anglicantaonga

Telling the stories of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, NZ and Polynesia

Te Runanganui gathers in Ngāmotu

As Te Rūnanganui o Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa opens this week in Ngāmotu - New Plymouth topping the agenda are: Taranaki history, connecting with Sacred Circle, wānanga on the findings of the Commission on Episcopal Leadership, and looking into church resourcing equity and Indigenous leadership on climate.

Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa  |  03 Dec 2025  |

The theme of Te Runanganui o Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa for 2025 is "Whāia te Remu o Tōna: Foundations for Future Flourishing." The theme invites attendees to draw on the sources of their love of faith and love of church to help others rediscover theirs. 

This year’s Rūnanganui will start on Thursday 4 December with a pōhiri at Te Whare Hononga | Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary where delegates will hear from mana whenua and parish leaders from the shared history of Taranaki and the involvement of the Anglican Church in the region. 

The hui proper will open Thursday evening with Archbishop Don Tamihere delivering his Bishop’s Charge, followed by a panel including international guest of honour, Canada's National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop and Presiding Elder of Sacred Circle, the Most Rev Chris Harper. 

The programme continues on Friday 5 December including a session with the Commission on Episcopal Leadership (COEL) that will present the results of its work over the past two years. It is expected the Commission will present its report and a subsequent wānanga will lead into a motion to accept its recommendations around the Electoral College process for future Tikanga Māori bishops. 

Discussions on Saturday 6 December will pivot to the matter of funding and resourcing equity across the wider Church, before Te Rūnanganui moves to consider its continuing support and advocacy for Indigenous peoples within the Global Anglican Communion, particularly in how mātauranga Mihinare can contribute to the wider Indigenous response to the climate crisis.

This has been enhanced in recent months and years with Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa engaging on pilgrimages in Canada, Navajoland, Hong Kong, Brazil, and across Polynesia in the past two years. 

The Saturday evening comprises a Gala Dinner and celebration of Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa achievements since the last Rūnanganui in 2023.  

The 23rd Rūnanganui o Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa will conclude on Sunday morning 7 December with a closing Eucharist service at Te Manu Hononga | Taranaki Cathedral before delegates return home inspired to share the good news and the Gospel with their parishes.

Comments