Latest Articles

.Aaron HendrySeptember 30, 2022

Aaron Hendry, Youth Worker, rangatahi advocate and social justice commentator argues that the ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric fails because it continues to

Family First staff writerSeptember 30, 2022

With an increase in ram raids – many committed by young people - and media focus on youth crime in general, Touchstone invited a frontline youth

Ady ShannonSeptember 30, 2022

On Saturday 17 September representatives from local government, Methodist Church of NZ, Wesley Community Action and other organisations came together

Doreen SunmanSeptember 30, 2022

On Sunday 28 August Glen Eden Methodist Church celebrated the contribution of two musicians with flowers and morning tea. Doreen Sunman shares the

President Andrew DoubedaySeptember 30, 2022

For many of us the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t a surprise, after all she was 96. Nevertheless it came as a shock.

Rev Siosifa Pole, Director Mission ResourcingSeptember 30, 2022

Locating and identifying concepts in a particular context is very helpful in creating resources for ministry.

Ian HarrisSeptember 30, 2022

In two areas of public discourse these days it is quite acceptable to be both opinionated and ignorant: politics and religion.

.September 30, 2022

Touchstone welcomes feedback from readers.

Enid EllisSeptember 30, 2022

Many of us do not recall a time before Queen Elizabeth was monarch. One of our Archives volunteers, Enid Ellis, however, found that the death of Her

David Hanna, Director Wesley Community ActionSeptember 30, 2022

Rethinking our governance model so it honours Te Tiriti and promotes equity.

Carol Barron, Methodist Alliance National CoordinatorSeptember 30, 2022

Our benefit rates are so low compared to the cost of living, that many of our tamariki are living in material hardship.

Peter LaneSeptember 30, 2022

Breeze, Wild Apricot, Toucan Tech and Infoodle are examples of the names chosen by the developers of Church Management Systems or ChMS. This type of

Catherine DickieSeptember 30, 2022

Sunday 28 August 2022 was a special day for the members of Hamilton East Methodist Parish; the day marked the end of English language services in the

Rev Geraldine CoatsSeptember 30, 2022

At the beginning of July most of the UCANZ congregations went through the exercise of ‘changing partners’. Sounds like a dance, doesn’t it? However,

Rev Peter TaylorSeptember 30, 2022

One of the more knotty problems facing Christians is: does God get involved in our lives and, if so, in what ways?

Rev Dr Susan ThompsonSeptember 30, 2022

A couple of months ago I went to a lecture by Professor Richard Egan from Otago University on the importance of spiritual care in healthcare.

Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel, Legal AdvisorSeptember 30, 2022

On the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles automatically became the King of New Zealand under the law of succession.

.Rik TeTauSeptember 30, 2022

Rik TeTau, the new GM for PNMSS, reports on changes at PNMSS as his team works to support the ever-changing – and increasing - needs of their

Keita HotereSeptember 30, 2022

Te Reo Māori and Māori rights advocate, and founding member of Ngā Tamatoa, Hana Te Hemara (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu) was celebrated

Janice Auva’a-Walters & Lautaliepaia- Arieta Aumua (Tale)September 30, 2022

This month Janice Auva’a-Walters reports on the Helen Kim Memorial Scholarship 2022 and we introduce Lautaliepaia- Arieta Aumua, better known as

.September 30, 2022

Members of the Connexion join in prayer as we lead up to Conference 2022.

Alan UpsonSeptember 30, 2022

Hymnwriters Downunder – Methodists sing the praise of God in Aotearoa New Zealand a new book by retired Methodist minister Rev Dr Terry Wall, will be

Rev David BushSeptember 30, 2022

Rev David Bush recently travelled to Germany to attend a meeting of the steering committee for the WMC. He reports on the meeting and the ‘new

Michael Lemanu, Tauiwi Children, Youth and Family Ministries - National CoordinatorSeptember 25, 2022

As a person who works in the area of children, youth and young adults, I have regularly heard of the reality of we being a declining, aging church

Doreen LennoxSeptember 30, 2022

Welcome to Kidz Korna

CWSSeptember 30, 2022

Christian World Service partner, the Tonga Community Development Trust, has established a new programme to assist families affected by the eruption

CWSSeptember 30, 2022

Christian World Service is appealing for Pakistan after torrential monsoon rains flooded one third of the country. The government says 6.4 million

Dr Steve TaylorSeptember 30, 2022

Understanding the history of Aotearoa requires tracing a whakapapa or lineage of state violence. The invasion of Parihaka in 1881 and the shooting of

David BushSeptember 30, 2022

Looking for a comfortable read? Then don’t pick this book! Marilyn Garson, an experienced aid professional, worked in Cambodia and Afghanistan, and

David PoultneySeptember 30, 2022

Rachel Hurd, Archivist Presbyterian Research CentreSeptember 30, 2022

In a 19th century communion roll from Crathie Church near Balmoral in Scotland, one of the names listed is given simply as “Victoria”, with her

Rev Donald PhillippsSeptember 30, 2022

Jabez Bunting Watkin was born in Tonga in 1837, grew up as a small child at Waikouaiti and was educated at the new Wesleyan school in Auckland.

Faiese Brewster and Juanita Salevao, Youth Leaders for Itumalo AukilaniSeptember 30, 2022

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity”. 1Timothy4:12

.September 30, 2022

Rev Dr Ilaitia Sevati Tuwere was born on 8 March 1940 to Jese Ulacake and Ekari Balenamatau in the village of Bagata, Wailevu, Fiji. As is customary

Felonitesi ManukiaSeptember 30, 2022

Kuo lava lelei ‘a hono fakakakato mo hono ma’alali ‘ e Uike Lea Faka-Tonga pe ko e Tongan Language Week ‘i Aotearoa.