We have “looked back to move forward” this year in the Mission and Ecumenical Board when we were asked by Conference 2021 to meet with Mission Resourcing Board to find synergies between our two organisations.

After many meetings we found no common ground, however it has made our board look hard at our strategies and examine them before moving forward with the way we do mission. We will be working with a professional facilitator to relook at our Strategic Plan with a hope to have this enacted/confirmed, or if necessary approved by Conference 2023.

Our guest at Conference this year was Murry Overton, National Director of Christian World Service. Murray spoke of the great connection between our church both nationally and at local parish level in the support given to those in need in the Pacific and at times, the world. Murray spoke of the rich history since the Methodist Church was instrumental in the formation of CWS and its unwavering confidence each year especially in the support for the Christmas Appeal.

Our director Rev Tony Franklin Ross talked about his involvement ecumenically at a national and international level and his work in the World Council of Churches when they met in Germany this year. We also shared news about our overseas mission engagement. The report was accepted without question thereby affirming our work this year.

This year Rev Dr Terry Wall steps down from the Board after 10 years faithful service. We will miss Terry’s institutional knowledge and understanding of Methodism in the world.

Conference Highlights

We witnessed great respectfulness amongst our many cultures as we visited various historic Methodist sites around Northland to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of our first mission station. The re-energisation of Te Taha Māori who have completed their work with the commissioner and re-established their own leadership under Hui Pōari was uplifting. As was having our rangatahi leading four plenary sessions; these covered topics of Bi Cultural Journey, Historic Abuse and Safeguarding for the Future, Whenua and Property and finally, Moving Forward in Faith.

Personal highlights included the graduation of my cousin Richard Small from Trinity Theological College, along with a large number of his fellow cohort, celebrated in front of the whole church. The granting of four Bachelor of Theology degrees by the College for the first time was a very special moment in the life of our Church. Congregational singing always lifts the spirits and Methodists do this especially well.

The location of the Conference at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri was special being close to historical landmarks that told the story of our beginnings as a Church in New Zealand as well as being significant for our nation. We were well looked after by the locals who ensured that we were comfortable and well-nourished with quality catering. I also extend a big thanks to the people behind the scenes who ensured Conference ran smoothly.

Youth Call for Action

Conference again wrestled with what it meant to support the work of the Tauiwi Children, Youth and Families Ministries National Coordinator position. Across the floor of Conference we debated the report from the Mission Resourcing Directors. It became clear that funding this position was causing issues every year and our young people at Conference asked the question of what support for their work looked like. Were we willing to put resources into their work in the form of secure funding for the stipend of their dedicated worker?

They made two valid points. The first was the cost of attending Conference being met by a young person, could actually look like a week’s net pay. The second was where was their place to stand; a church or hall that they could call their own. It was confronting stuff and Conference agreed to set up a team to look at finding dedicated funds for this work, initially by looking at PAC as a source.

Sui Williams-Lemi interviews retiree Alofa Asiata during the Time of Recognition service. Young people involved in leading and facilitating sessions was a feature of Conference this year.