In early December Shirley Rivers, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāpuhi and Waikato iwi, will take on the role as Head of Methodist Mission Northern.

Shirley is an active member of Te Taha Māori, Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, both within the Waikato rohe as a Kaikarakia and at a national level as a member of several Connexional Boards.

Her work history includes 20 years of Tiriti/Treaty and Social Practice professional development education at the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) in Social Work and Counselling degrees.

Prior to tertiary teaching, Shirley was involved in supporting community development and capacity building of Iwi, Māori and not-for-profit agencies throughout the greater Waikato area. She is keen to bring this expertise and experience to support Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa in its work with vulnerable communities.

In announcing the appointment, Board Chair Marion Hines said, “This is an historic appointment as, for the first time in our 170 year mission history in Auckland, Shirley is the first Māori, the first woman and the first lay person to hold the position. We invite Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa to join us in celebrating this moment.”

The Board extended their gratitude to Rev John Murray, for acting in this role throughout the appointment process and their thanks to the members of the 4+4 and the President for their support in expediting the appointment.