Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri: A New Chapter in Connexional Ministry and Leadership Support
This vital new structure is dedicated to ensuring that those called to lead and serve in our Hāhi are equipped, encouraged, and strengthened in their work.
At the end of January, Rev Nicola Teague Grundy was inducted as Kai Hāpai, the Connexional Appointment lead for Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri. Supporting her in this important role is Matila Amani, who has been appointed as Executive Assistant to the Kai Hāpai. While they are the first two staff members, the work of Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri is strengthened by its Connexional Standing Committee, which represents the breadth of the church. The committee includes:
Te Taha Māori Representatives: Rev Hoana Flay, Rev Keita Hotere, and Shirley Rivers
Tauiwi Representatives: Rev Amos Muzondiwa, Dilys Davies, and Joshua Robertson
Rangatahi/Youth Representatives: Amelia Takataka-Kaur and Ngahina Ranui
Chair: Ex-Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu
This diverse and experienced group ensures that Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri is grounded in the full breadth of our Connexional life and ministry. An immediate priority is to work further with Youth Ministry leadership to develop an appropriate model and appointment that will strengthen youth ministry across the church.
A Name Rooted in Purpose
A significant milestone came with the first meeting of the Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri Connexional Standing Committee on 14-15 February. This inaugural hui was a time of deep discussion and reflection as members explored the broad scope of responsibilities that Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri will oversee. Central to these conversations was the meaning and significance of the group’s name.
The name Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri loosely translates as “The Support Workers in the Background”, drawing from the Māori whakataukī (proverb):
"Te Amorangi ki mua, te Hāpai Ō ki muri."
"The Leader at the front, and the Support Workers in the background."
This proverb speaks to the balance of roles in Marae protocol—where those who speak and lead are supported by those who work behind the scenes, ensuring everything is prepared and that guests are well cared for. Both roles are essential, working in equilibrium, for without one, the other cannot function effectively.
This understanding lies at the heart of Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri’s purpose: to stand behind and alongside the ministries of the church, ensuring that those in leadership and service have the resources, encouragement, and support they need to flourish.
Beyond Traditional Parish Models
One of the key insights from the inaugural hui was that Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri’s role extends far beyond traditional parish models of ministry. The scope of its work is broad, diverse, and open to encompassing a wider range of leadership and ministry contexts within the Connexion. This means that Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri must be flexible and responsive, working alongside different forms of ministry to offer support tailored to their unique needs.
Looking Ahead
As Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri takes its first steps, the journey ahead will be shaped by collaboration, responsiveness, and a deep commitment to the mission of the church. There is still much to learn and establish, but with a strong foundation of values and purpose, the work is already well underway.
Even in these early days, I want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Rev Nicola Teague Grundy and Matila Amani, as well as the thoughtful diligence and care of the Connexional Standing Committee and all who are committed to ensuring the success and impact of this new chapter in the life of the Methodist Church.
May Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri continue to be a source of strength and support, ensuring that all parts of our church can thrive in their calling to serve God and community.
Mā te Atua e manaaki, e ārahi.
(May God bless and guide this work.)