Waiapu Synod deplores the fact that 27% of children in New Zealand live below the poverty line, and will communicate its concern to politicians and media.

Meeting at All Saints' Taradale last weekend, the 61st synod noted that the Government provides no income support for children in families receiving government benefits or who are raised by other family members.

Synod challenged parishes to address child poverty at a local level.

Bishop-elect Andrew Hedge will not be consecrated until next month, so Vicar-General Brian Hamilton presided over synod.

Andrew joined the congregation at the Saturday Eucharist and mixed informally with synod members.

Motions

Diocesan enterprises: A new group is looking at establishing diocesan enterprises to raise funds for the church's mission. It has already drawn up guiding principles and a list of further work required.

Papamoa Mission: An advisory group on the Papamoa Mission reported back to synod. Many things need to be pulled together in this “incredibly fast-growing area”, which also has an ageing population. 

Ethical investments: The diocese committed last year to divesting from companies whose primary focus is the extraction and processing of fossil fuels. Although it has not sold off any investments, the Board of Diocesan Trustees is seeking alternative investments to bring in equivalent income.

Elections: Synod asked that all elected positions in the diocese require the vote of at least 50% of those present.

Poverty: Synod deplores the fact that 27% of children live below the poverty line, yet the Government provides no income support for children in families that receive government benefits or who are raised by other family members. Synod's concern to see a reduction in child poverty levels is to be made public to media and politicians, and it challenges parishes to act at a local level.

Closure of buildings: Standing Committee will provide more definitive criteria for closure of a building that may be deemed to be not fit for purpose.

General Synod

Three statutes and a Bill were presented to all synods this year: Statute 711 (Authorised Services); Statute 712 (Moving the place of Baptism in the Eucharist); Statute 713 (about titles of Sundays), and Bill 4 to amend the Constitution of the Church.

Waiapu decided to table them to allow for more work at General Synod level.

Motion 18 (People Matter) was passed.

LGBTI representation: Synod expressed concern that the General Synod working group on sexual equality lacks proper representation of the LGBTI Anglican community. It asked for an explanation of how the group will proceed and how Anglicans can contribute to the discussions.

Finances

The 2014 year had a much lower deficit than budgeted ($38,000), on a par with the previous year. Costs have been reduced and income is as anticipated.

Synod asked for a balanced budget for next year (The proposed budget deficit was $45,600). Assessments will remain at the same level.

Reports

Overseas missions – meeting our targets

The target of $195,000 for 2013 agreed to at Synod 2012 was 98% met. The target will remain at $195,000 for 2014. Waiapu is the only diocese ahead of target so far this year.

Anglican Care Waiapu – a year of review and change

The Social Service Trust Board this year completed a comprehensive review “to ensure that our service delivery and practice is of high quality and one that reflects the heart of Christian service and love and service”. Aged care and child and family services are being merged.

Residential aged-care facilities have had a challenging year with reduced profitability. Implementation of the living wage would cost $1.8 million extra in wages, and “we could not continue to operate," said the Trust Board chair, John Palairet.

Statistics – church attendance

5,500 people are on parish electoral rolls: 480 in Eastland, 2180 in Bay of Plenty and 2860 in Hawke’s Bay. 

There were 190,300 attendances at worship services: 13,600 in Eastland, 79,400 in Bay of Plenty and 97,260 in Hawke’s Bay.

For Eucharists the trend reversed, with 67,000 in Bay of Plenty and 45,900 in Hawke’s Bay.