Touchstone February 2025

Kia ora and welcome to the February edition of Touchstone, the first for 2025.

Given the attention on the divisive Treaty Principles Bill, the impact it is having on our people currently - tangata whenua and tauiwi alike - and its profound implications for the future, content in this edition focuses on the Bill and the Methodist response to its introduction.

The kauwhau (sermon) delivered at Waitangi Treaty grounds dawn and ecumenical services by our President Te Aroha Rountree resonated with the crowd assembled and attracted global media interest. Te Aroha has given permission for that powerful presentation to be included in this edition of Touchstone.

Advocating for social justice and the rights of all people has always been a priority for Methodism and that theological commitment to justice, and equity for all  is evident in many projects, actions and activities across the motu.

The Bill has generated a huge response; the Justice Committee has received 300,000 submissions and 42,000 people joined a hikoi last year opposing the Bill. We look at some of the parishes and people participating in that protest.

As the lack of affordable housing continues to impact the vulnerable in Aotearoa, and the number of people on the housing register continues to grow at an alarming pace. Methodist Alliance members are using all resources available to tackle the issue from a community perspective.

In Ōtautahi, Christchurch Methodist Mission recently celebrated the completion of 14 new apartments that include social housing and affordable rentals for those aged 60+. And in Wellington, Wesley Community Action are engaged in two ambitious projects that will significantly extend housing options at Wesley Rata Village.  

I hope you will read and reflect on the content in this edition of Touchstone as we share the voice and mission of Methodism in Aotearoa.