For four days over King's Birthday weekend, Wasewase women from all over Aotearoa gathered in Otautahi to share wisdom, food and fellowship.

Theme: Women to be Instruments of Peace

Eda Kacivi Me Da I Vurevure Ni Vakacegu

Rev Tara Tautari challenged Wasewase women during our Annual Meeting  in Christchurch. In closing her address she said, “ I believe that together with God’s grace, we have the power to shape a future (for Wasewase) where the voices and leadership of women are not only heard but celebrated and embraced.”

We as Wasewase women echo and will uphold that sentiment and with God’s guidance, we will be agents for transformative change to our wider Church.

Introduction

The 2024 King’s Birthday Weekend Celebration at the Moraia Church was filled with the energy and excitement of many women from Wasewase Women’s Fellowship Districts, including members from all six Tabacakacaka (parishes) within the Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma e Niu Siladi. A total of 138 women registered and more joined us throughout the weekend.  Over four days and three nights, braving cold Canterbury temperatures, attendees witnessed the beauty of Christchurch city and engaged in powerful programmes.

The South Island Fijian Parish, Tabacakacaka Ni Veiwekani Ceva were enthusiastic and generous hosts. It was an honour and privilege for the Men’s Fellowship and the Youth Group of our South Island Fijian Parish to carry out all related responsibilities and to ensure that our guests and visitors were fed and looked after.

Day 1 Friday Health

The Screen South Team from Te Whatu Ora talked about the importance of regular screening and provided Self Testing Kits to those who chose to be screened on the day.

Later we had a wonderful opportunity to hear from Fijian physician, Dr Taina Naivalu, who is undertaking further study at Otago University. Dr Taina talked about the damaging impacts of bacteria on health and attendees nodded their heads in affirmation as Dr Taina quoted the Fijian names of all kinds of sicknesses common and familiar at home.

The day concluded with a Church Service followed by a cultural welcoming kava ceremony. We were blessed to be joined by the Superintendent of Wasewase, Rev Alipate Livani along with Rev Joeli Ducivaki.

Day 2 Saturday Guest Speakers on the theme “To Be An Instrument Of Peace”

Three guest speakers included Rev Dale Peach, South Island Synod Superintendent, Rev Tara Tautari, General Secretary of the Methodist Church New Zealand, and Deaconess Tamalesi Soro, the General Secretary of the Fijian Methodist Women’s Fellowship.

Their presentations centred around the unique lives of three women whom Wasewase initially identified - Queen Esther, Ruth and Rahab – and how those women’s lives were reflected in the presenters’ personal journeys. Our members were challenged and inspired to emulate the powerful messages shared and demonstrated by each speaker.

Rev Dale added a fourth woman, Tamar, to reinforce her message of being agents for change. Rev Tara also spoke about Deborah, a prophetess and judge who heard God’s call and demonstrated leadership grounded in faith and righteousness. Also, Priscilla, who alongside her husband, was dedicated to mentoring and teaching to spread the gospel during the early Christian Church.

Rev Dale said, “It takes courage to be brave enough to listen to God’s voice and call on our lives, and to act on that call.  Today I encourage you to think about Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Esther, and see these women as examples who understood the importance of acting to bring about changes that were necessary to make the world a better place for themselves and their families.”

Deaconess Tamalesi  reminded us as women of Wasewase, “Mo  Kauti Jisu kina Veivanua ko lako kina.” “To take Jesus with you always.” You will be identified as strong women of faith. You will be an instrument of peace wherever you serve.”

We were blessed to be visited by NZMWF President Lesieli Pope and members of the Executive, who were part of our meeting until after the Sunday Church Service. We also welcomed Dr Leone Vadei, our Fijian physician who was present and available to attend to medical matters as required. Our meeting was blessed with wonderful weather and all our women were in superb health.

Feasting is always an integral part of any gathering of the cultural synods of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. Our Saturday evening event was colourful and joyful with much eating and laughter as each Tabacakacaka (parish) performed cultural and contemporary items. Prizes were given for the Most Senior Member, the Best Dressed Lady, A Dedicated Member and many more.

The Learnings

Our women have returned to their homes, taking some thought-provoking stories and messages based on women in the Bible. We pray that it is God’s will that our women will embrace the challenges that come with their ‘take-away thoughts’.       

Acknowledging The Team

We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the following for contributing to make our meeting successful and unforgettable:

·        The Superintendent of the South Island Synod, Rev Dale Peach

·        The General Secretary of the Methodist Church of New Zealand Rev Tara Tautari

·        Deaconess Tamalesi Makutu of the Fiji Methodist Church,

·        The New Zealand Methodist Womens Executive Team

·        The Te Whatu Ora Screen South team

·        The Wasewase Ministerial Team

·        The Wasewase Women’s Fellowship.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May God’s blessings be upon each and everyone of you.

Moving Forward:

Radini Talatala Talatoka Ducivaki has been elected as our new President 2024-2027.