- Contact those who contribute to Bush Telegraph here.
- Subscribe to Bush Telegraph and other ministry publications here.
Please note: Due to the timing of General Assembly 2025 and limited resource there will not be a November edition of Bush Telegaph. Our next edition will be published December 2025.
From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Research Centre
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Presbyterian Church Schools
Church Register
Notices
Social Media
Events
Jobs
Subscribe to publications
From the Moderator
Tēnā koutou katoa
As I sit down to write this, I realise it is the last one I will be doing as my term as Moderator concludes on 20 October.
The last two years have been, as the saying goes, quite a journey! It has been a real privilege to serve the Church in this role and I have thoroughly enjoyed just about all of it. I have been struck, again and again, by the number of great people we have in our Church family across Aotearoa. People who display creativity, intelligence, resourcefulness, faithfulness to the gospel, passion for service to others, groundedness, good humour and a desire to incarnate the love and ways of Jesus in their communities. It has been so encouraging to see this, as so often we have a narrative of doom and gloom about the church. Sure, we have many challenges – yet we are people of hope, followers of the Risen Christ who provides light in the darkness.
On my mind at present is the public apology that I will be delivering on behalf of our Church, flowing from the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. We pray that it will be helpful for survivors and their families who have been hurt by the actions and inactions of the Church. This is a significant moment in the life of our Church and there will be ongoing work in this space. Let us continue to pray…
Thank you for your support and encouragement over my time as Moderator. It has meant a lot to know of your prayers and your care.
I wish Peter all the best as he takes up the role of Moderator, and shares with us his theme, ‘We Believe’.
Jesus said “I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness”. [John 10: 10]
Nga mihi nui
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends
I am writing this with four weeks to go to the General Assembly – and you will be reading it with less than three weeks to go! I am conscious of the enormous amount of extra work that has been undertaken by the Assembly Office; the Assembly Co-ordinator; local arrangements and volunteers to make this event not only an effective forum for our Church’s business, but also an opportunity to celebrate, learn and grow together.
The qualities that represent the character and ethos of our Church are revealed through the processes around the organising and conducting of our General Assembly. The work that goes into trying to achieve a balance of elders and ministers, and the effort to ensure that the event runs smoothly, and that business is conducted in a particular kind of way, speaks to what it means to be Presbyterian and testifies to the kind of Church and people we are.
That all of this is consistent with the teaching of Scripture, and reflects the wisdom revealed in our historic confessions, and emerges out of the writings of Church reformers, leaves us with quite a lot to ponder.
As we prepare, I am aware of those who will be praying for our outgoing Moderator Rt Rev Rose Luxford, our incoming Moderator Rev Peter Dunn, and all those involved in the Assembly. At times like this we are very aware of our need and so are deeply appreciative. Thank you.
If you are coming to General Assembly I look forward to seeing you there, and hope that you feel able to contribute and participate fully in the event. Please follow this link to sign up for a summary of the Assembly’s daily business prepared by our Communications team
General Assembly
The Assembly will commence with us gathering on Monday 20 October in the St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Church carpark by 12.50pm for the mihi whakatau which starts at 1pm. The opening service follows. Assembly will meet at St Paul’s until its conclusion at 1pm on Thursday 23 October. If you are not going to be at Assembly, then sign up here to receive updates during Assembly.
Assembly White Book
The White Book is now available for Commissioners.
Notices of motion for the Assembly due by 12 noon Friday 17 October 2025
The deadline for notices of motion has been set as 12 noon Friday 17 October. These should be sent to the Assembly Business Work Group Convenor Rev Dan Spragg, email him here. After this date, only motions arising from dialogue or debate will be accepted.
Ngā manaakitanga
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Usually I produce a newsletter about every six months with news and stories about our Global Mission partnerships. The Nambawan newsletter with news from Vanuatu was produced in August. News from Myanmar has been more difficult to put into newsletter format due to the civil war and associated problems there. However, we have received situation reports from the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar which give information about how the church has responded to the multiple crises they are facing, and how global partners including the PCANZ have been supporting them. These reports can be found here.
Opportunities to serve in Vanuatu
We still have existing requests for personnel to help the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu with a range of roles. One is for an education consultant to help develop their church schools education policy. If you have had a career in education and have an interest in supporting mission in developing nations, get in touch with me to discuss further. See also the request for a business development manager at Talua Theological training Institute and a tutor for a Healthcare Assistant training course. These roles are unsalaried but Global Mission can help with living expenses for the right candidates. The education consultant would be a short-term project.
Developing Youth Ministry Engagement
Following our hosting of PCV youth leaders at Connect, I would like to keep strengthening youth ministry connections with the PCV. So I am keen to hear from PCANZ youth ministry leaders who might be interested in forming a team of leaders to travel to Vanuatu to learn and share about their youth ministry with a view to growing our youth mission engagement. Please contact me for more information
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Book Launch: “Here I Belong: Poems by Peter Matheson"
Knox Church Dunedin is happy to sponsor and host the launch of Here I Belong, a posthumous collection of poems by the Rev Dr Peter Matheson. The launch will be held on Wednesday, 15 October, 5:30–6:30 pm at Knox Church, 449 George Street in Dunedin.
This will be a special occasion to celebrate Peter’s life and words, and the public is warmly invited to attend. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the night for $25 (cash only). If you would like to order a copy and pay online, please email Graham Redding. Posted copies within New Zealand will incur an additional $8.70 postage charge.
Presbyterian Research Centre is a proud supporter of this book launch. It is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Knox Church, 477 0229.
Free public lecture on Church and university
Presbyterian Research Network (PRN) and Presbyterian Research Centre (PRC) are pleased to present the Very Rev Dr Graham Redding, pastor at Knox Church Dunedin and lecturer in Chaplaincy Studies at the Theology Programme of the University of Otago, speaking at 5:30 pm on Thursday, 13 November. His talk is entitled, "Strange Bedfellows or a Match Made in Heaven? The University and the Church: the Otago Story.” He will share insights from his research into the history of Church and University relations.
This talk is being held in the Frank Nichol Room at Knox College, Arden Street, Dunedin. Refreshments will be served from 5pm. It is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the PRC/ KCML carpark - first-come, first-served. For further information, contact Jay Robinson, PRC, 03 473 0775.
In Christ
Rev Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
We commence our Spring Block Course on 6 October. As part of our programme on this block course, we will be welcoming Dr Terry Pouono (Otago University). Terry will be teaching on Pacific Theology. We also welcome Dr Stephen Garner who will be teaching about technology (including AI) and ministry.
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 see here and click on ‘Apply to Enrol’. To register your interest for audit please please go to the KCML website. Fees and travel subsidies for those ministers studying for credit or audit are available.
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Wow!
This month I’ve had the privilege of connecting with youth groups across the country, and I’m continually encouraged by the spiritual hunger and growth I see in our young people. It’s clear that God’s Spirit is moving powerfully among them. Behind these vibrant ministries are faithful adult leaders who consistently show up and make youth ministry possible. Supporting these leaders is vital. To help your parish do this well, check out our Sustainable Practices Guide - a practical resource full of simple ways to support and care for your youth leadership teams.
Connect Conference
Thank you for your support and prayers for the Connect Conference this year in Auckland, we had 140 youth leaders, junior leaders and young adults join us. We had superb feedback from participants who especially loved the quality of the workshops provided and the insightfulness of the keynote speakers. The Connect Conference will now run every two years with our next set for 2027 in the South Island.
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.
Twenty-Somethings Ministry Cohort
Got young adults in your church? Join our online cohort! We gather once a month for a one-hour session to learn together, share experiences, and encourage one another. We currently meet on Tuesdays at 1pm, but we’re open to adjusting the time to suit new participants. If you’d like to be part of this, email me.
Resource Highlight: “The Four Big Ideas of Discipleship”
Simply put, discipleship is following Jesus and helping others to do the same. PYM’s Four Big Ideas of Discipleship video and discussion guide offers a clear, simple, and practical framework to help Christians follow Jesus and lead others.
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
PYM National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
50th anniversary of State Integration
In 1975 a law was signed called the “Private Schools Conditional Integration Act” thus the state-integrated school system was born. Unlike the many other private schools of the time, our Presbyterian schools went through the integration process individually over a 20-year period (1978-1998). Not all schools within the Presbyterian network decided to integrate either, so we now have six integrated schools and six independent ones.
Our integrated schools are also a diverse group: girls-only, boys-only and co-ed; schools with a high proportion of boarders to those with none; from those with Year 1 to 13 students to those that are solely secondary; placed in cities and small provincial towns. However, as stated in the Act, all are state schools that receive government funding to operate the school, and to maintain and modernise the integrated school buildings. Except that they also retain a ‘special character’ (in our case – Presbyterian); a private entity, the ‘proprietor’, who owns the school buildings and land, and makes sure the buildings meet Ministry standards; and can charge parents compulsory attendance dues. Also, most who attend are what are called ‘preference’ students because they have some association with the school’s special character.
At the recent Association of Integrated Schools conference those 50 years were celebrated with cake and retrospectives. It is one of the few education initiatives that remains essentially unchanged. Like Te Wiki o te Reo Maori that was also started in 1975, the state-integrated schools idea has gone from strength to strength. Many schools have survived and thrived. And additional schools continue to successfully negotiate with the Ministry of Education to become integrated.
Thanks were given at the conference to all those who made the initial Act possible. But thanks also need to go to those who continue to make this unique educational system possible – each school’s proprietors, the Ministry of Education, the Association of Integrated Schools and the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools, staff, students and whanau. Thank you on behalf of John McGlashan, Columba, St Oran’s, Solway, Iona and Lindisfarne Colleges.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Notices
Attend Moderator's public apology to survivors of abuse in Presbyterian Church care - 4 Oct Auckland
You are invited to attend a public apology in honour of people abused in Presbyterian Church care and as a commitment to change. The apology will be delivered by Moderator, Right Rev Rose Luxford at 10am on Saturday 4 October at the Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Manukau, Auckland. Apology has been written in collaboration with survivors from the Church’s Survivor Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE). They have also helped develop the two in-person events. Following the apology by the Moderator, Convenor of the Council of Assembly Katerina Solomona, will outline the Church’s commitment to its new survivor-designed Puretumu Torowhānui (holistic) redress process. More here. Watch the earlier Dunedin apology 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.
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.
Forge Aotearoa Hui - 31 Oct - 2 Nov, Wellington
Planning is coming together for the next Forge Aotearoa Hui, 7pm Friday 31 October - 11.30am to Sunday 2 November, in Wellington. It will be held at Our Lady's Home of Compassion retreat centre in Island Bay, with some of Saturday at the Island Bay Presbyterian Church, which is very close by. Alan and Deb Hirsch from Forge Global are the guests, and we are all looking forward to spending the weekend in kōrero together. We are finalising details regarding cost. Register your interest here.
Wellington based? Apply for WCC Natural Environment Fund grant - closes 15 Oct
Is your Wellington region parish involved in eco conservation and restoration work or want to be? There's $50,000 available for community environmental projects that help grow our natural capital. Priority given to projects that connect people to nature, and are developed in partnership with mana whenua, or tackle weeds, or work towards the protection and restoration of streams. See more here.
Lecture "The Times of our Lives: The Psychological Necessity of Ritual" - 8 Oct, Maclaurin Chapel Auckland
You are invited to the last in person lecture of the NZ Christians in Science (NZCIS) year, The Times of our Lives: The Psychological Necessity of Ritual by by Dr Laird R O Edman, Research Professor and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Northwestern College. Wed 8 Oct, Maclaurin Chapel, 18 Princes Street, Auckland. 6pm for pizza and a lecture. Read more.
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 launched at General Assembly, 20-23 October.
ISCAST/NZCIS New Conversation Series: Intergenerational, via Zoom 8.30-9.30pm, 9-30 Oct
Thursday nights from 9 October to 27 November, the Conversation Series: Intergenerational will be an experiment in intergenerational conversation. Eight pairs of speakers—an established or older expert and a younger scholar or scientist - exploring the theology/science border. Mediated conversations between the two, exploring how issues and challenges have evolved or persisted over the last few decades. Thursday nights online 8.30pm-9.30pm, from 9 to 30 Oct and during November. Read more.
Support the McKinlay-Matheson Memorial Lectures
Thanks to all who have supported the McKinlay-Matheson Memorial Lectures. Very Rev Dr Graham Redding writes that nearly $17,500 has been raised through the generosity of over 40 donors. While the original target has not been reached the fund is already sufficient to sustain the lectures for at least 15 years, beginning 28 Jan 2026. Other ways to grow the fund are being explored. If you would like to contribute it’s not too late, email Becs Wilson.
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.
Inaugural McKinlay-Matheson Memorial Lecture - 28 January 2026
The inaugural McKinlay-Matheson Memorial Lecture will be on 28 January 2026 (5.15-6.30 pm) 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. A posthumous collection of Peter Matheson’s poetry will soon be released, any surplus from sales going towards the McKinlay-Matheson Memorial Lectures. See details for ordering the book in the PRC column above.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Receptions to the Roll
Rev Kyung Hun (Chris) Lim (Korean Presbyterian Church/The NZ Presbytery of the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad) other recognised minister and stated supply at Whanganui – St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 4 September 2025.
Changes in Status
Rev Shona Bettany, other recognised minister, ended as Executive Officer Kaimai Presbytery, 19 July 2025.
Rev Roxy Gahegan, minister Ellerslie/Mount Wellington – St Peter’s Presbyterian Church to chaplain Glendowie – St Andrew’s Retirement Village, 30 September 2025.
Transfers
Rev Dr Selwyn Yeoman, Minister Emeritus Southern Presbytery to Northern Presbytery, 25 August 2025.
Non-PCANZ Ministers in Co-operative Venture Ministries
Rev Freddy De Alwis (Methodist), ended St John’s Cooperating Church and Kaurikohore/Kamo Cooperating Parish, Northern Presbytery, 19 January 2025.
Rev Sue Wilks (Baptist) to stated supply, New Plymouth - Brooklands Cooperating Parish, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 27 July 2025.
Rev Jeff Odhiambo (Anglican), ended minister Bucklands Beach Cooperating Parish, Northern Presbytery, 19 September 2025.
Retirements
Rev Lorne Campbell, minister Hope Whangarei to Minister Emeritus and senior active, Northern Presbytery, 31 August 2025.
Deaths
Rev Robin Lane, Minister Emeritus Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 17 September 2025.
Congregational changes
Whangamata – Trinity United Parish, Kaimai Presbytery, dissolved 31July 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.