New Moderator for Maori synod

Te Aka Puaho (the Presbyterian Maori synod) has elected as its new Moderator Mrs Millie Amiria Te Kaawa of Onepu, for a three-year term. Mrs Te Kaawa gained support from the majority of Te Aka Puaho’s 13 parishes during the election process in 2004. Her installation as Moderator will take place at Ohope Marae, Ohope, on Saturday 26 February, 2005, when she takes over from the retiring Moderator the Very Rev Tame H Takao.

Mrs Te Kaawa has been administration officer for Te Aka Puaho for the past 18 years, based in the Richardson Street office in Whakatane. She has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for over 40 years and an elder of the church for over 20 years. She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of church affairs, having served locally, nationally and internationally. She has represented the church in Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Indonesia and Europe, in association with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and today remains an integral part of the Pacific Conference of Churches.

Before taking up the position of administration officer, Mrs Te Kaawa worked extensively for her iwi in the 1970s and 80s. Her iwi affiliations are Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Awa and Ngai Tuhoe, and she has held many positions within her own iwi. Mrs Te Kaawa comes from a teaching background, having taught at the Kawerau Maori Mission School and Huiarau School in Ruatahuna. In her formative years, she was mentored by different people, most notably by the late ministers John Laughton, Kihoro Te Puawhe and the deaconesses Miss Milroy and Sister Mary.

Her position as moderator involves being spiritual head and leader of the 13 Parishes that constitute Te Aka Puaho. The 13 parishes are: Tamaki Makaurau, Rotorua, Putauaki, Whakatane, Waimana, Opotiki, Southern Urewera, Ruatahuna, Nuhaka -Wairoa, Gisborne, Heretaunga, Taumarunui and Wellington. During the next three years, she will travel extensively to all areas, offering pastoral oversight and care.

Date of Installation: Saturday 26 February, 2005 
Time: 10am Powhiri; 11am Installation Service; 1pm Hakari
Venue: Ohope Marae, Ohope

For further information contact: Rev Wayne Te Kaawa, 07 322-9228

Naku noa

Na

Wayne Te Kaawa