Increased interest in ministry training has been the catalyst to re-open the Whakatane-based Presbyterian theological training centre, Te Wananga a Rangi, which has been closed for over 30 years.
The Wananga’s teacher, the Rev Wayne Te Kaawa, says that nine new ministry trainees signed up in 2005 following Te Aka Puaho’s jubilee celebrations, with applications being received at the moment for another intake later this year or early in 2007.
The opening ceremony will be held at Ohope Marae on Friday 25 August 2006, and one of the highlights will be the blessing of historic carvings that have been returned.
One set of carvings has served as a gateway to the theological hall at the Presbyterian ministry training facility in Dunedin since the Wananga closed in the early 70s. The other set, which is from the original meeting house at Ohope Marae, will be returned from Whakatane Museum.
Mr Te Kaawa explains that the Wananga is "more than just a training centre" and also includes a theological library, archives unit, theological research unit and a dedicated resource centre whose purpose is to develop liturgical and educational resources that are bi-lingual and bi-cultural.
Of the resource centre, he says, "there is no other organisation in the country dedicated to this purpose".
The training centre will provide theological education and reflection for lay and ordained members of Te Aka Puaho as well as courses of study and intensive live-in experiences, in an effort to help better inform ministry and mission in Aotearoa.
Among the Wananga’s past students are prominent figures in the New Zealand community from today and yesteryear including Purewa Biddle and John Rangihau, both of who have been involved with the establishment of Maori television programmes such as Te Karere, Koha and Waka Huia.
/ends
Notes to the reporter:
- Te Wananga a Rangi translates as "school of heavenly learning"
- Te Aka Puaho is the Maori Synod of the Presbyterian Church
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Rev Wayne Te Kaawa 07 322-9228 (home) or 07 308-5059 (office), or Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand communications manager Amanda Wells on 027 5353-020.