It is with sadness that we advise you that Maurice Hight of Te Aroha (husband of Deacon Dianne Hight) had passed away.

We give thanks for his long commitment to the parish, specifically at Waitoa and regular attendance at Synod over many years. As well he has been an integral part of Dianne's diaconate ministry at Waitoa, for over 40yrs.

We share our condolences and support with Deacon Dianne Hight, their family and friends

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It is with sadness that I write to advise you that in the early hours of Thursday June 29th, at WesleyCare, Christchurch, Rev. Dr. Dame Phyllis Myra Guthardt died peacefully, just short of her 94th birthday. Her career within Methodism, indeed within the Christian churches in New Zealand, is quite unique. Born and raised in Nelson, she was influenced towards ministry by both Ashleigh Petch and Charlie Hailwood at St John's Church, Nelson. She led Bible Class there and in turn influenced a younger generation.

After training at Christchurch Teachers' College she taught in her home-town, and then offered for the ministry and spent three years at Trinity College. She was the first woman of any denomination in New Zealand to be ordained. Her first appointment was in the Riccarton Circuit, and while there completed her M.A. with Ist Class Honours. She received a scholarship to the University of Cambridge, was a student at Newnham College, and completed her PhD in biblical studies. While in the UK she tutored at Homerton College.

On her return to NZ she was stationed at Melville, Hamilton and acted as a Hospital Chaplain. In 1969 she became the first ecumenical chaplain at the University of Waikato, lectured in English and religious studies, and thus began her long connection with the NZ Tertiary Education system.

From Hamilton she moved back to Christchurch, serving at Upper Riccarton Church and then with the Presbyterian congregation at Knox Church, Bealey Avenue. From that time, she became part of the University Council (for 21 years) and was the University's Chancellor from 1998 till 2002. She received an honorary doctorate from Canterbury University, and also from the University of Waikato. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1993.

This is a mere outline of an extraordinary career, and more must be said on the occasion when her life is celebrated. Phyll was exceptionally gifted, and exceptionally well prepared for anything she undertook. And she was a consistent, faithful, and loving friend whose loss will be felt by untold numbers of people in this land and overseas as well. To those who mourn we give our prayers.