Waiapu Synod Gathering 2025

The Waiapu Synod is a sacred time for reflection, fellowship, and discernment as members of the Shared and Corporate Services team and ACW’s Senior Leadership Team joined Synod members in prayer and purpose. Worship was central to our gathering, beginning with Friday morning prayers held at St Faith’s Anglican Church, home to the stunning etched window depicting Jesus walking on water, which beautifully blends Māori and Christian symbolism. It is well worth a visit if you find yourself in Rotorua.

This year, we also reflected on the story of Nehemiah, who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Faced with opposition and uncertainty, Nehemiah inspired unity and perseverance among the people.  We covered this in four movements — from the lament of what was broken, to the coming together of community and facing opposition and disappointment, to finally rejoicing at the accomplishment.  Nehemiah’s story reminds us of the power of working together with God’s guidance to restore and renew what has been broken and to rejoice in the accomplishments we achieve.

The Synod sessions were hosted at the Millennium Hotel, inviting all participants to join in robust discussion about Diocesan views and moments of worship as we sought guidance, unity, and renewal for the journey ahead.  It was lovely to be joined for part of the sessions by our whānau from te Manawa o Te Wheke and te Tairāwhati, who brought deep discussion to the matters at hand. I heard several comments from Synod members how nice it was that the tables were mixed with Clergy and Lay members mixed in with ACW and ADOW staff, a sign of unity between the many parts that make up our Diocese. 

There was plenty of time for socialising outside the formal sessions, and a great time to deepen connections with members of Synod that we do not see face to face regularly.  It’s always nice to be able to put names to faces!  Conferences are often judged by the food served and if that is the case, the 2^nd session of the 66th Synod was bountiful, nourishing and satisfying, leaving us full of insight and inspiration.