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Methodist Church of New Zealand

Touchstone March 2025

Tenā koutou katoa

Inclusiveness, justice and healing are three of our guiding principles so it is entirely appropriate that MCNZ leaders have been swift and vocal in their condemnation of the recent outpouring of hate, homophobia and zenophobia espoused by those in positions of power. In this issue we share two powerful statements from the President of Te Hahi Weteriana o Aotearoa and Trinity Methodist Theological College whose responses unequivocally affirm the church's position and unwavering solidarity in standing alongside those people and communities under attack. As the President says in her closing statement,

"The Gospel calls us to love one another as Christ has loved us. Love does not tolerate harm. Love does not stand by in silence. Love acts."

Rev Keita Hotere reports from New Plymouth where an awesome Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival attracted tens of thousands of performers, supporters, whanau, and volunteers in a week long celebration of 'performance that captured the history, boundaries, waka and prophetic messages of the Poropiti Maori from this region within Te Kahu Maunga'. It is a wonderful recap of a magnificent gathering.

Rev Dale Peach Superintendent of the South Island Methodist Synod, Te Hinota Weteriana o Te Waipounamu, looks back on one year since of the new synod was formed, and discusses the consultative process that preceded the collaboration of three separate synods. Long term planning, intentional dialogue and respectful relationships have led to a successful outcome.

TeRito Peyroux-Semu reports on the induction of Rev Nicola Grundy as Kai Hapai, the Connexional appointment lead for the vital new church structure, Te Hapai O Ki Muri. The organisation is tasked with supporting ministries and ministry leadership across the Connexion with the support of a committee that includes representatives from Te Taha Maori, Tauiwi and youth representation.

This edition of Touchstone includes reports and reflections on many initiatives. I hope you will be inspired by the content.

May the season of Lent be a time of reflection, repentance and spiritual renewal as we focus on our faith and devotion in a deeply personal and global sense.

 

Ady Shannon.

Contents

Te Hinota Weteriana o Te Waipounamu

by Rev Dale Peach, South Island Synod Superintendent

A significant event in the life of Te Hāhi happened at the end of January 2024 – the newly formed South Island Methodist Synod, Te Hinota Weteriana o Te Waipounamu, officially met for first time.

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A Message of Solidarity from the Methodist Church of New Zealand.

by Te Aroha Rountree, MCNZ President

The Methodist Church of New Zealand stands in unwavering solidarity with our LGBTQ+ whānau, in response to recent attacks from Destiny Church and others who seek to harm and marginalise.

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MCNZ President Te Aroha Rountree delivers sermon Waitangi Day 2025.

Statement on Queerphobia and Xenophobia

by Trinity Methodist Theological College

Trinity Methodist Theological College expresses deep concern over the increasing presence of homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia in Aotearoa New Zealand, often justified through theology, scripture, and political rhetoric.

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Sunlit Renaissance: Joy, Unity, Transformation

by Rev Peter Norman, MCNZ Vice President

I have been profoundly blessed to participate in the vibrant tapestry of functions, events, meetings and celebrations within Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa.

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Rev Nicola Teague Grundy, Kai Hapai and her executive assistant and members of the standing committee.

Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri: A New Chapter in Connexional Ministry and Leadership Support

by TeRito Peyroux-Semu

The newest part of the Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Hāpai Ō Ki Muri – has now been in operation for a month, taking up its charge of supporting various ministries and ministry leadership across the Connexion.

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Yeast is a catalyst for making bread.

Native Calendars, and Climate Change as Catalyst

by Rev Dr Jione Havea

A catalyst is something - an energy or a body - that sparks a change. The change could be for bad, like bacteria causing illness, or for good, like yeast causing dough to rise (with which someone bakes something to share).

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Change Imminent for Income Tax on Business Income - Charities

by Peter van Hout, MCNZ Financial Services Manager

On 24 February 2025, New Zealand's Inland Revenue Department released a paper seeking comment on the taxation of charities and not-for-profits (NFPs).

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The Orbiter bus is disability friendly and circles around the city at regular intervals, making it ideal for elderly commuters.

WesleyCare Residents Board Bus for Ōtautahi Outing

by Ady Shannon

On Tuesday 14 January 2025 a group of WesleyCare residents boarded a public bus along with caregivers for a trip across Ōtautahi in the first of what will be a regular highlight on the rest home's outings and activities schedule.

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A Caring Society Does Not Neglect Its Children

by Hamish Jarvie, Methodist Alliance National Coordinator

Recently, there has been scathing media coverage regarding the standard and consistency of school lunches, after the current government made the decision to cut the costs involved and centralise its production.

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Licinda Wait is the new receptionist at the Connexional Office.

New Staff and New Roles at The Connexional Office

by Ady Shannon

A staffing restructure at the Connexional Office involving new roles for two existing staff and one new face at the front desk, will alleviate some of the work pressure on the General Secretary.

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The Seatoun coastline is a popular spot for Fijian, Samoan and Tongan families to gather mussels and other seafood.

Wasewase Sustainable Coastline Climate Justice Initiative

by Talatala Joeli

Summer (Raumati) in Aotearoa is a season many of us look forward to annually.

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Supporters by the entrance sign.

Te Matatini O Te Kāhui Maunga, Te Kāhui Tupua, Te Kāhui Wairua

by Rev Keita Hotere

The last time Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival was held in 2023, it took place at Ngā Ana Wai, Eden Park, Auckland. This year the festival took place at Pukekura Park, Bowl of Brooklands, Ngāmotu. It was a huge success.

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Getting Quick Wins with Tech

by Peter Lane

A new year is a great time to refresh ho w your church uses technology - without breaking the bank or adding unnecessary complexity. This article explores simple, affordable upgrades for 2025.

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Jim's Cartoon

by Brendan Boughen

Our regular cartoon that finds the funny, and sometimes not so funny, side of faith.

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Brenda, circa 10 years old, with her parents and two brothers.

EPIPHANY

by Brenda Fawkner nee Abusombra

Childhood memories of growing up in New Plymouth as the daughter of Lebanese immigrants prompted Deacon Brenda Fawkner to write a short story. We share the story that received a Ronald Hugh Morrieson literary award.

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St John's Community Church, Medlands Beach, Great Barrier Island is just one example of a successful union of church communities.

Uniting Congregations?

by Ray Coats

Ray Coats reflects on UCANZ. As one who has been involved in ecumenical activities for most of my worshipping life, I have retained my close interest in the progress of the Uniting Congregations venture in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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The Gift of Sight: A Miracle

by Murray Sheard, CEO cbm New Zealand

Worldwide, 45 percent of people with a vision impairment are living with conditions that could have been treated or prevented, meaning they are needlessly blind. Cbm is working to provide the miracle of sight for those impacted.

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Why Refinance?

by Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel

Refinancing a mortgage is a strategic financial decision that can save you money and improve loan terms, lower interest rates, enhance cash flow, and provide greater financial flexibility. There are many factors to consider.

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The NZMWF Executive Team. Tokanga Filiai is in the rear row, far right.

SEASON OF LENT 2025; Focus on What’s Important!

by Tokanga Filiai, NZMWF Treasurer

The beginning of the year is always exciting, with everyone returning from their holiday to transition back into school, work, and regular home life.

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Abel's Moon by Shirley Hughes is a delightful book for children.

Welcome to this month’s Kidz Korna

by Doreen Lennox

I hope you have all settled down at school. Some of you will have started new schools, others moved into a new class and the youngest just started school.

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The West Papuan Morning Star flag.

Pressure on West Papuans Increases

by Gillian Southey

In West Papua the indigenous people are struggling to protect human rights, their lands and resources from outside interests.

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Political thriller Conclave has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Conclave Film Review

by Dr Steve Taylor

I write as churches worldwide join in praying for the life and witness of Pope Francis. Hearing the news of the Pope’s hospitalisation and respiratory crisis, my daughter asked how popes were appointed.

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Author: Yuval Noah Harari. Publisher: Fern Press, 2024, 492pp.

Nexus : A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI.

by Adrian Skelton

In the beginning was information … “Stories brought us together. Books spread our ideas ... The internet promised infinite knowledge. The algorithm learned our secrets – and then turned us against each other. What will AI do?”

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A group of New Zealand missionaries in the Solomon Islands.

Connecting Records, Places and People

by Emanuella de Ruiter, Digital Archivist MCNZ

At Kei Muri Māpara, we have the privilege of caring for fascinating collections that encompass more than 200 years of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history.

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Mafutaga Faifeau ma Taitai SOT 2025.

Mafutaga Faifeau ma Taitai SOT 2025

by Rev Sioa Letalu

Fuaitau masani a le Au Kerisiano, o lo tatou tofi ma le matafaioi o le fuafua ma faa polokalame, a’o le Atua e taoto i ai le fa’ataunuuina.

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The poster promoting the youth camp that has already reached capacity.

Wasewase Youth Camp focuses on Transformation

by Talatala Joeli

Don’t just change, transform” is the theme for the Methodist Youth Fellowship 2025 camp, planned for ANZAC Day weekend 24 to 28 April, at the Foxton Bible Camp, Foxton Beach.

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