Touchstone

April 2026

Welcome to the April edition of Touchstone.

I write this copy just before the Easter, the most significant celebration on the Christian calendar. Holding fast to the concepts of hope and resurrection seem challenging right now. As the impacts of the war in Iran continue to unravel in so many ways, fuel and food prices soar, and the actions of political leaders here in Aotearoa and globally inflame feuds and embrace policies that disadvantage the already disadvantaged, the outcome seems a little bleak. It is a time to focus on the positive and to find gratitude in small gestures of kindness and compassion.

A recent wānanga brought together MCNZ church representatives to consider new ways of recording statistics that better reflect missional and parish outcomes than the current, dated systems in place. The korero was rich and rewarding as reported in the lead article written by Rev Tara Tautari.

Easter camps have been a long-held tradition for Christian parishes and groups in Aotearoa. We look at the evolution of the South Island’s largest gathering of youth -Eastercamp at Spencer Park on the outskirts of Christchurch - where more than 3,000 rangatahi with gather over coming days to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Not far away geographically but poles apart in style, families and friends of parishioners from the Christchurch Methodist Beckenham Churchwill take a road less travelled to Journey’s End where they will gather to reflect on the same Easter story but in a very different way. The contrast between camps - the attendees, entertainment, music and format - is immense but representative of the many ways that are effective in bringing people together to share the Easter message.

Lavoni Manukia spends some time with Rev Kulimoe‘anga Fisi‘iahi, the newly appointed Superintendent for the Auckland/Manukau Tongan Parish, exploring his faith journey and his vision for the largest Methodist Synod in Aotearoa.

In our continuing series of exploring new ways of being church and fresh expressions of faith, Rev Darryn Hickling shares the background and genesis of a new ministry he is introducing to New Zealand’s fastest growing region, Rolleston.

I invite you to take time to read the articles in this edition of Touchstone that share the transformational work being undertaken by the people of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, and others.

In closing, I wish you a safe and Blessed Easter.