1. Tino Rangatiratanga and the Church’s commitment to a bicultural journey
2. Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup (formerly Te Haere Tonu)
3. General Assembly Review of Format and Costs Workgroup
1. Tino Rangatiratanga and the Church’s commitment to a bicultural journey
Overview
The Book of Order Advisory Committee were asked by Council of Assembly:
(a) to create a work stream which will include wide-ranging conversations and consultation.
(b) to bring any recommendations resulting from their work, which is to include reviewing documents such as the Book of Order and its Supplementary Provisions, the Code of Ethics, the Conditions of Service Manual and Child Protection Policy, to consider if they adequately reflect the Church’s commitment to a bicultural journey.
These conversations are led by Te Aka Puaho, and at present Mr Andrew Irwin from the Book of Order Advisory Committee, and the Assembly Executive Secretary, are part of these early conversations.
To report to the next General Assembly, in 2025.
2. Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup (formerly Te Haere Tonu)
Overview
The Terms of Reference are to:
- continue the discussion on the issues raised by Te Mahi Tahi I te Roopu Mahi in regard to the discernment of a strategic direction for the Church
- take any matters raised by or referenced by the Strategic Hui and incorporate these into ongoing discussions
- engage with Te Aka Puaho in continuing the discussion
- engage with other entities – including but not limited to – church councils; presbyteries; Assembly Office (including Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership) in continuing the discussion
- reflect on the nature and role of our national structures in resourcing and empowering the presbyteries in fulfilling its primary function in facilitating and resourcing the life, worship, spiritual nature and mission of the congregations for which it has responsibility
- take advice as appropriate, including from the Book of Order Advisory Committee and, if considering recommendations, consult with the Book of Order Advisory Committee in the crafting of these
- work closely and collaboratively with the Assembly Office at all times
- work closely and collaboratively with presbyteries at all times – especially as any future recommendations are crafted
The Workgroup will report to the next General Assembly, in 2025.
Workgroup Members
Rev Allister Lane (convenor)
Rev Martin Stewart,
Rev Tala Fa'amausili,
Rev Cate Williams,
Rev Rory Grant,
Rev Mose Taumaoe
Ms Leiona Tupou
3. General Assembly Review of Format and Costs Workgroup
Overview
At General Assembly 2023 it was moved, seconded and agreed:
‘That Council of Assembly be asked to conduct a review of Assembly costs and format and find a way to make the cost of sending a commissioner to General Assembly much more affordable.’
The Workgroup will:
1. consider the primary purpose and function of General Assembly as currently described in the Book of Order 14.2
2. consider how Assembly might best function to fulfil the requirement to:
(a) worship God,
(b) facilitate and resource the life, worship, and spiritual nurture of the Church,
3. consider models and format for the Assembly to fulfil its judicial capacity; to act in an administrative capacity and to act as the legislative body of the Church,
4. consider the frequency, time and locations of Assembly – including but not limited to: physical locations to enable easy travel; impact of carbon emissions on frequency and size of gathering; to meeting in person; meeting electronically; a hybrid of in person and electronically,
5. consider the current participation model – including issues of ethnic diversity and age of commissioners; how presbyteries communicate about their commissioner selection process,
6. consider the costs and resource efficiency of the current model and consider other options,
7. consider funding options – including but not limited to an additional charge to Assembly Assessment so all churches make a financial contribution to the costs of Assembly; presbyteries including a charge in their levy to each church to assist in ensuring funding is not a prohibitor for those they commission to attend General Assembly and use those funds to assist in sending commissioners,
8. consider the decision-making processes of the Assembly,
9. consider the expectation and processes of reporting,
10. consider the process for bringing proposals and the time Assembly spends on these,
11. in its considerations - consult widely – and include in that with the Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup (formerly Te Haere Tonu Workgroup),
12. take advice as required from – but not limited to; the Book or Order Advisory Committee; the Assembly Business Work Group; the Clerk of the Assembly.
Workgroup Members
Members:
Mrs Abi Trevathan and Rev Andrew Howley (convenors)
Rev Martin Stewart
Rev Sage Harris
Mr Brad Kelderman
Mrs Nga Rolston
Rev Alistair McBride
Ms Jaime Siitia
Associate member:
Assembly Executive Secretary