Message from Bishop Andrew

E te whanau o Waiapu,

It is with sadness I advise The Reverend Rosemary Russell died 22 January 2026 at the age of 91. Rosemary was among the first five women ordained priests by Bishop Paul Reeves in 1977, during the historic weekend that marked the ordination of the first women priests in Aotearoa New Zealand. She served faithfully for many years as a non‑stipendiary priest at St Luke’s, Rotorua. Rosemary was a devoted and compassionate priest, deeply committed to social service and social justice — a true pioneer in many ways.

Please keep in your prayers Rosemary and her family.

Rosemary’s funeral will be held at Waiapu Cathedral at 1.00 pm on Tuesday, 3rd February. Clergy who are attending are invited to vest in an alb and white stole.

May Rosemary rest in peace and rise again in glory.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend Andrew Hedge

Bishop of Waiapu