Closes 19 May.
A Rocha Aotearoa “A Way to Pray” youth resource
A new youth prayer resource inspired by prayer times at the He Mahuri Totara youth leadership courses run by A Rocha Aotearoa. Created for and shaped by young people in Aotearoa, it offers fresh ways to pray drawing from prayer practices from our rich Christian tradition. Download the resource here. Resource made possible with funding support from the Justice-Compassion Trust Aotearoa.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – book your 2025 holiday
Watch video of Maud Hooper house! 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.
South Island Ministry Conference, Mosgiel, 2025 - May 13 & 14
This year’s theme, Against All Odds– Lessons from the past… Hope for the future, promises to inspire and equip you with profound insights and practical tools for ministry. Keynote Speaker: Chris Marshall, a renowned scholar and captivating speaker. Engaging Workshops, Connection and Worship. East Taieri Church, Mosgiel. Read more here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Minister changes
Rev Kevin Finlay from other recognised minister to minister Reporoa - St Stephen’s Cooperating Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 1 November 2024.
Rev Dr Timothy T N Lim, other recognised minister to chaplain Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa NZ Middlemore Hospital, Northern Presbytery, 27 January 2025.
Removals from Roll
Rev Alec Wallis, Kaimai Presbytery, 11 April 2025.
Deaths
Rev Doug Anderson, Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 18 March 2025.
Rev David Douglas, other recognised minister, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 10 April 2025.
Rev Dr Peter Matheson, Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 14 April 2025.
Church changes
St Kentigern’s United Parish, Burwood, Alpine Presbytery, dissolved 31 March 2025.
Hamilton - Knox Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, dissolved 31 March 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.
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Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.