Update from Bishop Andrew

This week I have been in the Bay of Plenty, spending time with the parishes of Ōtūmoetai, Gate Pā, Mt Maunganui, Whakatāne, and with Te Manawa o Te Wheke.

On Sunday afternoon we gathered to farewell the Rev’d Tony and Christine Kippax as they conclude their ministry in Ōtūmoetai and prepare to move north to the Diocese of Auckland. Tony has accepted the role of Canon Precentor at Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he will work closely with the Very Rev’d Anne Mills, the Dean. We send Tony and Christine with our aroha, prayers, and blessings as they begin this new chapter.

The farewell service was very well attended, and the parish offered a heartfelt tribute to Tony’s ministry as Vicar. I am grateful that the Rev’d John Hebenton has agreed to serve as Priest‑in‑Charge during the interregnum, and I am thankful for the clergy in the region who have offered to assist with services. Over the coming months we will work with the Wardens to begin the appointment process for the next Vicar.

On Sunday morning it was a joy to join the Parish of Mt Maunganui for their Mothering Sunday celebrations. Our reflections centred on the scriptural witness to motherhood as a fierce, creative commitment to protect vulnerable life; a life shaped by compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience; and a community formed as family through our shared discipleship. These are qualities clearly present in the parish’s life and ministry.

During their AGM, I announced that the Rev’d Sue Genner has agreed to continue as Priest‑in‑Charge half‑time for the foreseeable future. Sue, together with Wardens John and Barbara and the Vestry, has offered steadfast and wise leadership through a challenging couple of years. I am grateful that this ministry will continue under Sue’s care and oversight.

On Tuesday I enjoyed time in fellowship with clergy over breakfast—a relaxed chance to catch up on family news and summer rhythms. I look forward to more opportunities like this across the diocese throughout the year, sometimes one‑on‑one and sometimes in small groups.

I also spent time in Whakatāne, in the parish, and with Penny, our Safeguarding and Risk Manager. It is encouraging to see the growing number of opportunities for Penny to offer her expertise and programmes across our province, in both Tikanga Pākehā and Te Pīhopatanga. Time in Rotorua has included an online meeting of WASSTB and a wānanga with Te Manawa o Te Wheke, followed by a number of online meetings into the evening. I look forward to returning to Rotorua in a fortnight for the Chrism Mass at St Luke’s.

Tomorrow I will travel home and take a few days to reconnect with family. Next week includes a wedding to look forward to, and I will otherwise be mostly based at the office in Napier. We will also be hosting a gathering of the Anglican Schools in Hawke’s Bay to discuss future hopes and plans for the Anglican Schools’ Office.

As Lent moves swiftly toward Holy Week, I look forward to being with you at the Chrism Mass services in Rotorua and Napier, with Archbishop Don presiding in Gisborne.

Blessings to you all in these final weeks of Lent.

In Christ,

+Andrew

Rev'd Tony and Christine Kippax with Bishop Andrew