Conference 2023 An Overview

A core group of church leaders and support personnel gathered at the Hastings Wesley Community Centre from Tuesday 7 November to Saturday 11 November to roll out a hybrid style Conference that brought together more than 200 offsite members of Conference, lay representatives and observers. This edition of Touchstone includes reports from committee Convenors capturing the key work, ministry and mission undertaken over the past year, along with Conference decisions that will influence the future. This article is written from my perspective as an observer sitting in on the daily programme dispatched from the well-appointed Hastings Wesley Community Centre hub.

The Lord moves in mysterious ways and even with impeccable planning the best laid plans can sometimes go awry. Flights and travel disruptions impacted the arrival of the Conference leadership team and technical support personnel to Hastings. The 8.45pm arrival of Rev Tovia Aumua from Auckland on Tuesday evening signalled the last of the outliers to arrive in Hastings. Preparations were in hand and people in situ for the official start of proceedings on Wednesday 8 November.

The recently opened Hastings Wesley Community Centre was the ideal venue to accommodate the daily needs of the leadership, support and technical team. Following several months of regular online planning meetings, the Conference arrangements committee was primed and ready to deliver a polished, professional and well-orchestrated online operation.

Conference reports were pre-recorded in the weeks leading up to Conference, and the leadership team focused on ensuring the tightly scheduled programme provided adequate time for business, discussion, caucus sessions and reporting along with many breaks to accommodate the intensity of watching proceedings on a screen for the participants Zooming in.

Tauiwi and Te Taha Maori Pre-Conference meetings

Tauiwi and Te Taha Maori convened separately on Tuesday afternoon. Rev Nicola Teague-Grundy co-convened the Tauiwi caucus meeting onsite from the Conference hub in conjunction with co-convenor Rev Uesifili Unasa located in Auckland. Nicola says, “Being onsite at Hastings and liaising with Uesifili from his Auckland base worked well, given the complications of hosting a virtual meeting in a space where the nuances of body language have no part in proceedings."

Nicola was encouraged by the turnout of 95 online attendees who participated in discussions that came from issues raised at Conference 2022. Nicola and Uesifili effectively shared managing the agenda, with Uesifili acting as facilitator and Nicola responding to questions. General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari was available to answer questions.

Nicola says the Zoom forum worked well for Tauiwi discussions. “There was no dominant voice and there were a range of comments and questions asked.” Some attendees preferred to comment in person via the video screen and others used the chat option to share feedback.

Before concluding the meeting, Nicola invited participants to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of an online Conference versus attending a face-to-face Conference. Responses varied … some expressed experiencing and being challenged by technology difficulties, some preferred the collegiality of face-to-face meetings, others commented that they found having the Zoom chat options made participation easier than in a real gathering.

Nicola acknowledged that online meetings are tiring and not being able to view people is challenging. “People can’t read any body language and can’t really gauge what is going on with the group. That makes quite a difference.”

Wednesday 8 November 2023

President Peter Taylor acknowledged in his opening pōwhiri address the differences between an online Conference and a gathering of delegates assembled in one space. “This hybrid space is a bit strange for all of us. We miss the benefit of real people in the room but that does not mean the mahi will not be done. Above all it is important that we see God’s direction as our source of hope."

The pōwhiri showcased the musical talents of Methodists of all ages and, along with the address from the President, Rev Iakopo Fa’afuata, Presbyter Hastings Samoan Parish, presented a history of the Hastings Wesley Parish, including the evolution of the many buildings, people involved, services delivered, and mission undertaken since land was acquired in 1878.

Service to Honour Those Who Have Died

A poignant and moving pre-recorded service to honour those who have died in the past year paid tribute to 16 presbyters, minita-a-iwi, deacons and lay people. The service included prayers and a selection of beautifully sung traditional Methodist and Māori hymns along with a brief tribute to each of the deceased capturing highlights of their lives and ministry.

Taking Care of Business

The business agenda started on Wednesday afternoon – a combination of pre-recorded segments reporting on work undertaken by committees, followed by recommended decisions reported to Conference by convenors Zooming in in person.

In opening the session General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari reiterated the importance of consensus decision-making as an integral part of Conference. Moving from an in-person to an online Conference involves ‘reading the Zoom room’ when making decisions and Tara assured attendees that the leadership team would be closely observing online cues and symbols to ensure every voice was heard.

Technical team leader Michael Lemanu shared key messages from a Conference introductory workshop held the day before. The brief 101 tutorial covered the etiquette of participating in a virtual Conference from remote locations; microphones on mute unless talking, raised hand or chat option for questions and green hand symbol when indicating the affirmation of a decision. In general, the ‘rules of engagement’ were closely observed over the Conference duration, although calls for speakers to “UNMUTE” were common.

Reports were generally received, and decisions agreed on as a formality. Nan Russell, convenor Board of Administration, delivered an outstanding and comprehensive report on the numerous portfolios, trusts and committees under her jurisdiction including some on topics “that people love to hate”.

Conference approved a significant sum from the PAC fund to be made available for survivors who suffered abuse when in the care of Methodist entities or personnel. “We have to do the right thing and part of that is finding the money,” Nan said.

Nan reiterated that the purpose of property is for the mission and work of the church. Work continues on the property strategy and following ongoing consultation a proposal will be presented at Conference 2024. Insurance is increasing the complexity of work undertaken by Methodist Church Property Committee. Nan acknowledged with gratitude the work of the Connexional Office staff along with the numerous volunteers and board and trust members who support her work.

Special mention was made of 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 youth, families and child ministry Coordinator.

Closing comments and prayer from Rev Keita Hotere included special thanks and a salute to the presidential team, technical team, Connexional staff, the Wesley hosts and all the report writers for making day one a success.

Daily Closing prayer

Lord it is night …

He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa - from A New Zealand Prayer Book.

"Lord, it is night.

The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.

The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.

In your name we pray. Amen."

The Conference Candle was extinguished at 7.40pm.

Thursday 9 November 2023

Opening worship and devotions curated by Trinity College included a powerful and thought-provoking nine-minute overview of the devastation in the Gaza strip presented by Rev Dr Miriti Raheb, a Christian theologian and academic from Bethlehem. Rev Dr Raheb’s message gave voice to the people (in excess of 15,000 at the time of publication) who have died and the 27,000 injured as a result of the conflict, 70 percent civilians. The presentation included graphic images of the devastation and tragic deaths of children, women, students, creatives, innocents all - with a commentary that summed up 70 years of conflict. He stated that rather than a conflict between two parties, this is a genocidal war that began when the State of Israel was established and the indigenous Palestinian people were displaced and left without a home. The settler versus colonials conflict and subsequent loss of rights for the Palestinians has resulted in a situation that many organisations have termed apartheid.

The presentation concluded with a call to stand up for justice against inequality by calling for an immediate ceasefire, and an open corridor so that the people in Gaza can get access to food, water and other resources essential to life. And he asked for prayers.

Conference decided to prepare and release a statement from MCNZ supporting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Palestine as a first step in reconciliation and peace. A draft statement prepared by the leadership team and released on Friday generated animated discussions. The official MCNZ statement circulated to the Connexion on Tuesday 14 November can be found in the article titled MCNZ Statement on Gaza Israeli Situation.

Help for Hawkes Bay

The decision to relocate the proposed Christchurch Conference hub to Hastings was in response to a suggestion by Tau’ataina Tupou from the arrangements committee to provide support for the Hawkes Bay community in the wake of the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

A pre-recorded presentation fronted by Napier Methodist Parish steward Joanne Gaudin gave local context to the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawkes Bay region, and the relief response that followed. Joanne and her husband James shared many challenges in the immediate aftermath of the floods when they were supporting family, parish and outreach in a region that was without power or communications for 12 days. They acknowledged that although it was a sad time for many – and in rural areas normalcy is still a way off as homes, businesses and farms have yet to be repaired or restored to a state of occupation or operation - the outpouring of love, generosity and kindness was powerful for the entire community. Holding Conference in the region was one way of MCNZ acknowledging the damage and supporting that ongoing recovery mission.

Report, Updates and Business.

Much of the day’s business focused on the Mission Resourcing review following a decision reached at Conference 2022. Rev Nicola Teague-Grundy and Rev Uesifili Unasa co-facilitated a caucus meeting for Tauiwi and Rev Keita Hotere facilitated the Te Taha Māori caucus meeting in a process effective in bringing consensus to the decisions proposed. It was agreed that a separate Transition Team would be established to bring a smooth change to the work of Mission Resourcing, and that Synods and Hui Poari would be informed of developments in the transition process to be completed by Conference 2024.

Social services reported on the numerous aspects of advocacy, mission and service provision they are engaged in including addressing the increasing lack of safe, affordable, dry, warm, accessible housing for the elderly who do not own their own homes.

Rev Tovia Aumua closed the day in his unique and inimitable style; with jokes, and prayer.

The candle was extinguished at 7.15pm.

Friday 10 November 2023 

Rev Keita Hotere and Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu opened the day with devotions, prayer, reflection and song themed around climate justice. 

Dr Ruby Manukia- Schaumkel, MCNZ legal advisor and convenor of the Law Revision committee, presented a report on the work to date revising Section 8 of the Law Book. The disciplinary process and procedures are being revised to reflect a restorative justice process rather than a retributive process. Restorative justice respects both the victim and the perpetrator, asking the questions; Who is hurt? How can we bring healing? A draft review will be presented to synods and Hui Poari for comment. Following consultation, changes will be ready for a decision at Conference 2024. 

Conference attendees were invited to gather in breakout rooms to discuss and share examples of where restorative justice has been used in practical ways. Shared feedback included some inspiring examples of where the restorative justice approach worked effectively and resulted in positive outcomes exceeding expectations, restoring mana and healing hurts. 

 A pre-recorded video presented by Rev Kalolo Fihaki, Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa Synod Superintendent captured the essence of the enormous recovery response rolled out in Auckland, Northland and Hawkes Bay by Siaola, Vahefonua's social services mission. Their swift and well-coordinated efforts capitalized on their exceptional work and experience gained in response to their coordinated Covid-19 recovery response. When the state of emergency was announced in February 2023, Siaola promptly swung into action, galvanized extensive resources including people, food and products to help the affected communities. A total of 1062 families and individuals benefited from their response that included food, care packages, blankets, towels and counselling from social workers who were part of the response team.

The programme included the launch of a resource created by Mission Resourcing, titled Rekindling the Vā of Papatūānuku. The book acknowledges our connection with creation and the responsibility that comes with it by sharing climate justice stories, personal perspectives and life experiences from a range of diverse Connexional representatives. Rev Siosifa said, “Our hope is that this narrative will inspire readers to reflect on their own climate justice experiences. We need a unified approach to the devastating impact of climate change to our planet.”

Forecasts and Outcomes

After the close of business on Friday afternoon the entire onsite leadership and support team gathered in a circle to reflect on the success of Conference and how each person’s concerns, expectations and aspirations played out over the duration of the programme. What went well? What could have been improved? The weather provided the theme for many of the responses … 

“Everyone has worked really well pulling in the same direction. We will look at detailed evaluations post Conference. We are always looking for ways to improve. … The technical team is a taonga for our Church. We will continue to nurture that. The skills you each bring are a blessing to the church”. Rev Tara Tautari. 

“I have been attending Conferences since 1983. There have been challenges but I am always feeling the love of God”. Rev Tovia Aumua. 

“There were strong winds predicted but they never came. The long-term forecast is cloudy but clearing”. Rev Nicola Teague-Grundy. 

“There have been some showers but we have been humbled in the presence of God.” TeRito Peyroux-Semu. 

"God calls us to be our best selves whatever the weather and that is enough.” Tai’ataina Tupou.

“I have always loved the fog. I came expecting fog and it has been clear all week. Operating in the fog requires full faith and trust in God navigating that space.” Michael Lemanu. 

“I felt a little cloudy at the beginning. Nervous. But that passed. Having a team from within the church has been great. It means everyone will do their best.” Sami Paea He Lotu Fifita. 

Saturday 11 November 2023

Morning devotions were led by Peter on the Conference theme of God, Our Source of Hope.

Recognition of Retirees and Others

The session devoted to recognising the contribution of retiring presbyters Fatuatia Tufuga and Kathryn Walters and hosted by Sootaga Misikei was poignant, funny, sobering, inspiring and uplifting. Time was also dedicated to tributes and reflections from others moving into new roles – Rev Siosifa Pole and Michael Lemanu - and the past Presidential team – Rev Setaita Veikune and Rev Nicola Teague-Grundy - reflecting on their term 2018 - 2020.

Signing the Journal & Wrapping Up

The day closed with the Covenant Service, celebrating and affirming the work, deliberations and decisions of Conference. The service was bookended and punctuated by outstanding choral performances by the local Tongan Choir and the Hastings Samoan Choir.

After a sumptuous, shared lunch, the onsite team started packing up, bidding farewell and thanks to the amazing, competent and diverse team assembled to deliver Conference 2023.

Conference 2024 will be held in Wellington. 8 – 13 November.