Prison chaplaincy shines light in darkness - Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
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Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
WINTER 2018, ISSUE 73
Prison chaplaincy shines
light in darkness
COMMENT: JIM WALLACE
Passing on the retiring (or previous) minister no
longer seeks to have an influence in their
previous parish by:
the mantle Officiating at funerals or weddings
This often is difficult for the previous
of leadership: minister, especially if the tenure has
been a long one. Unless the new minister
specifically, and without pressure, gives
retired their accent the previous minister has a
pastoral obligation not to officiate.
ministers Attending worship
We often under estimate the influence
we have in attending previous churches
I am privileged to have in St Enoch’s three
where we have been the minister. Even
retired ministers. Each has shifted to if the ministry has been relatively short,
Rev Jim Wallace
Tauranga, and in various ways are continuing cutting this tie does not happen by
to use their gifts to serve the Lord and the simply being absent for a few years. If
the retiring minister is to stay in their Presbytery needs to clearly clarify this
church. One is my supervisor and preaches
previous parish the new minister must erroneous expectation. The parish
periodically. He along, with another minister, agree. I suggest presbytery be involved in will need to be reminded who their
are gifted pianists and are on the roster for this conversation.
minister is and what this means for
worship. The other leads a home group and This situation is complicated by some them. Particularly for baptisms, funerals,
has a pastoral heart. His wife has just been ministers buying houses within the weddings, leading of worship and
made an Elder. None of these ministers were bounds of their last parish. Perhaps significant family events.
presbytery needs to encourage buying
in the parish before I came, and they are
outside the parish if it is their last tenure. The same applies in parish planning and
incredibly loyal and supportive. future mission endeavors. The parish
Taking up leadership responsibilities
does not need to get the imprimatur
‘Senior active’ is the term which the Without an explicit invitation from from the previous minister for change,
church uses to describe those ministers the new minister the retired minister
who have retired from their parishes and or when new mission seedlings are being
should avoid the pressure to be part of
yet are in good health and still have a planted or old ones closed. The retired
the leadership. This includes running a
passion to serve. They are willing to make home group. Ministers who retire into a minister will need huge integrity to be
their considerable gifts and experience new parish can be a wonderful support, silent and allow the existing leadership
available to the church, both at parish help and resource. But this has additional to function.
and presbytery level. complications when that minister walks
back into the parish in which they once Expectations on the retired minister
To avoid pitfalls and facilitate the served. They and presbytery would have by the presbytery
transition from ‘active ministry’ to ‘senior to ensure that the incumbent minister The presbytery needs to honour the
active’ some generally agreed principles is completely in favour of this and there retirement of the minister. This means
and expectations need to be affirmed. should be a review of this relationship not regarding them as a free and available
built into the acceptance of the retired resources for presbytery. I have spoken to
Expectations on retiring ministers minister coming back. Sadly, there have
It is generally understood that the retired ministers who regret immediately
been examples of retired ministers
minister who retires should retire ‘out taking up presbytery responsibilities.
undermining the pastoral tie of the
of the parish’ in which they last served. existing minister by gaining a small Perhaps a defined period of time out may
This is to ensure the parish responsibility group of dissenters around them. be the best way to ensure that the retiree
is handed on fully to the next minister. properly adjusts to this new phase. In the
Expectations from a previous parish long run this may have a positive effect
This is cutting the pastoral tie.
Clearly some view the return of a in ensuring the continued service of
But given the huge influence of a retired long-serving and much loved retired retired ministers.
minister, is it enough for a previous minister into their parish as the return
minister go away for several years and of a good friend, and in some cases their – Rev Jim Wallace is minister at St Enoch’s
then return? Cutting the tie means that real minister. Presbyterian Church, Tauranga
2 W I N T E R 2 018
Presbyterian Church of
Aotearoa New Zealand MODERATOR'S MUSINGS
The Right Rev Richard Dawson contributes a regular column to Spanz.
WINTER 2017, Issue 73
The Spirit in Tonga
I spent early May in Tonga at the invitation of
Who we are
a ministry based in the Southern Presbytery
Spanz is published quarterly by the
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa called 3D Disciples. This is a magnificent
New Zealand, disciple-making ministry partnered by the
PO Box 9049, Wellington, New Zealand Rev John Gullick and his wife Heather of
Riversdale. John has been the Presbyterian
minister there for over 30 years and has
maintained a lively and active parish for all
Editor of that time. He and Heather are a wonderful
Angela Singer team; for three decades they have brought
angela@presbyterian.org.nz people to Christ and discipled them.
Ph 04 381-8284
The 3D model is similar to other models
Advertising
which use a mix of classroom based
Jose Reader teaching with practical field-based League where the hits are ferocious and
spanzadvertising@presbyterian.org.nz experience, conducted in a place and tempers clearly become frayed yet… after
Subscriptions context usually quite different from the battle both teams will often pray
Katrina Graham the student’s own. This both removes together and thank God for the ability to
distractions and allows students to play the game and enjoy the battle.
katrina@presbyterian.org.nz
experience the dislocation of a cultural
Ph 04 381-8283 At a gathering I was asked to bless a new
shift, which creates space for them to rely
car, given to the Minister of Internal
ISSN 1175 5202 (print) on God more.
Affairs, for use by an officer charged with
ISSN 1179 3473 (online) I went to Tonga as Moderator to both visit the care of people with disabilities. All
the 3D base and to make contact with the speakers began by saying they would
Next issue various church leaders to highlight the like to give thanks to God from who
Spring 2018 work of 3D. It was, frankly, a God-moment every good gift comes. There is a deep and
Advertising deadline for me. abiding reverence for God in this nation
20 July 2018 Tonga is still a world immersed in a and it starts at the very top.
Christendom model. From the royal The Royal family are committed
Design family to many of the government Christians but not simply as church
Tangerine ministers, public servants and so on, goers. The Queen organises and attends
acknowledgement of God’s role in their a 5am prayer meeting on the first Sunday
Printing
lives is a top priority. of every month to pray specifically for
Service Printers
I spoke twice at Tonga’s two prisons. On the nation and to seek God’s guidance in
Copyright both occasions the prisoners welcomed national affairs. I spoke at this meeting
The contents of Spanz may not be us by bursting into a beautiful Tongan and it was a wonderful experience to be
reproduced without permission of hymn, perfect four part harmony, sung with people weeping as they prayed for
the publisher. Opinions expressed with magnificent voices, significant their nation.
in Spanz are not necessarily those emotion and meaning. It was an I can imagine some readers wondering,
of the Presbyterian Church of incredible display of how deeply the how long can it last? I noticed that
Christian faith has been allowed to mold things are changing and this is having an
Aotearoa New Zealand.
and shape the character of the nation. influence on the young but I believe that
Is there also the usual signs of normal Tonga will weather many of the storms
Cover Photograph human inconsistency and hypocrisy; of and contribute significantly to a renewed
iStock syncretism and shallow faith? Of course. Church throughout the Pacific.
But these are significantly outweighed
This nation was once known as the
by the incredible fruit a deeply Christian
warriors of the Pacific. They are now
up-bringing provides to the majority
warriors for God. They have turned
of Tongans. Prayer is second nature.
their energies towards building the
Scripture is referred to and woven into
kingdom and I think God will use them
the fabric of their behaviour at every
in marvelous ways.
level of life. Love of neighbour is practiced
even on the verdant battlefields of Rugby God bless Tonga!
WI NT E R 2 01 8 3
FREEING THE
L-R three Presbyterian ministers have felt the call
to prison chaplaincy: Rev Brett Johnstone, Rev
Richard Ward and Rev Perema Alofivae.
BEHIND BARS
Prison chaplaincy at its best frees the Nikki Watkin had been job sharing at other prisons, where there’s a lot more
spiritual potential of people doing time Kohimarama parish since 1999, when certainty and where people know what
they moved from Feilding to Auckland. they’re up for.”
behind bars.
Richard approached the Prison The prison’s other distinguishing feature
Matthew 25:36: I was in prison and Chaplaincy Service of Aotearoa New is that from the time a person arrives
you came to visit me. Zealand (PCSANZ), which holds contracts until they leave, they are literally never
The Bible is a companion to some of the with the Department of Corrections and outside. Court attendance is either by
11,000 men and women behind bars in Serco to supply chaplaincy services to all audiovisual link or through the basement
New Zealand’s prisons, affirming they the country’s 18 prisons. He landed a full-
receiving office and into a prison truck.
are worthy of God’s love, despite being time job at Mt Eden, which he says, “just
The walls are 3-4 metres high. It’s a
held accountable for wrongdoing. The felt like the right thing to do”. Three years
forbidding environment, where tensions
daily presence of chaplains in prisons, later, his calling proven right, Richard
can run high.
supported by 1,500 church volunteers of is the Auckland regional manager for
all denominations, is the living, human Prison Chaplaincy. Mt Eden’s temporary nature means it
dimension of that divine love which is Brett works alongside Richard at Mt Eden. offers little in the way of rehabilitation
gifted to all people open to receiving it. He was also coming up to three decades programmes, focusing instead on initial
as a minister when he decided this year addiction interventions and short
The Revs Richard Ward, Brett Johnstone
to try something new. practical interventions such as obtaining
a n d Pe r e m a A l o f i v a e a r e t h r e e
a driver licence, employment skills, yoga
Presbyterian ministers who work as “Choosing prison chaplaincy meant
prison chaplains. and critical thinking.
I could retain a ministry role while
“I had a desire to engage more with those still being challenged to go beyond my Chaplains are part of a large contingent
who are disengaged from the Church,” comfort zone,” Brett reflects. of non-custodial staff such as case
Richard explains. “And to be a Gospel Mt Eden is unique, accommodating managers, the education team and
presence in the messy side of life.” only remand prisoners. “It’s like a big psychologists who share a large, open-
waiting room filled with people in crisis,” plan office space. Richard and Brett spend
as much time as possible being visible
Mt Eden Correctional Facility explains Richard. “Some wait for days,
others can be there for years. But it’s also around the site, and they are generally
The move from parish ministry to daily a busy, mobile place with endless legal seen by prison inmates as neutral figures,
life inside Mt Eden Correctional Facility visits and court appearances. That’s what someone to turn to for practical as well as
came in 2015. Richard and his wife Rev makes it a different environment from spiritual support.
4 W I N T E R 2 018
“We sit within the system but we’re not All three chaplains agree that despite prison is run as a tight ship these days,”
of the system,” says Richard. “The guys popular perception, there is no says Perema.
feel they can come to us with frustrations stereotypical prisoner. The men come Rev Amiria Te Whiu was seconded from
about the system, accommodation issues from all backgrounds and cultures. Te Aka Puako in 2013 to develop a new
and such like, as well as to ask questions While a few prisoners see ‘doing time’ chaplaincy department after Serco took
like, ‘Can I forgive?’ ‘Can I be forgiven?’ A as a side effect of their chosen lifestyle, over management of Mt Eden. A rebuild
lot of the time our role is to listen and say, prison is mainly a levelling experience had not included a chapel or cultural
“Yep, that sucks.” says Brett. centre but had allocated space for both.
Brett adds, ‘We provide a normalising Amiria’s task was to achieve what
“We all make mistakes and learn from
presence – kind, friendly, affirming, became Te Puna Wananga and to induct
them. A wise man once said to me that
non-judgemental. In that way it’s like new chaplains.
people inside are the ones who’ve been
being a military chaplain. The Church Her presence throughout that year was
caught. That’s the only difference.”
is all about peace, not war, but you offer instrumental, she says, in bringing the
pastoral care and don’t judge the actions The media portrayal of brutal corrections prison’s kaupapa to life, a kaupapa based
of those you support.” officers also needs a refresh. “They’re on eight core values of Tikanga Māori,
genuine, caring and positive men especially Te Arohatanga – compassion
Auckland Prison and women who do their best for the for all men.
inmates,” Brett says. “We should banish
“There was a lot of support for Māori
At Auckland Prison in Paremoremo, the old image.”
within the facility,” she reflects, “but
a new prisoner-centred rehabilitation
what is often lacking is the presence of
approach is being trialled. The prison has
the only specialist maximum security kaumatua to bring a cultural perspective.”
unit, formerly referred to as “D Block”. Amiria felt she was well-received by both
It also includes the medium-security staff and offenders. “It was a blessing to
Auckland West division, built in 1981 to have confidence in what I know and do
relieve crowding at other institutions; a well,” she says.
minimum security work and pre-release
unit called Te Mahinga; and a 60-bed Working at Mt Eden offers few oppor-
special treatment unit for child sex tunities for long-term connections and
offenders, called Te Piriti. to see the results of any rehabilitation.
There is no contact after men leave. The
Perema and the other two part-time rewards come from being in the moment
chaplains are no longer allowed free and its potential for experiencing
access to the prison’s 650 inmates but life anew.
instead are one of many providers who
wrap around the inmates. Perema has “Working here has taught me to affirm
worked at the prison since 2001. He came the humanity in each person,” Richard
in with over a decade of experience with reflects. “Jesus was about new beginnings.
military chaplaincy and institutions but Three issues stand out in New Zealand’s These are people like us, men with
is still adjusting to the recent changes in prisons. Māori now make up a higher potential who would make an incredible
how things are done. proportion of all new prisoners than Church. We’re not here to be missionaries,
at any time in recorded history, at 56.3 but it’s great when people find their own
“The new system means we have to
book time with the prisoners online percent, due to the twin factors of a way to God.”
in-between their other activities, and bias in the criminal justice system and With every prisoner in identical grey
book interview rooms. In the secular a range of adverse early-life factors.1 t-shirts and track pants, the social
prison language our chaplaincy is a Corrections research shows that a niceties and the masks of personality get
programme,” Perema explains. “The disproportionate number of those stripped away.
Church was never there to change people handed out custodial sentences have
and make them see the light of Jesus, but mental health or drug issues which “Men get down to the real questions
the new systems change the way you do underlie their offending. Escalating straight away,” says Richard. “It’s
things, that’s for sure.” drug issues such as P use have led refreshingly honest and delightfully
to levels of assault, particularly by surprising who wants to engage, who will
Each month, Perema and the other two let down their hard exterior.”
part-time chaplains are required to prisoners on each other, that spiked
write reports that account for their time in 2010 and are still higher than at any One particular moment stands out. “A
and note progress with inmates. They time in the past 20 years.2 well-tattooed gang member stood right
also have more regular contact with Security has been tightened. Staff now in my personal space one day to eyeball
other providers, such as the team of 12 wear cameras and safety vests. “The me with a direct question about God,
psychologists and the case workers, “so then while we talked he insisted I share
the left hand knows what the right is 1 http://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/ his food, which was a burger mixed with
research_and_statistics/over-representation- two-minute noodles. That was quite a
doing,” Perema says. The intention is to
of-maori-in-the-criminal-justice-system
roll this new rehabilitation approach 2 w w w.c o r r e c t i o n s . g o v t . n z / r e s o u r c e s / eucharistic moment! And one which
out to other prisons around the country. research_and_statistics/assaults_in_prisons wouldn’t happen in Kohimarama.”
WI NT E R 2 01 8 5
Many of the men have had no exposure and be able to work within the rules Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
to the Bible and Richard says that unlike and protocols of two institutions at the
most Christians, who jump around same time,” John reflects. “Some tikanga Margaret and Pat Lynch are both 82 and
between passages, prisoners will start sensitivity is also essential.” have been visiting Hawke’s Bay Regional
at Genesis and finish at Revelations. Prison twice a month for the past 17 years.
A less obvious requisite quality is physical
There will be plenty of questions along
fitness, but not for self-protection. “Our son was in prison in Sydney,” says
the way. The Bible Society and Bible
“There’s a lot of walking required, miles Pat, “and we couldn’t visit him, so we
League provide bibles for chaplaincy
of concrete and heavy steel gates. You joined the local Living Waters prison
teams to distribute on each site. Other
need to be reasonably strong,” says John. fellowship instead.” Margaret’s church,
organisations donate regular supplies
St Paul’s Presbyterian in Napier, took over
of daily bible reading notes, i.e. Word for Team work and flexibility are important, the banner of running Sunday services
Today and Every Day with Jesus, which as prison chaplains roster volunteers, seven years ago, after the leader of Living
are popular with inmates. coordinate Bible study and facilitate Waters retired.
The main source of support and support for prisoners with other
faiths. Mt Eden’s volunteers include The hour-long service is offered three
supervision for the 43 chaplains in four
a Burmese Buddhist monk, a Jewish Sundays a month in two of the prison’s
regions of New Zealand working either
units. Attendance rates are generally
full or part-time is PCSANZ. The trust rabbi and a Muslim cleric. And while
higher than in the wider community and
has provided chaplaincy since 2000 prisons are highly structured places,
have been boosted in the past couple of
and is ecumenical, representing seven change is constant. Access time with
denominational Christian churches years by the inclusion of live musicians.
prisoners generally has to be juggled
and the Māori Council of Churches. Its with programmes, legal visits and lock “St Mary’s of Taradale joined us,” explains
chief executive John Axcell says not every up times. Margaret. “They have musicians. Until
chaplain has to start as a professional then we only had a guitar and had to hope
minister – many are volunteers who step Perema’s role also includes organising
there’d be a prisoner who could play it!
up into the role. the 30 church groups from around
Having fellows who can accompany the
Auckland that rotate leading the Sunday
“A more common pathway is through hymn singing is lovely. The men love it.”
services and spiritual discussions in the
time spent as prison volunteers in a units. Clevedon Presbyterian Church has Margaret and Pat also find inspiration
church group that visits a local prison. donated Christmas presents and home from sermons that the ministers of St
They may have some counselling and baking for the past 30 years to all the men Paul’s have posted on the church’s website
theological training. They see an ad for a including Rev Sally Carter’s “Minister’s
held in maximum security. The prison
chaplain and think, I could do that.” Musings”. They now have a large file of
also operates an Angel Tree programme,
The origin of the term Chaplain comes through the Prison Fellowship NZ, to material to add to Bible readings and
from the French word Chappelle; which provide gifts for partners and children. which form the basis for discussions
is a coat or a covering. The term originates When funds allow, notebooks and with the men.
from the old Christian story of St Martin calendars with daily quotes are also “They often ask for copies of the readings
who offered his coat to someone in inserted into the gift bags. and for bibles,” says Pat.
deep distress, and gave him a lifesaving
protection. Sunday worship services are held The couple also go alone together to
each week in all prisons, facilitated by the prison. “There’s such a need,” says
Whatever their background, the key chaplains but led by local church teams Margaret. “A lot of sadness and often
qualities that make a good chaplain are who are among the 1500 volunteers who a lack of family. The chaplains are
the same. visit our prisons on a weekly to monthly marvelous but there’s only two of them
“You have to have a deep faith, some basis. The age range of volunteers is from and they can’t cover all the ground. These
theological training and pastoral skills 18 to 92. men need to know the community is with
6 W I N T E R 2 018
them and they’re not alone. There’s love victims together to discuss the emotional Presbyterian Church in Lower Hutt
out there.” impacts of crime. Local churches have committed in 2014 to offering a twice-
also over the years transported families monthly Sunday service at one of the
“We don’t know if what we’re doing
from Hawke’s Bay to Arohata women’s units. Rob McIntosh coordinates a team
makes an impact,” adds Pat. “You just of six volunteers.
prison in Wellington for family visits
hope there’ll be success, but at least we
and looked after children at home while “I felt we needed to be doing something,”
leave a bit of ourselves behind each time
spouses visited their partners in jail. he says. “At that time, I’d only once visited
and to be honest we often get more than
Children of prisoners have also been able someone in prison and it was a distant
they do. We’ll keep going as long as we
to attend holiday camps. memory, so I didn’t know exactly what to
can, at our age.”
expect. It’s an intimidating environment
Pat says he regrets the absence of
programmes such as the Sycamore Tree
Rimutaka Prison but my biggest revelation has been that
we’re all human beings fundamentally.”
and the Angel Tree, which the prison used Just north of Wellington is one of the
The visits help to build bridges of
to run, and which he and Margaret helped country’s largest prisons. Rimutaka
understanding as well as offering
to facilitate. Sycamore was a restorative holds 1,000 inmates and is divided into
practical support.
programme that brought prisoners and units of around 70 men in each. Knox
“The 10-15 guys who come to the services
have a great deal of faith and some
biblical knowledge. Our presence helps
give them focus. And we come away with
just as much, if not more, than we’ve
given. The sense of fellowship is greater
than I’d anticipated.”
Rob says the men look forward to the
services. “A couple of times we couldn’t
get in because of technical issues and we
really felt we’d let them down. There’s a
much greater demand than is being met.”
The long-term plan is to expand the
ministry to supporting ex-prisoners,
to work on making the church a more
accepting environment for them.
Richard Ward agrees this is important
work. The chaplaincy team tries to
put external contacts in place with
Auckland churches that are receptive to
ex-prisoners.
“We talk about Church as a place of love
and forgiveness but some who attend our
churches are still wary of anyone who’s
been in prison,” he notes.
For John Axcell the challenge is getting
new chaplains into the prisons rather
than making pathways out of them. There
is a lack of clearly defined pathway into
this ministry, he says.
“Chaplaincy is typically seen as peripheral
to parish-based ministry. It’s not in the
public eye of church settings so capturing
the primary interest of people who might
want to offer ministry in a prison setting
is a challenge and requires a lot of effort.”
Chaplaincy training is accessible as it is
available by distance learning through
Otago University. Theology courses
offered at other training institutes
include Laidlaw College, Carey Baptist
College and Alphacrucis International
College. Anyone wishing to explore prison
chaplaincy can also get in touch directly
with PCSANZ through their website www.
pcsanz.org or phone 04 381 4982.
Jade Reidy
WI NT E R 2 01 8 7
Life of music
RNZ Koroi Hawkins.
leads to
NZ Festival Helen Tupai (standing on chair) of the Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church, Newtown, formed
and led a Pasifika choir who performed for 20,000 people at February’s New Zealand Festival.
Pasifika Choir Cook Islands voices together for the first a youth group at PIPC Newtown in the
time. They rehearsed as individual choirs late 1990s and early 2000s.
initially, then collaborated for the final “Our [youth group] band was called
rehearsals. CONNECT – we called ourselves that after
Wellington’s Helen Tupai has performed for
On the evening of the NZ Festival’s official being asked to lead worship at the annual
British royalty in the past, but it was when Connect Presbyterian Youth conference,
opening – February 23 – a fleet of double-
she directed part of a 250-strong Pasifika held in Otaki. We met a lot of amazing
hulled waka hourua were welcomed
choir at February’s New Zealand Festival that into Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington people and were then invited to share our
she felt her heart swell with patriotic pride. music ministry in Mangatangi.”
Harbour, with performances on the
Wellington waterfront of kapa haka, Helen directed the Newtown Community
Helen was a musician almost before Choir in December 2012 for a fundraising
song and theatre inspired by the arrival
she fledged, so when her Samoan friend Christmas carols event at Government
of navigator and explorer, Kupe.
Tupe Lualua – who is the director of Le House. She was at the helm for both the
Moana dance company – asked if she’d be Helen’s participation was a natural Mission Choir’s win at the 2006 Teuila
interested in getting together a Pasifika extension of everything she had done Festival Choir competition, and the
Choir for the 2018 New Zealand Festival, before. Her family’s affiliation with Pasefika Proud anti-family violence joint
there was no hesitation. PIPC Newton meant children grew up choirs event.
emeshed in the choir and services, and
“Tupe connected me with the NZ Festival More recently, Helen had a hand in
the ‘autalavou’ or Samoan youth group.
team, and the rest is history,” she says. “A bringing the band Tomorrow People as
couple of songs had already been written “My brothers and I attended choir practice finalists into this year’s Vodafone Pacific
by renowned New Zealand musician from a young age. We loved singing,” she Music Awards. Her husband Tana Tupai
Warren Maxwell [of Trinity Roots], and recalls. “At eight, I started piano lessons co-manages and is a member of the band,
there was a Samoan traditional song. I with our then minister’s daughter, Luisa and Helen helped fine-tune some of the
was asked to get a 100-piece Pasifika Choir Fruean (nee Nokise), who is a minister in musical aspects.
together specifically for the event.” Ashburton. When Luisa went to Knox The musical events she has been involved
Helen’s first port of call was her own College for training, I continued my piano in have seen her meet international
church, the Pacific Islanders Presbyterian lessons with her old teacher, Maureen figures, including Britain’s Princess Anne
Church (PIPC) in Newtown, Wellington. Castle. She used to play the organ at and Prince Charles, and the late Nelson
Having been raised and baptised in the PIPC Newton, which was formerly the Mandela.
church, it was where music became part Congregational Church in the 1960s.”
However, being part of this year’s NZ
of her DNA and where she knew she Helen completed all eight piano grades, Festival was something of a stand-out,
could find the choir’s core membership. gaining her performers’ certificate she says.
The Festival brief was specific about through Trinity College, taught herself “It was a memorable and emotional
including Cook Islanders in the choir, to play the guitar in primary school and experience. It took everyone back to
so Helen drew in singers from the started writing songs. where our forefathers made the sacri-
Cook Islands Presbyterian Church in fice to leave their homes and embark on
“I knew early in my life that music was
Newlands as well as the local Pasifika a journey for a better life”.
going to be my thing,” she says.
community. Her newly-formed Pasifika
She adds, “It’s not every day that you’re
Community Choir was tasked to sing She started the Multichoir at Wellington
in a choir singing to 20,000 people”.
with the Wellington Community Choir East Girls’ College in 1990, sparking a love
– bringing all 250 Samoan, Tongan and of choral direction, and became leader for Viv Posselt
8 W I N T E R 2 018
Presbyterian minister, Rev Dr David Clark, Minister of Health and
Associate Minister of Finance, doesn’t see his religious affiliation
as a hindrance to success in political life. “To retain your integrity
in politics you have to be clear about what your principles are, why
you’re there.”
Church minister rate than any other OECD country in the
past 30 years, pushing up towards the top.
Health Minister
“To reverse the direction we’ve been going
in, my number one priority is viewing
health through an equity lens,” David
states. “Last year, one in four adults said
they couldn’t afford to visit a doctor. We
After just two terms in Parliament, the Rev and his wife Olive. The parishes of need to ensure for example that parents
Dr David Clark is tasting life in Cabinet. Beachlands and Howick had a collegial are well enough to look after their kids,
relationship and David remembers Sam’s that we have quality schools and health
The new Minister of Health and Associate frequent sermons. services available.”
Minister of Finance is the first person
“They were more engaging than school Greater emphasis on primary care, mental
to hold the twin roles of political and
and captured me intellectually,” he says.
Presbyterian ministry since Labour MP health and addiction, and building
Arnold Nordmeyer in 1941. Nordmeyer Sam planted the idea in David that he strong access to services complete the
also held the health and finance should pursue a life in ministry. His platform of priorities for David’s first
portfolios, but unlike his predecessor, mother’s dedication to her work as term in a sector judged to be in crisis,
David’s political experience for the first a GP in Otara with underprivileged suffering a myriad of effects stemming
six years was “in the desert”. communities, the McCay’s open home from chronic underfunding.
generosity, their pastoral care and Olive’s
“Ironically, it was easier to be in With a name that amalgamates as two
public service to her community that
opposition than in government,” David high-profile previous Labour prime
would earn her a QSM, also quietly
reflects. “I believe in the counter-cultural ministers - David Lange and Helen Clark
infused in David a sense of calling to
role of the Church. I’ve pulled back from - he is branded as a leader with a clear
“applied Christianity”.
leadership roles in Church settings while future. Unlike “Nordy”, who struggled to
in government not just because of time “I felt both nurtured and stimulated by shake the label of puritan wowser, David
pressures but because it feels appropriate the Church,” he says. doesn’t see his religious affiliation as a
to do so.” David spent time in Germany as an hindrance to success in political life.
Where his two ministries align is within exchange student and later while
“History will be the judge,” he admits,
the Labour Party. completing a PhD in Theology, focused
“but while religion is often pitched as
on Rev Helmut Rex, a former Knox
“The founders of the Labour Party a disadvantage, I see my ministry as an
College tutor.
were mostly Christians who saw it as a advantage for two reasons. To retain
pragmatic kind of Christianity, delivering A three-year role as a Treasury analyst your integrity in politics you have to
rather than talking, establishing the in Wellington laid the groundwork for be clear about what your principles
Kingdom of God on earth.” election as the MP for Dunedin North in are, why you’re there. And, while the
2011. By then he was married and now has public may be increasingly sceptical
David was born into Presbyterian life in
three children. about religion and inclined to project
Beachlands, Auckland in 1973. “Going to
church with mum is just what we did. “Being in politics at this time equally feels self-centred motivations for entering
Dad only went on special occasions, but like a calling, it’s where I’m meant to be. parliament, people are encouraged by
he was supportive. Church had an overlay The two ‘ministries’ run parallel in my politicians with a faith background
of family, it was the church family.” life – you don’t ever stop being a minister.” because they implicitly believe I’m likely
to be principled. It’s a good starting point
David was fortunate to be embraced by Inequality is the biggest challenge he
for conversations.”
the great hearts and minds of Howick’s intends tackling in his portfolio. New
minister for 27 years, Rev Sam McCay Zealand’s inequality has risen at a faster Jade Reidy
WI NT E R 2 01 8 9
Queen’s
Queen’s
honour
honour
for
for former
former
Newly-minted recipient of a
Queen’s Birthday MNZM, the
Church
Very Rev Pamela Tankersley, has an
Church impressive resumé of service to the
Presbyterian Church and community.
Moderator
Moderator
Former Presbyterian Church Moderator, Her strong international ecumenical has influenced the nomination pool.
the Very Rev Pamela Tankersley, has been experience began with her membership This has affected the number of women,
from 2005-10 of the general committee of Māori, Pasifika, Asian and lay people
recognised in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday
the Christian Conference of Asia. From nominated,” she explains.
Honours announced in early June.
2010, she spent two years as Global Mission
Pamela was made a Member of the New coordinator for the Presbyterian Church, “Women had been ordained for several
Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for during which time she helped build years by the time my generation was
services to the Presbyterian Church and relationships with partner churches trained, but we still found much sexism
to the community. The award recognises across Asia and the Pacific. in the Church. The Association of
her leadership within Church, her role Presbyterian Women was very supportive
“That appointment resulted in my
in strengthening relationships with in giving me and other women ministers
partner churches elsewhere, and her being elected Deputy Moderator of the
Council for World Mission (CWM), and many opportunities to bring leadership.”
contributions to increasing women’s
voices within the Church. then Moderator in 2016,” she says. “CWM Describing the Church as more
is a Singapore-based international “conservative and evangelical” today
The citation also references service given
partnership in mission, involving 32
in her home town of Palmerston North than when she was ordained, Pamela said
churches in 40 countries. The role took
where, it reads: “She has been a driving there remained a bias towards men for
me to many countries.”
force behind the establishment of budget Church leadership positions, even though
cooking classes, a children’s playroom, She also convened the Assembly Business membership was mostly women, and
and organising children’s activities”, and Work Group and has served on numerous most of the community work was done
notes her record of working closely with national Church committees, including by women, and with women.
survivors of abuse. the Council of Assembly.
Be it offering help at grassroots level, Her own faith journey, she says, has been
Through the years, Pamela has advocated
providing governance on a global scale, one of “serving our God who calls for
tirelessly for the participation of women
or representing New Zealand at the justice and compassion as true worship”.
in both church and society, and from
United Nations in New York, Pamela’s
2011-13 she represented the New Zealand “I try to live this out. A critical word for me
experience in the Presbyterian Church is
Association of Presbyterian Women is partnership – with God in Christ, with
all-encompassing. Still, she seems almost
in New York at the United Nations the community we work in, as Treaty
blindsided by the honour.
Commission on the Status of Women. partners, and in international church
“Yes, a great surprise,” she says. “I had Her election to the highest office in the
no idea that I had been nominated. I see partnerships.”
Presbyterian Church – as Moderator of
this as acknowledging the Church as a Pamela’s MNZM makes the Tankersley
the General Assembly – speaks volumes
significant player in local communities,
to that grit; she is currently part of a household something of a rarity – a twice-
and the women as often leading
committee established to consider the honoured home. She and her musician
that direction.”
role of the Moderator and recommend husband Roy – parents to three and
Following her ordination 31 years how the Church might bring more grandparents to six – now have a Queen’s
ago, Pamela spent more than 20 years diversity to the nomination process.
ministering in Gisborne, Wellington Honour each.
and Palmerston North. At the same time, “While being called to be Moderator is by Roy was awarded his own MNZM in the
she became increasingly involved in vote of the whole Church – and we have
2010 New Year’s Honours for his services
Presbyterian Church leadership, and in had some great men serve in the role
to music.
2006 was elected to its highest office as – there have been times in our Church
Moderator of the General Assembly. when having ‘our man’ as Moderator Viv Posselt
10 W I N T E R 2 018Planning General
Assembly 2018
From 3 to 7 October, General Assembly
(GA) will be held in Christchurch at St
Andrew’s College.
The Alpine Presbytery is undertaking
local arrangements and plan to host
around 300 Commissioners, observers
and guests. Venue facilities are of
the very highest standard, says local
GA logo symbolises
arrangement’s Liz Whitehead.
“Accommodation on-site is twin-share
rooms in hostels built in 2012, so they are
relationships
nearly new. There are shared bathrooms
on each floor, plus common rooms. There
is good disability access. Accommodation
for four nights is $230 and includes buffet
breakfast. For those booking alternate
Moderator-elect the Rev Fakaofo Kaio can sometimes be painful. It is a dual accommodation we advise you do so
relationship; good times and hard times, early as there are several events on in
has chosen a powerful focus for General
death and resurrection.” Christchurch.”
Assembly 2018 – relationships.
Fakaofo hopes that those at GA will Liz says attendees will enjoy hearty high
“It is not a theme but a focus for the quality meals. “St Andrew’s employs
remember the cross in every debate, in
General Assembly, a vision to guide skilled qualified chefs with restaurant
every conversation, be these peaceful or
us,” says Fakaofo. “We will focus on experience. Special dietary requirements
contentious. “It does not mean we cannot
Jesus at the heart of our relationship can be catered for, just write your
disagree with one another but at such
with God, relationship with each other, requirements when registering on the
times we must put the cross before us.”
relationship with the Church, and our GA website.”
relationship with our home church and
GA speakers There will be a ministers’ training day
community. My devotions will touch on Wednesday 3 October at The Village
on the many teachings Jesus had for us Instead of asking an international
keynote speaker to address GA, as has @ Bryndwr.
about relationship.”
been the case in previous years, Fakaofo REGISTRATIONS
Logo embraces old and new will ask three senior leaders within the
GA registrations open 2pm on Wednesday.
The General Assembly logo draws its Church to speak on relationship.
“This is the earliest we can welcome those
inspiration from a traditional simple “I am thinking of affirming our own attending Assembly to St Andrew’s as
wooden cross combined with a people; acknowledging that our senior there is another event being held at the
contemporary design. “It is embracing Church leaders have strong voices. I will College prior,” says Liz.
the past but it is also very much of this be confirming the speakers soon. All three At 7pm on Wednesday, the stunning St
time,” says Fakaofo. have great knowledge and wisdom; they Andrew’s chapel will host the opening
“I have chosen a cross because it is have travelled the world to speak about of Assembly with a Powhiri, followed
fundamental to the Christian faith, and our Church and share our stories and now by worship and installation of the new
also because my daughter Liana says this they will bring them to us.” Moderator.
design captures who I am.”
GA evenings GA business will begin the following
“The logo is strong, bold, simple, morning, Thursday 4 October at 8.30am,
conservative and different. It represents On the Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the gymnasium. There will be breaks
Dad well,” says Liana. “The blue represents nights of GA, Fakaofo says that local in business for morning and afternoon
both the sky and the sea, open spaces, C h r i s t c h u rc h c h u rc h e s w i l l l e a d teas, during which time Commissioners
freedom, intuition, imagination and performances and presentations in the can mingle.
sensitivity. Blue also has meanings of new St Andrew’s chapel.
Sunday 7 October is World Communion
depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, “These evenings will be times where we Sunday, Assembly will conclude with an
confidence, stability, and faith.” can gather and ‘Discover our Church’. I 11am Communion at the Chapel, followed
Fakaofo says that developing an image hope we will see and hear how churches by lunch.
that symbolises both light and dark have recovered since the earthquakes
For information and online registration
was important. and discover what new exciting shape
details visit the dedicated General
ministry is taking here.” Assembly website which be published by
“The cross represents the relationship
between man and God. This relationship Angela Singer local arrangements in June.
WI NT E R 2 01 8 11A 3DM Kiwi Church outdoor gathering.
Church without walls helps
grandparents raising grandchildren
A blend of biblical principles and practical Ruth Gilling (left) and Pat Schwass are two of the leaders of a new Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
group that meets at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Te Awamutu. Around 80 percent of the children
help is being offered to grandparents
who attended the group’s April school holiday programme are raised by a grandparent.
raising grandchildren in the Waikato town
of Te Awamutu.
issues around dating and driving. And Ruth contacted the Grandparents Raising
The newly-revived Grandparents Raising almost all of them struggle financially.” Grandchildren Trust NZ, an organisation
Grandchildren support group is being supporting 4,100 grandparents nationally,
Ruth took on the role of family worker
led by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church with around 14 percent of its membership
late last year, filling the shoes of her in the Waikato.
family worker, Ruth Gilling.
predecessor Pat Schwass and bringing
Together with Rangitaia Crowley of the to the table her own experience The first few Te Awamutu meetings
Te Awamutu Māori Women’s Welfare working with the Waikato Parenting served to identify the need and distribute
League and the St Andrew’s congregation, information.
Place. Together with Rangitaia, Pat had
the group wants to provide wrap-around run an earlier Grandparents Raising “A key aim is to inform grandparents
support for an increasing number of Grandchildren group in Te Awamutu, but about their rights; help them access those
grandparents struggling to raise their it had stalled after one of those involved entitlements if need be,” Ruth says. “We
grandchildren. passed away. are very much at the beginning, but we
want to see what funding we can source
Those affected range in age from their One of the first things Ruth did in her role to support the grandparents better. One
40s through to their 80s; there are even as family worker was to organise a school idea is to organise a separate week in
great-grandparents seeking help. Most holiday programme, run in the last two the holidays to take care of the children,
of them are women, some are battling weeks of January. mainly to give the grandparents a break.”
their own health problems as well, “That was a desperately needed outreach St Andrew’s Rev Ron Bennett is right
many face exhaustion and isolation, and that we could get going quite quickly,” she behind the move and has expressed his
almost all have come into the situation says. “But I was shocked to find that 50 support for Ruth.
through unhappy circumstances, percent of the children who came were
frequently involving drug and alcohol “I know she has a support team from
being raised by grandparents. It made our primarily ‘grey-haired’ congregation,
abuse and crime. The growing use of me realise that we have a huge need here along with some enthusiastic teenagers to
methamphetamine is a disturbing factor. – we had to resuscitate the Grandparents back her up with the holiday programme.
The physical, emotional and financial Raising Grandchildren support group.” I see an overlap here; as the members of
burden faced is often hidden from view; Four grandparents, all of them women, St Andrew’s work with Ruth, they have
many grandparents feel ashamed because the opportunity to form and deepen
attended the first monthly meeting
their own children can no longer look relationships with these grandparents,
advertised through the local paper.
after their families. and by both word and deed, share the
T h e re w e re s e v e n a t t h e s e c o n d
Gospel of God’s love,” he says.
“They don’t know what help is available meeting and 14 at the third. The need
was emphasised further when Ruth “It is part of our mission as a church to be
to them or where to look for it, and some
discovered that around 80 percent of the a ‘church without walls’, in other words,
of them are of the generation that is a Christian community seeking to reach
resistant to asking for help,” says Ruth. children who attended the April school
holiday programme were being raised out in love and service.”
“Some are thrust into caring for their
by a grandparent. Sadly, in late May, Pat Schwass died
grandchildren virtually overnight. Often
suddenly. She will be remembered for her
they have no idea how to tackle everyday “This is clearly the tip of the iceberg; the
long service to her community.
issues, things like when to allow their problem is obviously more widespread
grandchildren to have a mobile phone, than we initially thought.” Viv Posselt
12 W I N T E R 2 018Otago University
Otago Daily Times
has first
Ma-ori chaplain Rev Wayne Te Kaawa’s induction as Ma-ori chaplain at Otago University
is the first of its kind for the institution, and the first in decades at any
New Zealand university.
When Rev Wayne Te Kaawa was inducted as Otago University’s first
in this country, and between 500 to 1,000 Māori academic and
Ma-ori chaplain on 10 May, he was both breaking new ground and
support staff… that is reason enough to have a specialist Māori
furthering a journey started decades earlier. chaplain. Having only one Māori in paid tertiary chaplaincy
in this country is something that needs to be looked at and
addressed positively. The Otago Chaplaincy Trust Board needs
The journey began with Wayne’s ordination in 2002 and to be congratulated for making this decision.”
broadened as he ministered in the Putauaki pastorate, Opotiki
and Rotorua – staying close to his home base in Onepu in the The idea of establishing a Māori chaplaincy had been under
eastern Bay of Plenty. From 2011 to 2017 he was Moderator of discussion by the Trust Board for two years. It was advanced
Te Aka Puaho, the Church’s Māori Synod, and director of by Wayne’s arrival at Otago and his involvement with the
Amorangi ministry. chaplaincy team, and from there, a proposal was put to the
Māori Centre and Māori Development Unit for approval and
Fervently driven to help Māori succeed, he moved to Dunedin
in 2017 to study for his PhD at Otago University. His topic relates funding from the university.
to re-visioning Christology through a Māori lens – examining “That was achieved in early 2018. By then, I had become a high-
Māori views around Jesus Christ and how it can contribute profile Māori on campus and was often called upon by students
to Christology. and staff for advice and leadership. So, when the position was
Wayne’s induction as Māori chaplain at Otago University is the advertised, I was approached to apply,” Wayne says.
first of its kind for the institution, and the first in decades at
But burdened by grief following his mother’s death in
any other New Zealand university. The position also includes
January and dealing with other delicate matters, Wayne
Otago Polytechnic.
hesitated. “In the end, I saw this as an opportunity to be part of
“I will be assisting students and staff with the spiritual aspect (te something new and special, and pave the way for other Māori
taha wairua) of campus life,” he says. “Being a Māori chaplain to go into chaplaincy.”
also means being a kaumatua and fulfilling requirements
around powhiri, marae trip and wananga.” Between his new roles – and the completion of his PhD by
early 2020 – Wayne’s diary is full. He worships and works at St
The move coincides with Wayne’s appointment into a co-
Marks in Pinehill, where he hopes to become minister. He is
teaching role alongside Professor Murray Rae which will see
also a kaumatua on Arai Te Uru Marae, chairman of Te Roopu
them launch a new Māori theology and religion paper in
Tautoko ki te Tonga Hauora, a non-profit Māori health provider,
Otago’s Department of Theology and Religion next year. To my
and senior advisor for the Otago region to Rino Tirikatene,
knowledge, says Wayne, this makes me the first Māori to become
a teaching fellow in the department. MP for Te Tai Tonga.
“At the end of it, Murray and I will co-write and deliver a paper As his journey unfolds, he ponders the destination.
on this new experience,” he says. “I love home-grown theology, “On my first day at Otago, I wondered, ‘what footprint do
and Māori theology and religion is such a wide subject area. I want to leave that will ultimately benefit this place and
Hopefully, if the paper is a success, it will lead to other papers the community?’.”
in the future.”
It has so far included pioneering a new methodology, becoming
Both new appointments represent bold steps which Wayne
the first Māori chaplain at Otago University, and the first Māori
hopes will “inspire other universities to do something similar”.
teaching fellow in theology at Otago, and much more.
“In accepting both roles, my hope was to be a change agent
“I think I may have left a footprint there in some way,” he says.
and trend-setter, a midwife, bringing new things to birth,” he
says. “There would be close to 20,000 Māori tertiary students Viv Posselt
WI NT E R 2 01 8 13Presbyterian
sermon Rev Wayne Matheson delivered a well received
applauded at
special sermon at February’s Waitangi Day
commemorations at Te Whare Runanga.
Waitangi
Spliced with wisdom from historians, this service – his predecessors being public consequences of faith in relation
activists and a rock star, Rev Wayne Very Rev Pamela Tankersley and former to this journey to justice?”
Matheson’s Waitangi Day sermon was Moderator of Te Aka Puaho, Rev Wayne Wayne included material from Jim
Te Kaawa. Wallis’s book God’s Politics, in which
greeted with a round of applause.
“When the invitation came, neither he notes that in a world that promotes
It was a response that surprised and Moderator was going to be at Waitangi, private spirituality, there is an avoidance
humbled him, as did the many laudatory so I was asked to preach. Due to a late of the public consequences of faith. He
approaches made to him after the 6 postponement elsewhere, the Moderator also spoke of Dr Martin Luther King
February 2018 service. Rt Rev Richard Dawson, was able to Jr’s call, even as he faced threats to his
attend. It was great to also have Rev own life, to “recapture the gospel glow
“To be greeted by applause is very
Amiria Te Whiu there, representing Te of the early Christians … who willingly
unusual at these type of events,” he says.
sacrificed fame, fortune and life itself, on
“Preaching at such an occasion is a huge Aka Puaho,” Wayne says. “Our Church’s
behalf of a cause they knew to be right”.
honour. It requires study, thoughtful very first involvement at Waitangi was
preparation and prayer that you would in 1940 when Rev John Laughton and He also drew on the lyrics from the U2
normally do, but even more so! I felt a members of Te Aka Puaho took part in song “40”, a Song of Thanksgiving, to
weight of responsibility. I felt I stood the centenary service.” illustrate his point around the passage of
on the shoulders of others who have time, saying while “the arc of the moral
Although familiar with Waitangi Day
experienced that honour.” universe is long, it bends toward justice”.
commemorations, Wayne decided to Others he referenced included Dame
Wayne is the Presbyterian Church’s use the theme of the “journey to justice” Whina Cooper, Dame Claudia Orange,
Assembly Executive Secretary and and sought to weave into the message Keith Newman, Dr Laurie Guy, Dr Paul
was invited to preach at the 10am various aspects drawn from others, Moon, Dame Anne Salmond, James Belich
interdenominational service at Waitangi’s as well as biblical texts which remain and Rabbi Abraham Heschel.
Te Whare Runanga, the carved meeting relevant today.
house central to commemorating the Several people approached Wayne
signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. He He selected the readings of Micah 6: afterwards to tell him how helpful they
also represented the Church at the 6-8, and Luke 4: 14-21, then referenced had found his sermon.
dawn service. historian Michael King’s book, The
“They were from various church
Penguin History of New Zealand, in
The call to preach came after other backgrounds and other walks of life,” he
which King described concern for the
Presbyterian Church leaders earmarked says. “Some have contacted me asking
welfare of Māori held by Colonial Office for a copy of my notes.”
for the privilege this year had initially officials influencing Treaty writers as
signalled their unavailability. Standard “genuine and profound”. Liz Bayliss attended the inter-
procedure around the event sees leaders denominational church service at
of national churches invited by Waitangi Other Treaty historians said Christian Waitangi for the first time this year. She
Day services organiser, Te Tai Tokerau missionaries played an important role was “very encouraged that one of our
Anglican Bishop Te Kitoho Pikaahu, in gathering further signatures, Wayne Church executive members could offer
such a way as to give all mainstream told his audience, and therefore bore a the wider community an informed,
denominations an opportunity to preach. moral obligation to foster its ongoing inclusive, relevant and challenging
honouring. address that could be received and
Presbyterian Church invitations are
understood through the use of
extended first to the Moderator, followed “So here in 2018,” he asked, “we who
straightforward and direct language”.
by the Moderator of Te Aka Puaho. Wayne stand on their shoulders, what do our
is the third Presbyterian to preach at readings say as we grapple with the Viv Posselt
14 W I N T E R 2 018You can also read
