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Over the last few months there have been a number of meetings and conversations
going on around the country regarding the reform of presbyteries. Here is a
summary of the journey so far within the different areas.
Synod of Otago and Southland area
The five presbyteries of the Synod of Otago and Southland area continue to make
progress toward becoming one presbytery with multiple resource groups. All presbyteries
have elected members to the establishment committee, which will become the new presbytery
council. Nominations are being sought for the new moderator. A new presbytery clerks
position has been advertised and applications are coming in. Presbyteries will be moving
the necessary procedural motion to delegate their powers to the new presbytery council.
A new presbytery treasurer has been appointed. Presbyteries have agreed to combine their
financial resources as a new presbytery (including cash reserves and trust funds, subject
to legal requirements that restrict the use of trust funds).
A formal meeting will be held on Saturday 30 January 2010 with the Moderator of the
General Assembly to mark the formation of the transitional Joint Governance Committee for
the new presbytery and to induct the new moderator. There is some excitement building about
the potential of the new resource groups to address mission issues. Discussions are occurring
on the format of various resource groups, which will begin meeting from February 2010.
Individual presbyteries are voting on their preference for the name of the new presbytery.
We will be able to announce the new name in the next newsletter.
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Upper South Island
The presbyteries of Christchurch, Nelson/Marlborough, Ashburton and South Canterbury have
explored forming a larger presbytery using the model endorsed by the 2008 Assembly. However,
after widespread consultation with parishes and presbyteries, the implementation team has
reached a stalemate in regard to forming one presbytery for this region at this time. There
are clearly difficulties forming one large presbytery over this geographical area. Presbyteries
are being asked to thank and discharge their reform implementation teams. While certain aspects
of the proposal received some support, it was clear that there was not a will to proceed with
the proposal as outlined. Feedback from all presbyteries was that in its proposed form, the
model was unworkable for a number of reasons, which included:
- Geography and size of the region (the region is 10 hours' drive long)
- There is still a need for local knowledge on many matters
- Loss of shared decision-making and Presbyterian ethos
- Cost increases did not offer perceived benefits
The Northern South Island region may continue to explore areas of further cooperation among
the presbyteries (that is, two or three of the presbyteries possibly co-operating in sharing of
personnel and other resources, student assessment, etc), consider forming parish mission clusters
(resourcing groups) and run a regional missional event. So the journey continues.
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Lower North Island
Gisborne/Hawkes Bay Presbytery has rejected the proposal to amalgamate with others, as
they have did this prior to the last Assembly. However, they are to endorse the model of
mission/collegiality as the key thrust of meetings and give more power to an executive. They
are also keen to have closer relationships and share resources. Taranaki Presbytery is
interested in joining a large presbytery but would want it to be bigger than just joining
up with Manawatu Wanganui. WellingtonPpresbytery is seeking feedback from parishes regarding
the idea of separating resourcing and governance, and whether elements of this structure could
be done over a wider geographical area; could governance be more easily accomplished in a bigger
setting, while leaving resourcing to smaller groups? They also believe for reform to work, financial resources
will be required to fund the executive-type positions.
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Kaimai presbytery
Bay of Plenty and Waikato Presbyteries agreed to a new model proposed in a paper entitled
"Journey to a new presbytery - 3rd edition". That journey began on the weekend of 11 and 12 September
2009, when they gathered in Rotorua for a time of inspiration and for the inauguration of Kaimai
Presbytery.
The Right Rev Dr Graham Redding, Moderator of the General Assembly, and Millie Te Kaawa, Moderator
of Te Aka Puaho, inducted the leadership team of the Revs Alistair McBride, Garry Marquand and Lance
Thomas. A council of 12 was appointed. Their task is to monitor and encourage the missional vision of
the presbytery and oversee the handling of governance matters.
The journey is beginning; learning to operate under the new model will take time. The Council has
been active with governance issues and in the process is developing a strategy for handling communication
electronically. This seems to be working well. However, much work lies ahead to implement the three strands
of full presbytery meetings, resourcing groups and governance procedures.
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Northern North Island
Representatives from the four northern areas have now met several times and are making good progress.
They are already rationalising some tasks across their areas and have work-groups evaluating possible new
ways of working together.
Their goals for restructuring could be summed up as three Rs:
- Relating - building relationships and networks in a more significant way across the new presbytery
and through new groups;
- Resourcing - empowering and equipping elders, leaders and ministers to assist their churches and
ministries in mission;
- Releasing - freeing up the cumbersome aspects of administration and governance by making these
areas more efficient and getting the right people in the right tasks.
They are currently planning a one-day combined presbytery event for 13 March 2010. This
will be an event targeted at elders and ministers that will inspire and resource people for
their future direction together. They are hoping to keep on track for the establishment of their
new presbytery by mid-to-late 2010.
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