At He Karakia Atatu Dawn service on Waitangi Day 2024, Hon. Christopher Luxon announced he would read a passage “that speaks to ‘unity’: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 (see RNZ news clip, 58:12)”. Without explaining what ‘unity’ meant (to him), or commenting on what the passage could mean (for the nation), Luxon read the passage from the NIV translation. But he slipped past (skipped over) verse 13: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body - whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

In recent months, large numbers of Te Ao Māori have convened to call for Tiriti justice, starting with the Hui-a-Motu in the Waikato, followed by the Ratana celebrations in Whanganui, and then Waitangi commemorations in the Tai Tokerau. Conversations about the erosion of tangata whenua rights in this country ignite discussions and debate of a constitutional nature, with significant consequences for our social and cultural cohesion as a growing nation moving forward.

Last week I took part in a discussion on the situation in Palestine/Israel. We explored the historical background and the horrors of what is currently unfolding in Gaza. At the end of our discussion we felt exhausted having entered into a story that has unfolded like a Greek tragedy, a journey into a dark hole with no doorway or windows from which the participants, both aggressors and victims, can escape. As I drove home, I reflected how fortunate we are to have the Treaty of Waitangi.

Last year Lucy D’Aeth stepped aside from a long career in the public health sector to take on a lay ministry position. Registering for the Mana Tiriti course at Trinity Theological College and attending Waitangi Celebrations contributed enormously to her understanding of the role of Methodism in the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our role in ensuring the agreement is honoured.

Last year, as discussions were taking place about the possible amalgamation of all the geographic South Island synods, the idea was proposed for a School of Theology. On 27 January, Rev Dale Peach was inducted as Superintendent of the newly established South Island Synod and the next day, a keen audience gathered at Aldersgate, Christchurch to discuss theology with a diverse team of presenters at the inaugural School of Theology.

In January we were blessed as a family by the visit of our son, Aidan, and his young family from the United Kingdom for the month. Aidan had not been back to New Zealand for 10 years and noticed some changes in that time.

On Friday 26 January whanau, friends and colleagues from MCNZ and other churches, social service agencies and faith-based organisations gathered to celebrate Rev Kathryn Walters’ imminent retirement and her enormous contribution to church and community. Kathryn has worked tirelessly and with a great sense of wisdom, compassion and humour during a 34-year career in ministry, including the past 25 years as an ordained minister.

In the vibrant tapestry of service and ministry, transitions mark profound moments where dedication and divine purpose intertwine. We rejoice in the extraordinary voyage of Rev Michael Lemanu, formerly Tauiwi Children Youth and Family Ministries National Coordinator (TCYFM), as he embarks on a new chapter in ministry in Taranaki, alongside his wife Eseta and their three beloved children Amorangi, Rāniera and Tohunga in Taranaki.

Last month Brian Turner questioned the appropriateness of the Methodist Trust Association investing in Rocket Lab. The debate continues.

I recently held a training session on communication. The group broke into teams. One person from each team left the room. Those 'speakers' were in radio contact with their team and their job was to accurately describe an abstract picture (on an A4 sized piece of paper) back to their teammates who would then draw what they heard. The results were interesting.

Our regular cartoon that seeks to find the funny side of faith.

A review of the Mission Resourcing Board, directed by Conference 2022, called for changes to ensure the Church is relevant in today’s context. This article highlights the role and history of Mission Resourcing, and major changes throughout the years.

In New Zealand, the notion of installing solar panels on buildings often sparks enthusiasm as a strategy to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. However, the reality is more nuanced. Despite the perceived benefits, the impact of solar panels on carbon reduction goals in New Zealand is limited due to the unique dynamics of its energy infrastructure.

In our Epiphany and Lenten journey this year we are dipping into Paul’s letter/s to the Corinthians. Beneath all the “do’s” and “don’ts,” run two deep threads: The logic of the cross and reciprocal love.

I am confronted by the reality that most churches live with a poverty mindset. There never seems enough to go round. We are always looking for ways to make a little go farther. And for ways to spread the few dollars we have even thinner. Sometimes it is a matter of lifting our eyes and seeing what could be. And then risking ourselves in making an investment into it.

When we think of Jonah, our brains tend to immediately jump to the comical aspect of this Old Testament story. A big fish swallowed Jonah! Sometimes the other details from this amazing book are forgotten.

A former President of MCNZ shares his thoughts on wars unfolding with appalling consequences, and no end in sight.

New Zealanders are being encouraged to brush up on recycling etiquette as national standardised rules for kerbside recycling are enforced. Kerbside standardisation is expected to divert extra tonnes of recycling and divert extra tonnes of food waste.

Twelve Hawkes Bay families experiencing housing difficulties will soon be moving into warm, safe, dry homes thanks to a partnership between two Methodist organisations, Wesley Community Action and the Methodist Church of NZ Hastings Samoan Parish.

Children often dream of doing special things when they grow up. A young boy from the Philippines wanted to play basketball but for 7-year-old Kyle, his dreams were slipping away because he was going blind from cataracts.

Last month our President Lesieli Tiulipe Pope, reported on visits she made to Vahefonua parishes during the New Year Prayer Week. When she visited Vaine Mo’onia (Ponsonby) Tongan Methodist Congregation, she had the opportunity to greet and bless the women’s fellowship of the church. She continues visiting other fellowships within NZMWF.

I hope everyone is enjoying the great weather we are having at the moment.

In the lead up to Christmas, 12 humanitarian agencies and the Council for International Development united in an urgent plea to New Zealand political leaders for the children of Gaza. Rev Dr Tim Pratt signed the letter on behalf of Christian World Service.

Despite limited resources and extremely challenging circumstances, Christian World Service partner, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), is providing invaluable assistance and healthcare to thousands of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

The Holdovers is delightfully crafted. In snow-bound Massachusetts, the staff of Barton Academy, an elite boarding school, prepare for the Christmas vacation. The year is 1970 and students excitedly pack for family time and beach vacations far from winter-bound classrooms.

Author Jane Prichard Reviewer: Lynne Frith Publisher: Mary Egan Publishing. 2023. 292 pages.

Authors: Supriya Vani & Carl A. Harte Publisher: Hardie Grant Books, 2021, 373 pages; four leaves of coloured plates Reviewer: Gary Clover

A series of five books, He Taonga hei Whakatu Honohono: A Gift Towards Partnership, known informally as “Mahi Tahi” (Working Together) produced in 1992 by Te Hinota Māori and Diane Gilliam-Knight from the Presbyterian Church’s Department of Communication, are among the most popular Presbyterian archive resources.

Eighty years ago, the Rev Bill Blight published a brief, 14-page booklet entitled What is British Israel: the chief points of British Israel teaching examined … It was a critique of a movement and a way of thinking that had been present in the English-speaking world for more than a century. It particularly attracted members of the Established Church but it was to be found among Christians of all varieties who owed their forms of religion to their ‘homeland.’

To officially welcome the Drua ni Lotu of the Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa to the Taranaki and Whanganui region, the Whanganui Fijian Choir performed a lovely rendition of the song, Selo, Selo Tadu Mai Na Waqa ni Kalou, during induction day. The Whanganui Parish has appointed Rev. Sokopeti Sina and her colleague, Rev. Basulu Qalo Seniceva, who oversees the Fijian congregations that connect the Taranaki and Whanganui districts together. The Drua ni Lotu is the emblem of the waka of this appointment.

Kuo fakanofo ha kau faifekau ‘ahi’ahi ‘e toko fā ki honau takitaha potungāue ke kamata ‘enau fakahoko ngāue (ministry) he Siasi Metotisi ‘o Nu’u Sila.