Te Hinota Weteriana o Te Waipounamu

This new synod combined the three geographical Methodist synods in Te Waipounamu: Nelson Marlborough West Coast, Central South Island and Otago Southland.

Long Term Planning

This process began in 2018 when Rev Kathryn Walters, the then-Superintendent for the Central South Island (CSI) Synod, also became the Superintendent for the Nelson Marlborough West Coast (NMW) Synod.  This started the intentional exploration of the possibility of the two synods combining, and from 2020 the CSI and NMW Synods started working on possible amalgamation proposals. During this time one NMW Synod meeting each year was held in Christchurch, where much of the meeting was shared with the CSI Synod, but the two synods met separately to conduct their own business as needed.  These combined meetings were often for the annual synod, but it proved challenging at times travelling in August across an island that has a great big mountain range down its middle.  However, this did give the opportunity for the members of each synod to get to know each other.

As amalgamation was discussed, money and identity were recognised as the major concerns that had to be worked through.  For example, the NMW Synod is based on relationships. Meeting three times a year, from a Friday afternoon to lunch after the Sunday service, enabled strong relationships to be maintained, and enabled each congregation to organise and host the event every second year.  Amalgamation discussions required careful consideration about how this style of meeting could continue and be nurtured. 

In late 2021, the Otago Southland (OS) Synod also entered into the amalgamation discussions as they recognised they were struggling to fully function as a synod.  This only required a slight redrafting of the amalgamation proposal.  At the annual synod meetings in 2022, the final version of the proposal to amalgamate was agreed by all three synods. 

The amalgamation proposal document recognised the differences between the synods and proposed that existing synods would become regions. The document also set out how a combined synod would be structured, and the routine for future synod meetings.  It was proposed that:

·      each March a full in-person synod meeting would be held over a weekend;

·      the annual synod would be a held via Zoom; and

·      each November, regional synod meetings would be held in a way that was appropriate for each region.

Consultation and Consent

Towards the end of 2022, this amalgamation proposal was circulated to every parish in the three synods.  According to the MCNZ Law Book (Section 4 2.2.3), for synods to combine, full consultation with all parishes/congregations concerned is needed, and amalgamation would normally not happen without the consent of a majority of the parish councils.  Therefore, every parish was asked to indicate if they supported this amalgamation, and a non-reply was taken as consent.  Only two of the 34 parishes came back with questions, and both supported the move once their concerns were answered.

Therefore, when all three South Island geographical synods met in Christchurch in March 2023 to make the final decision, they knew there was support from parishes for this amalgamation and the vote revealed that unanimous support. This was followed by a vote for the superintendent of the new synod, when Rev Dale Peach was selected as the incoming Synod Superintendent. 

Prior to the votes being taken, each synod spent time introducing every congregation in their synod.  People valued the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of the variety of Christian communities in Te Waipounamu.  Time was also given to discussing any questions and concerns people had about the amalgamation. The final exercise undertaken was to discuss what special aspects of each synod the combined synod wanted to continue.  Out of this came the recognition that OS had a strong tradition of schools of theology, and immediately an enthusiastic group gathered to talk about organising a school of theology. This generated a lot of positive energy, and resulted in the first South Island Synod school of theology, now known as Kete Aroha o Waipounamu, being held following the inaugural Synod meeting.

In the latter part of 2023, Dale established the new synod executive as outlined in the amalgamation document.  The incoming executive decided the first meeting of the new synod would be held at the end of January 2024, so that it could include the induction of the new Synod Superintendent.  On Saturday 27 January 2024, the inaugural meeting of the new South Island Synod, Te Hinota Weteriana o Te Waipounamu, was held in the morning, followed by the induction service that afternoon. 

Much of the time during the morning meeting focused on synod members furthering their connections with each other. The meeting also discussed the synod executive’s suggestion that the in-person meeting each year be held in a different location. This idea was rejected because of the time and cost of travel.  The majority of synod members come from the Canterbury region.  It made little sense to move the bulk of the synod to another location.  Therefore, the decision was made that all in-person synod meetings will be held in Christchurch.

New Means for Meeting

During 2024, the proposed pattern of synod meetings was actioned.  Covid-19 taught us all a lot about the ability to meet over Zoom.  Fortunately, there are at least two churches in Christchurch with the technology to enable hybrid synod meetings.  Those living in Canterbury who want to gather in person can do so, and the rest of the synod members Zoom into that same meeting space where the use of a camera and a big screen enables all participants to see each other.  While there is still room for improvement, the hybrid synod meetings have worked well.  So too have the regional synod meetings, providing the original synods with the ability to continue their traditional ways of meeting.

The process of amalgamating the three South Island geographical synods revealed the importance of building relationships.  This is not a process that can be rushed, and it must be intentional.  There must be a commitment to meet, share and get to know each other.  Care must be taken when considering the amalgamation of bank accounts as synods often have funds that are required to be spent in their region only.. Mechanisms for this to continue need to be established. 

Another learning from this process is that it is important that the character of each synod is not lost in any amalgamation.  Ways must be established so that each region of a new combined synod is able to keep its identity, while still having the advantage of being part of a larger synod.  The end result must be life-giving.  

The role of the Synod Superintendent and the structure of a large synod needs to be carefully thought through.  It was identified that parishes seeing and knowing the Synod Superintendent helps to cement the connection between parishes and the synod.  This has meant extensive travel for the Synod Superintendent, which is not cheap and only possible because the position is full-time.

So far, things are going well for Te Hinota Weteriana o Te Waipounamu.   In the March synod meeting this year, the focus will be on further developing the synod strategic plan, especially exploring ways for parishes in the synod to support each other.  The amalgamation of synods is only the start of lots of other work and opportunities.