Conference Highlights
Amidst many outstanding musical performances during the powhiri, a standout was a recording originally made for Conference 2021 by a Christchurch group of young musicians Sui, Fasi, Massey, Vaiuli and ‘Ilaisaane.
Service to Honour Those Who Have Died
A poignant and moving pre-recorded service paid tribute to 16 presbyters, minita-a-iwi, deacons and lay people. The service included prayers and a selection of superbly sung traditional and Māori hymns along with a brief tribute to each of the deceased capturing highlights of their lives and ministry.
President Peter congratulating and blessing Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha on her appointment as Tumuaki. Tauiwi joined the President in acknowledging the importance and significance of this appointment and shared their anticipation of working alongside her.
The appointment of a Tauiwi Bicultural Workgroup.
Outgoing NZMWF President Tui Salevao sharing highlights of her past two-years as she passed on responsibility to a new team. Newly inducted NZMWF President Lesieli Pope three weeks into her new role, introduced her team and theme for the next two years; Grow in Christ and be a Life giver.
A special thanks to members concluding their service on the Tauiwi Strategy and Stationing committee: Kathryn Walters, David Poultney, Jean Faithful, Ian Harris, Viv Whimster and Siosifa Pole.
Law Book revisions will reflect restorative justice principles. President Peter referred to restorative justice as having the capacity to ‘lower the temperature of the conflict’. The model of justice will be a change for church and acts as an example as it incorporates many concepts already embraced and recognised by Pasifika and Māori including mana, aroha, koha utu, muru, tumanako, pono, and forgiveness.
Green grants have been a success; five applications have resulted in $155,673.15 approval across the five projects.
A joint venture between Wellington based Wesley Community Action and Wesley Samoan Hastings Methodist Parish will see the provision of 1, 2, 3- and 4-bedroom homes on a site in Flaxmere for families on the housing register. The collaboration benefits everyone involved.
MCNZ commitment to a decade long programme on Climate Justice highlighted with resources including a Climate Justice Calendar 2024 and new book, Rekindle the Vā of Papatūānuku, that shares stories of climate justice from a range of perspectives.
The presence of tamariki was a welcome blessing during Conference. Michael Lemanu was accompanied by his family, wife Eseta, 5-year-old daughter Amorangi , and sons 1-year-old Rāniera and baby Tohunga. In addition, TeRito’s son TeAriki, and young members of the local parishes brought noise, vibrancy, cheer and laughter to the venue.
Fur boy Felix joining Rev Dr Susan Thompson during her pre-recorded Conference report on behalf of the Professional Development Grants committee. Despite his interest in making a cameo appearance, Felix did not stick around to answer questions.
A video tour of Grafton Downs showed progress on the development and drew attention to the restoration and renewal of riparian waterways. Stage 9 is about to be released.
Conference recognized and paid tribute to the service and contributions made by Rev Siosifa Pole and Michael Lemanu who are both leaving Mission Resourcing for parish ministry after five and eight years in their respective roles, Siosifa as acting Co-Director and Michael as children, families and youth ministry coordinator.
Carol Barron was recognised for the enormous contribution she has made to the Methodist Alliance and MCNZ over the past eight years. Carol is leaving in December. Her fierce passion for social justice, commitment to church, strong leadership and exceptional writing and research skills have made her an invaluable member of the team.
Conference honoured the term of the past Presidential team, the first ever comprising two women President Rev Setaita Veikune and Vice President Nicola Teague-Grundy 2018 - 2020.
The interview between retiring presbyter Kathryn Walters and Sootaga Misikei. The questions and the answers were absolutely on-point, funny and inspiring..
The Covenant Service
Singing at the Covenant Service by the local Tongan Choir and the Hastings Samoan Choir, accompanied by the extremely talented musician Rev Ieremia Amituana’i.
The amazing hospitality offered by the Samoan Parish catering team, under the direction of Olive Tanielu and her able assistants, Tumema Faioso and Sieni Fa'afuata. Outstanding food provided daily by a cheerful and dedicated culinary crew.
The tech team, pulling it all together flawlessly under the leadership of Michael Lemanu; outstanding operators! We salute you all. You are indeed MCNZ taonga. Sami Paea He Lotu Fifita, Katie Fifita, Felonitesi Manukia, Lavoni Manukia, Paula Moala, and Moeakiola Situ'a.