In November the Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa celebrated 200 years of Methodism at Conference 2022 in the place where our first missionaries landed in 1822. The theme was: He hokinga mahara, Ka haere whakamua Looking back and moving forward

The programme included pilgrimages to sites of special significance, along with sessions dedicated to conducting the business of church at a national level. Over several days of worship, celebrations, discussions and debate, Conference shared many powerful messages of hope, pain, shame, guilt, joy, prayer, worship and fellowship. 

Highlights included …

Memorable Moments

Induction of the incoming presidential team of President Rev Peter Taylor and Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu.

Te ao Māori and tikanga Māori principles at the forefront of all Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa discussions, decisions, policies and principles.

Musical performances by the choirs: Samoan, Tongan, Rotuman, Fijian and Northland Children’s Choir. Our Church is rich in musical talent and Conference provided many opportunities - on stage and in sessions - to showcase those exceptional voices and musical skills.

Rev Robyn Allen-Goudge singing and playing her harp to Take my Life and Let it Be during the Service of Recognition. Exceptional.

Devotions led by the Trinity College Bachelor of Theology graduates; in prayer, poem and song delivered with confidence, grace and humour they showed a new way of doing ministry with the vigour of youth.

Eruptions of song and shouts of encouragement from proud whanau and parish supporters during the Trinity College Graduations ceremony. Spontaneous, heartfelt and moving.

The many instances where Conference was invited to ensure the invisible were made visible. We recognise the contributions of all those whose names have not been recorded on plaques and written in history books.

Rangatahi facilitating plenary discussions and workshops. They bring a new energy, enthusiasm, and innovation.

Geoff Allen’s play Amazing Love – Aroha Kaiora. A performance that gave life and credibility to the first couple who brought Methodism to Aotearoa.

A tribute to the attendance at Conference of Rev Donald Phillipps. He is our taonga. At the age of 90, Donald is as committed as ever to the life and history of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, recording, retelling and sharing the history of the past 200 years.

Michael Lemanu’s interview with retiree Leigh Sundberg. Michael’s exemplary interviewing and editing skills enabled Leigh to be present, despite his inability to attend Conference.

Ex-President Rev Andrew Doubleday officiating at the Rainbow / LGBTQ communion service.

The Vahefonua Tonga Choir in full voice performing Handel’s Messiah under the carefully controlled baton of Siniva Vaitohi. 60 voices and 30 musicians in perfect harmony.

The Māori Battalion Museum Te Rau Aroha at Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A powerful and honest depiction of the sacrifice made by Māori supporting their country at war.

Music by Rev Ieremia Amituana'i Outstanding.

Youth representation at Conference. Two tables of young people learning from and challenging Conference to make church relevant to Gen Z by giving rangatahi a role and opportunity to participate at every level of Church.

Ex-President Rev Andrew Doubleday taking on the role of Ministry Enabler for UCANZ. A new direction for Andrew and UCANZ.

Outgoing presidential team singing How Great Thou Art.

The reinstatement of Rev Dr Trevor Hoggard into full Connexion.

Trinity Theological College award Bachelor of Theology Degree to four students for the first time. We congratulate:

Ø Paula Moala (Tonga) (Moana Studies)

Ø Sione Teisina Koloa (Tonga) (Biblical Studies)

Ø Sione Tesimale, (Samoa; Tonga) (Religious Studies)

Ø So’otaga Tamana P. Misikei (New Plymouth, New Zealand) (Theological Studies)

Guests from Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific region included representatives from many denominations.

The launch of three publications significant to the life and history of our Church:

· Maea Te Kupu: Kaeo, He Whenua Kurahuna

Author: Rowan Tautari

· Theology as Threshold

Editors: Jione Havea, Emily Colgan, and Nāsili Vaka‘uta

· Methodism Towards the Future

Rev Donald Phillipps

(Books will be reviewed in Touchstone in 2023)

Memorable Decisions

Climate Change initiatives given priority status. MCNZ will adopt the Climate Justice Working Group proposal for observing a decade for Climate Justice, Rekindle the vā of Papatūānuku commencing from 2023.

Green Grants initiative launched by MCPC; funding for projects that address climate change and sustainability. Application information on MCNZ website.

Te Taha Māori commends a discussion paper on the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. A decision to be made at Conference 2023.

Te Taha Māori commends a discussion paper on He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tireni, the Declaration of Independence 1835 and a suggested amendment to the Mission Statement. A decision to be made at Conference 2023.

The evangelical network has been discontinued after 22 years. That work is done.

The reinstatement of Te Taha Māori Hui Pōari. BoA Chair Nan Russell said, “This is a tremendous cause for celebration.”

MCPC will establish a committee to develop a property strategy for MCNZ in consultation with partner churches.

A commitment to ensuring Conference will be an annual event, alternatively meeting face to face one year, and in an online forum the next.

The Year of Discernment programme confirmed to begin in 2023.

Ongoing funding to support the position of Children Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator confirmed.

Real change and commitment to the rangatahi in our church. There’s been a lot of talk and now there is affirmative and real change. Transformative.

Conference announced President Elect Te Aroha Rountree and Vice President Elect Rev Peter Norman.

Bricks and Mortar Section 8 to be replaced by booklet Kōrero Papatupu Whenua Land Stories to ensure land stories are captured for all church property.

Law Book Section 8 on disciplinary procedures to be reviewed to ensure tikanga and restorative justice principles prevail in all decisions.

The function and purpose of each standing committee to be reviewed and reports and recommendations to presented at Conference 2023.