Of interest to the whole New Zealand Church is the latest biography by Judy Mills, of Napier.

Norman Lesser has been the longest serving Bishop in the history of the Waiapu diocese, for 24 years from 1946. This included 10 years as Archbishop of New Zealand from 1961-1971.

From humble origins in Liverpool, Norman was fortunate to include education at Cambridge University, and ministry in Liverpool and Barrow on Furness, before serving as Provost at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, Kenya, and then being called to Waiapu Diocese.

Norman, the chain smoker (!), never lost the "common" touch". He drew the crowds as a fresh, witty, engaging preacher and speaker. He was an indefatigable worker and traveller around the vast but, in those days poorly roaded, parishes and Maori pastorates of the Bay of Plenty, East Coast and Hawkes Bay. He was known as an approachable and caring pastor, and with his wife Beatrice, a generous host. Post World War 2, our provincial towns and rural communities were undergoing rapid growth, including the building of churches, halls and vicarages.

His lasting gift to the Diocese is the building, and paying off of all debts, of Napier's Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, which was largely due to his drive and commitment.

As Archbishop, Norman Lesser led the then separate NZ Dioceses into a stronger sense of family unity at a time when changes in society and attitudes, and calls for new responses in the churches, were making heavy demands.

Very different days and challenges. But as an important part of both our New Zealand story and our Anglican journey and mission, lots to reflect upon....

Please see the order form attached below.

Judy Mills judymills9@gmail.com