[Council News is prepared by the Council of Assembly (CoA) after Council meetings. Everyone can sign up to receive Council News here.]
Beginning our RESET together
Greetings to the people and congregations of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
The Council of Assembly met from 19–21 March 2026 at Te Maungarongo Marae, Ōhope, and it was a gift to begin our Council year in this place of deep significance for our Church. The mana, hospitality, aroha, and wairua of Te Maungarongo Marae grounded our work and reminded us that all governance is, ultimately, a form of service to God and God’s people.
This meeting marked the beginning of a shared commitment by Council to RESET our posture, priorities, and practice as a governance body.
A Council reset: who we are and how we serve
Council intentionally paused to name a reset in how we operate together:
- RESET our focus on governance, not operations, trusting the Assembly Executive Secretary (AES) and staff team to lead and deliver operational mahi.
- RESET our mindset, carrying forward only the learnings from the past year that strengthen our collective discernment.
- RESET our contribution at the table, so that what we bring honours our kaupapa, our Christian values, and one another.
- RESET our attitudes and culture, continuing to build a team grounded in trust, respect, faith, and shared responsibility.
At the heart of this reset is trust, trust in God, trust in one another, and trust in the leadership structures we have put in place.
Key areas to celebrate
There is much to give thanks for as a Church.
Financial stability and generosity
Council received encouraging financial results. In a tangible expression of partnership and gratitude, Council agreed to support Te Aka Puahou 70th anniversary celebrations of Te Maungarongo Marae in November, which will be attended by the Māori Queen. This affirms the place of our national marae as a taonga of the whole Church.
Strengthening leadership and relationships
Council affirmed its confidence in Rev Erin Pendreigh, our Assembly Executive Secretary, and intentionally set aside immediate KPI development to prioritise relationship-building, clarity of priorities, and sustainable leadership.
Faithful stewardship of national bodies
Reports from Church Property Trustees and PressGo reflected thoughtful progress, new governance capacity, and a growing focus on being “fit for purpose” in how we steward buildings, funds, and national resources.
Life and movement across the Church
Council celebrated:
- The reopening of Avondale Union Church
- The dedication of the newly formatted Cook Island Māori Bible
- Signs of vitality and revival within Pacific congregations
- The faithful service of those leading across presbyteries and national roles.
Areas we continue to focus on
Redress and care
Council spent significant time strengthening clarity around the Church’s redress processes. Key principles were reaffirmed:
- Survivors remain central,
- SAGE’s role is advisory, (Survivor Advisory Group of Experts)
- Operational responsibility rests with the Church,
- Transparency, accountability, must be upheld.
Ministry pathways and leadership development
There is growing concern about the declining number of candidates for ordained ministry and potential misunderstandings about pathways into ministry. Council continues to support Leadership Sub-committee and Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML as they address this).
UCANZ relationships
Council acknowledged concerns raised regarding the pace and clarity of the UCANZ review. The Moderator, who is part of the assigned UCANZ review team, confirmed he will continue to carry these concerns into that work.
Communication and connection
Council recognised mixed experiences in how information flows between Council and presbyteries. Representatives have been asked to work with their presbyteries to strengthen collaboration and feedback loops so that governance decisions are better understood and owned across the Church.
Being faithful stewards of God’s blessings
Council was mindful that strong finances, property assets, and organisational capability are not ends in themselves. We are called to steward these wisely, faithfully, and courageously for the mission of God.
This includes:
- Caution in budget growth,
- Careful review of honoraria and governance policies,
- Ensuring buildings and funds are used purposefully rather than held without mission,
- Making choices that reflect care for people, integrity, and justice.
Council also reaffirmed its responsibility to address historic harm with humility, honesty, and compassion recognising this work as part of our witness and obedience.
Looking ahead
This meeting marked the beginning of Council’s RESET, not the completion of it. The months ahead will continue to focus on:
- Strengthening governance clarity
- Supporting leadership well,
- Responding faithfully to complex challenges,
- Keeping our eyes fixed on Christ as we discern together.
We ask for your prayers, for Council, for leadership across the Church, and for all who serve in seen and unseen ways.
Together, may we continue to reset our hearts, minds, and practices so that all we do honours God and serves God’s people.
Grace and peace,
Council of Assembly
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand