Conference planning is well in hand. Two committees have been established for the planning. A Bicentenary group comprising representatives from the Wesley Historical Society, Te Taha Maori, the wider Connexion, youth and regional contacts have been meeting regularly via Zoom. Their mission has been to plan commemorative events for the conference, including guided tours to key sites of historical interest to Te Hāhi and other moments of celebration.

In addition to this, the Local Arrangements Committee (including the Presidential team elect) have been working to craft a conference programme that is focused on highlighting the work of the Connexion with a view to setting a strategic vision for the future of Te Hāhi. Rev Tara Tautari talks with Ady Shannon about the hikoi, celebrations and mahi ahead.

How have you approached the programme development?

This year’s Conference is especially significant as it will be a critical moment when Te Hāhi Weteriana plots a course for quite major church structural change and strategic planning while at the same time, commemorating a major milestone under the umbrella of Conference. Our challenge has been to balance the mix of celebrations and conversations.

Conference last year identified 10 areas that required a concentrated and deliberate focus. Some were structural and committees working on those areas will bring terms of reference for responding to changing times ahead, including Council of Conference who are tasked with determining a vision for the future of MCNZ.

Others key areas identified included a review of church resources, including the PAC grants process and the development of a robust housing action plan that will ensure church resources and fund distribution channels benefit those most in need of support.

There was a call for a revision of land stories guidelines. A committee has been developing a response to ensure guidelines reflect the significance and importance of that history in every transaction.

Additional committees and working groups have been developing strategies for a relevant Methodist response to social and global issues. The committee for climate change will present a report detailing an effective church response to ensuring climate issues are a priority across the rohe. Consultation is currently being undertaken with a call for submissions from Te Hāhi Weteriana on a number of proposals. Strategies include the establishment of an MCPC fund that will incentivise the greening of churches and an annual Church/Parish Green Day.

Disciplinary procedures within church were last reviewed in 2001. We will be recasting those mandates with a bicultural lens to ensure disciplinary procedures reflect a bicultural track.

Some reports will come for ratification and confirmation. Others will present a vision for MCNZ that will ensure Te Hāhi Weteriana is leading the way in Aotearoa in ensuring the bicultural journey is foremost in all church deliberations and actions.

The celebrations and places we visit as we reflect our history will connect us to our whenua as we undertake the mahi of Conference, guiding us as we adopt a vision that brings us in a new direction.

The programme to date?

Ø Thursday 17 November

A hikoi to a place of special interest to Te Tahi Weteriana: Waitangi Treaty grounds

Ø Friday 18 November

A hikoi to a place of special interest to Te Tahi Weteriana: Kaeo; we visit our origins

Registration

Caucus sessions Tauiwi and Te Taha Maori

Wesley Historical Society special celebration event

Ø Saturday 19 November

A series of Commemorative events and exhibitions including first of four book launches for publications that delve into our history.

#1 Kaeo History by Te Tahi Maori

Ø Sunday 20 November

A hikoi to a place of special interest to Te Tahi Weteriana; Maunganui Mission House and Church

Worship at local churches in Keri Keri

Ordination Services to include Trinity College Graduation ceremony at Conference Centre.

Ø Monday 21 November – Wednesday 23 November

Monday will start with a prayer breakfast, guiding us as we lead into the mahi of the Conference.

Venue: Turner Centre, Performing Arts & Conference Venue, Te Puawai,

Keri Keri

Delegates registered to attend Conference will be eligible to participate in all events, celebrations and workshops. Information on special event availability will be released as the programme is developed and finalised. Information will be updated on the Conference website.