Update from Bishop Andrew

Kia ora koutou,

Greetings and peace to you all. 

Te Puke 125th

On Sunday I joined with the congregations at the Church of St John the Baptist, Te Puke, as we celebrated 125 years of the life of the parish. It was a joyful occasion as two congregations joined for a festive feast following the two services which are run concurrently across the church and hall. 125 years on from the turn of the century the parish continues to faithfully bear witness to the love of God in word, sacrament and community life. It was a real joy to be with the community. I found a deeper personal connection with the parish after sharing in the service that my Great Aunt, Kath Wyllie, had been the parish organist for nearly 30 years. It was my great delight to meet parishioners after the service who remembered Kath as a fine organist, music teacher and faithful parishioner. What a joy to not only celebrate many years of the parish, but also to fill in some of the gaps in my whakapapa, making connections that bind us together across the tapestry of the story of faith. 

Henry Williams arrives aboard the Herald in Tauranga Moana

Today marks a special day of significance for Ngā Iwi o Tauranga Moana, Te Haahi Mihinare, CMS, and our Diocese of Waiapu as we remember this as the day when Henry Williams, missionary, arrived in Tauranga Moana. Henry was aboard the first European sailing vessel to visit Tauranga Moana harbour, arriving to establish connection in Tauranga, to trade for supplies for the mission stations in Paihia, and at the invitation of mana whenua. Henry was supported by Te Koki and Rangituke of Ngāpuhi, whānaunga of local whanau in Tauranga. Henry Williams and his party stayed in Tauranga for four nights supported during their stay at Otamataha Pā. Today the lands of the pā were the venue for a Mihi Whakatau, Karakia Mō te Ata, and Parakuihi to start the day. Later in the early afternoon Dr Sam Carpenter delivered a compelling address in which he considered with the audience of about 80 people the nature of Henry Williams as peacemaker, and the impact that had on his ministry and legacy. Later this evening there is a symposium being held at Holy Trinity Tauranga which will include local school kapa haka, secondary student addresses on the nature of Te Tiriti and Hope, followed by addresses from Dr Alistair Reese, and Sir Jo Williams. It promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening. It has been a pleasure to be able to share in today’s events, particularly in leading the morning prayer service along with clergy from Waiapu and Te Manawa o Te Wheke and Archbishop Sir David Moxon. Living into the rich history of our Diocese in this way is also about enriching our understanding of our whakapapa and making connections across the many groups that we share relationship within this whenua. 

War canoes - based on Henry Williams' sketch circa 1850s

Dean-designate, The Venerable Ruihana Paenga

I trust that by now the news of our appointment of The Ven Ruihana Paenga as Dean of Waiapu Cathedral has reached you. This is an exciting appointment which marks another intentional move within our relationships across the church to see Waiapu and Te Pīhopatanga moving closer in step with one another. You can read more about Ruihana posted on the Waiapu website link and on the Te Pīhopatanga Facebook link. The service of installation will be held on Saturday 1 August at 11:00am. Please mark your diaries and plan to join with us for this significant occasion. 

Go well with God’s blessing for the week ahead,

 +Andrew