It is with sadness that we inform the Connexion that Rev Eunshin Park, a member of the Seoul Conference, passed away suddenly on Thursday 13 June 2024. About 14 years ago, Rev Eunshin established a Korean fellowship at Trinity Waiake and was also a member of the East Coast Bays Methodist Parish Council. Rev Eunshin attended Sunday morning services with his wife, Eunice, an accomplished pianist who is part of the music team at Trinity Waiake.

The funeral for Rev Eunshin Park will take place today, Saturday, June 15, at 2:30 p.m., at Trinity Waiake

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari General Secretary

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It is with deep sadness that we advise the Synod and Connexion of the death of Deacon June Higham on Monday 1 July 2024.

June was ordained Deacon in 1985 and served the church faithfully in Te Awamutu and the surrounding districts. She was also a funeral celebrant, a ministry she was passionate about, becoming a member of the National Association for Loss and Grief.

June was Secretary for Waikato-Bay of Plenty (now Waiariki) Synod for 7 years, and was part of the District Superintendency team over 4 years (the first woman to do so).

At Connexional level June was a member of the Committee on Ministry, and also a founding member and convenor of the Deacon Task Group (now known as the Diaconate Task Group) which was formed in 1990. She was on the General Purposes and Stationing committees for 4 years, and a member of the Conference Local Arrangements committee.

She was a member of the Tamahere Eventide Home Board for several years, and on retiring from that position in 1998 served as Chaplain until 2005.

She continued to serve the church with her outstanding musical abilities, playing the organ and piano first at Papakura Methodist Church, then after her marriage to Murray in 1955, at Te Awamutu Methodist Church - over 75 years in all, as well as leading the choir - most recently for the Synod Wesley Day service in May this year.

A celebration of June’s life will be held at Te Awamutu Methodist Church on Monday 8 July at 1.30pm.

Messages may be sent to the Higham family.

Ngā manaakitanga
Rev Dale Peach | Acting General Secretary

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It is with deep sadness that we advise the Synod and Connexion of the death of Barbara Halliwell on Saturday 6 July 2024.

Barbara was the first lay woman to be Co-Superintendent in the Wellington Synod. She served for a period of four years in this role from 1997 - 2000. She also represented the Methodist Church of New Zealand at CCANZ meetings. As well as her church activities she was also very involved in community agencies including Victim Support.

She was a member of Trinity Union Parish, where she was involved in various leadership roles, including taking Sunday School.

Barabara always was caring and compassionate putting others before herself. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Thiers , their children and grandchildren. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at Trinity Union Church, Hall Avenue, Newtown on Friday July 12 at 11.00am. Click here for the link for the live stream .

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Dale Peach | Acting General Secretary

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It is with deep sadness that we advise the Connexion of the death of the Reverend Roger Hey, loved husband of Kathy, father of Graham and Cate, grandfather to Kayin and Molly. Roger who bravely battled Parkinson’s disease for more than twenty years died peacefully in the early hours of Monday 15th July at the Edmund Hillary Retirement Village in Auckland.

Roger trained at Trinity College in the 1960s and went on to serve the Church in parish ministry at Waipawa-Waipukerau; Greenmeadows in Napier; the Glenfield Cooperating parish in Auckland, and the Avondale Presbyterian Church, before transitioning to hospital chaplaincy. It was as a hospital chaplain that Roger gave twelve years of dedicated service to both patients and staff in the challenging environment of Carrington Psychiatric Hospital. Roger concluded his period of full-time ministry serving four churches in the Conisborough area of Doncaster in England. Wherever Roger served his thoughtful and compassionate ministry was appreciated by many.

In retirement Roger and Kathy spent some eleven years in Tauranga where he delighted in tending a fine garden, hosting friends, sharing produce particularly avocados, and being part of the Wesley, Tauranga, congregation. One of Roger’s many gifts was his fine musical talent. His piano playing delighted many.

For the last nine years Roger and Kathy have lived at Edmund Hillary, shared in the life of St Lukes Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed contact with family and friends.

The Service of Thanksgiving for Roger’s life will be held at St Luke’s Church, 130 Remuera Rd, at 2.00pm on Thursday 18th July.

Messages to the family can be sent to Kathy. For those unable to attend the Service will be live streamed on.

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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It is with great sadness we advise the Connexion that Rev. Brian Eagle passed away peacefully on Thursday 25th July 2024 at Cantabria Rest Home in Rotorua. Brian was beloved husband of Judith, proud father of Tania, Paul, Aaron and Rua and loving Poppa of his grandchildren.

His extensive ministry included Tokoroa, Durham St Christchurch, Balmoral/Roskill. Chaplain Wellington Hospital, Rotorua, and Te Puke/Mt Maunganui, as well as a time in the UK. He was also a member of the Enabling ministry team for Te Taha Māori and CCANZ.

Brian has requested to celebrate his life with a memorial service, which will be held on 7th August 2.30pm at Rotorua Methodist Church 187 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua.

We express our love and sympathy to Brian's family and friends at this time.

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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Very recently Martin Phillipps, the son of Donald Phillipps died, Martin was well known as a singer songwriter with the Dunedin band The Chills.

Messages of condolence can be sent to Donald at his home address;

46 Bryant St, Bradford, Dunedin, 9011

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It is with sadness that we advise the Connexion that Rev Henry Kitchingman passed away on Saturday 3rd August 2024 at Bruce McLaren Rest Home in Auckland. He was the dearly loved husband of Lexi, fondly loved father and father-in-law to Anne, Rex and Yvonne. Henry was a loyal and dedicated servant of His God and the Church.

Family, close friends and Clergy are welcome to join us to celebrate his life on Thursday 8th August 11am at Crossroads Methodist Church, Papakura.

In respect of his wife Lexi who is not in good health this will be a very short service open to the family, members of the clergy and close friends only. There will be no refreshments after the service.

Memories and condolences can be sent to the family through Henry's daughter Anne.

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Margaret Hammond on August 5th 2024.

Margaret was the wife of the late Rev. George Hammond.

In recent weeks Margaret was cared for at Atawhai Assisi Hospital and Home Matangi. Margaret had enjoyed living at Tamahere Eventide until she became unwell.

The service to celebrate the life of Margaret will be held on Tuesday 13th August at the Cherry Blossom café, Tamahere Eventide village. The service will be livestreamed (details to follow)

Messages can be sent to Mrs Cherith Buckland

c/o Pellows Funeral Home,

138 Grey Street

Hamilton East

Hamilton 3216

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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It is with sadness that we advise you that Jan Leman-Christiansen of Orakei parish passed away.

Jan was a member of St Paul’s Remuera from 1978, where she offered significant leadership over the years.

Jan was a member of the Board of Studies at Trinity Theological College from 1994 and a member for Trinity College Council from 1996. She served as the chairperson of the Ministry Committee of Trinity College until she resigned at the 2021 Conference. Jan was also one of the longest serving members of the Trinity College Board of Studies and Ministry.

Being an experienced Barrister and Solicitor meant that Jan was also able to lend her legal expertise to several Connexional committees.

Jan's funeral will take place at 1.30pm Friday 23 August at Davis Funeral Home, 400 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland.

Noho ora mai rā, Dale.

Rev Dale Peach (she/her)

Acting General Secretary

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It is with sadness we advise the Connexion that Rev Peter Stead died on Sunday 18 August 2024, at the age of 101 years old. Peter had been the father of Conference since March 2023.

Having candidated for ministry from Invercargill, Peter first served in the Lincoln Road/Sockburn Church in the Riccarton Circuit, and then Edgeware Road Church in the St Alban’s Circuit, during which time he established Aldred Memorial Church. For four years of his time as the minister of St. Paul’s, Palmerston North, Peter was also the Chairman of the Hawkes Bay Manawatu District, and during this time established the Milson Methodist Church. After two years of ministry in Great Britain, at the Manchester Methodist Mission, St. Annes-on-Sea, and Blackpool Central, Peter return to serve as minister of St. Paul’s Hamilton and Superintendent of the Hamilton Circuit, and during this time established St. David’s Co-operating Parish Dinsdale. He served the Church as President of Conference 1976-77. His last appointment was in the South Kaipara Co-operating Parish.

Peter was closely identified with social service work in Palmerston North, and chaired a Steering Committee to set up a Chair of Religious Studies as Massey University. Ecumenism was also a significant feature of Peter’s ministry.

We express our love and sympathy to Peter’s family and friends at this time.

Funeral arrangements to follow.

Noho ora mai rā, Dale.

Rev Dale Peach (she/her)

Acting General Secretary

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Heather Mace died Christchurch Hospital early on Friday morning 16th August.

She gave more than 20 years as Secretary to The North Canterbury Joint Regional Committee, later known as Canterbury Regional Forum for Co-operating Ventures, who met monthly to arrange Union Parish inductions for new ministers and parish reviews, working with Anglican, Churches of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches. Her secretarial work was careful, thorough and pastoral. She spent days, weeks, months as JRC secretary working at her home computer, preparing agendas, writing minutes, sending letters, making phone calls and keeping everyone accountable.

As well Heather became Secretary for The New Zealand Chorial Federation in Canterbury and the West Coast being involved with planning and organizing the regional Secondary Schools annual “Big Sing” competitions and assisted extensively with the National Big Sing of Secondary School Choirs when it was held in the Christchurch town Hall.

Her parish link was for many years with The St Albans Uniting Parish in Christchurch as a member of the Parish Council and as a careful stewardship recorder. For the last few years Heather linked with the Christchurch North Methodist Parish.

The funeral for Heather will be held in the Christchurch North Methodist Church, Chapel St. at 2.00pm tomorrow, Friday 23rd August.

Noho ora mai rā, Dale.

Rev Dale Peach (she/her)

Acting General Secretary

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It is with a real sense of sadness that I advise the death of Sir Harold Marshall, KNZM, FRSNZ, on 31 August 2024. Sir Harold’s active membership of the Mt Albert Methodist Choir for 75 years was recently acknowledged with the presentation of the Royal Schools of Church Music (RSCM) medal. The funeral service to celebrate his full life will be held at Mt Albert Methodist Church, 831 New North Rd., Mt Albert, at 1pm on Thursday 5 September. The service will be livestreamed and available via the following link.

Regards,

Ian Faulkner
Presbyter
Mt Albert Methodist Parish

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It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Rev. Siosifa Pole, who died peacefully on Sunday, 25 August 2024. Our thoughts and prayers are with
his whānau, friends, and all who knew him during this time of great loss.

Rev. Siosifa was a remarkable leader throughout the Connexion, serving with dedication and compassion in various roles. As a former Director of Mission Resourcing, he played an important role in guiding our mission efforts, ensuring that our resources were aligned with the Church's vision and values. His leadership extended beyond administration; he was a gentle visionary who
inspired many to live out their faith in practical and transformative ways.

In addition to his work in Mission Resourcing, Rev. Siosifa also chaired the Climate Justice Working Group. Under his guidance, the group made significant strides in raising awareness and advocating for the Climate Justice Decade "Rekindle the Vā of Papatūānuku', reminding us all of our responsibility to care for God’s creation. His passion for justice and sustainability will leave a lasting legacy within our Church and beyond.

At the time of his passing, Rev. Pole was ministering faithfully at Lotofale'ia Mangere Tongan Methodist Parish. His presence will be deeply missed by his congregation and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

The family has kindly shared the following details regarding the services for Rev. Siosifa:

- Wake Service: Sunday Evening, 1st September 2024, at Lotofale'ia Parish (32 Orly St, Mangere).

- Funeral Service: Monday Morning, 2nd September 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Lotofale'ia Parish.

For those who wish to offer messages of support or condolences, please send them to Mrs. Naomi Pole.

Let us continue to hold the Pole whānau in our prayers, asking for God's comfort and peace to be with them during this difficult time.

Yours in Christ,

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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Aue te mamae, Aue te aroha, i te ngarotanga o Kingi Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero te Tuawhitu, Aue taukiri e!

Nā reira, haere mai, haere, haere atu koutou ngā mate huhua o te ao, haere!

Ko koe tērā e Kingi Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, Te Mana nui o te motu, takoto mārika i runga i te mahau o tō whare a Mahinarangi, takoto, takoto, takoto!

It is with deepest sadness that Te Taha Māori advise the Connexion of the passing of King Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, the sixth Māori King and seventh Māori Monarch.

The iwi are coming together to pay respects to Kingi Tūheitia as he lays in state upon his marae Turangawaewae in Ngaruawāhia and we, the church, join with them to mourn his loss.

This year he was instrumental in bringing Māori together to present a unified presence, building the skills and talents of our people into a presence that signifies kotahitanga and denies the forces who set about undermining Māori. His legacy and message of kotahitanga will live on and grow.

Members of Te Hāhi Weteriana will, with President Peter Taylor, enter onto Turangawaewae Marae on Sunday September 1st to pay our respects. Those who wish to join us, please meet with us at the gates to Turangawaewae, River Road, at 1pm.

Koutou e hiahia ana ki te tuku aroha, nau mai, nau mai, haere mai.

Rev.Dr Arapera Ngaha

Tumuaki, Te Taha Māori, Methodist Church of New Zealand

Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa

In this issue

Welcome to the monthly newsletter of the Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Hāhi Weteriana Aotearoa