Remember in your Prayers

Graeme candidated for ministry at the Whangārei Conference in 1972, the same year the Church celebrated 150 years of Methodism in New Zealand. He was part of the first intake of Methodist students at St John’s Theological College in 1973. In 1976, he was appointed on probation to Balclutha, a shared Methodist and Presbyterian ministry, and was ordained in November of that year.

 

Throughout his long years of ministry, Graeme faithfully served in a range of appointments across Aotearoa, beginning in Balclutha (1976–79), followed by Willowby in the Ashburton Circuit (1979–85) and New Brighton Union Parish (1985–93). He then ministered at Whangaparāoa (1993–99) before undertaking supply ministry at Kingsland for 10 weeks, followed by the remainder of 1999 at Takapuna. In 2000 he moved to Te Atatū Union Parish where he remained until 2012.

 

Beyond his parish appointments, Graeme was deeply committed to the broader work of the Church, actively serving in Synod leadership and Connexional roles throughout his ministry. He spent 10 years as Journal Secretary at Conference, contributed as a member of the PAC Media and Communications Committee and the Mission Resourcing Board, and served as Synod Secretary for one year in North Canterbury and four years in Auckland. From 2020 to 2021, he held the position of Auckland Synod Superintendent. Additionally, he served as District Candidates Convenor in both South Canterbury and North Canterbury, providing support and guidance to those discerning a call to ministry.

 

Graeme had a lifelong commitment to ecumenical ministry, spending 24 years in union parishes or shared ministries and six years on the Standing Committee of UCANZ (2005–11). He contributed significantly to the work of Joint Regional Committees (JRCs), serving on the South Canterbury, North Canterbury, and Combined Auckland JRCs, and acting as Secretary of the Auckland JRC for five years. His ecumenical engagement extended to Clutha, Christchurch, and Auckland Presbyteries, where he actively participated in various committees.

 

Graeme’s dedication, wisdom, and service have left a lasting impact on the Church and all those who journeyed alongside him. We give thanks for his faithful ministry and ask for prayers of comfort for his family, friends, and parish communities.

 

Ngā manaakitanga

 

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Su'a Malaeloa Vili, retired Lay Minister and 50 years lay preacher award recipient at the Middlemore Hospital on Sunday 23rd February 2025.

Su'a Malaeloa Vili was appointed Lay preacher on the 12th of June 1970 in the Methodist Church of Samoa. He arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand on the 15th of October 1972. He was a member of the Methodist Church of New Zealand /Te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa Ponsonby from 1973- 1977, Onehunga 1978-1983, and Mangere Central, Bader Drive from 1984 to the time of his death.

He was appointed and served as Lay Minister from 2000 until his retirement in 2020.

Su'a Malaeloa Vili is survived by his wife Faimanifo Vili, seven children (5 girls and 2 boys) as well as twenty-two (22) grandchildren.

There will be a Family Service on Sunday 2nd March at 10am at the Mangere Methodist Church, 40 Bader Drive, Mangere central at 10am.

The final service to honour and celebrate the life of Su'a Malaeloa Vili will be held at Mangere Methodist Church 40 Bader Drive, Mangere Central on Monday 3rd March 2025, at 10 am. This service will be followed by burial at the Manukau Memorial Garden.

 

Ngā manaakitanga

 

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary