‘Ko te Amorangi ki Mua’ – the Commission on Episcopal Leadership (COEL) is leading a tikanga-led electoral process ahead of Te Rūnanganui, refining electoral college procedures, defining what’s needed to serve as a bishop now and in the future, and developing support guidelines for bishops and their whānau to present in December.
Over recent weeks, Lucy Laitinen and COEL representatives led consultations across all Hui Amorangi. That process has now concluded, and the commission will meet in Tāmaki Makaurau on Monday 20 October to review the findings.
“The work of the Commission is grounded in listening and learning from our Hui Amorangi. Their insights are essential in shaping strong, culturally grounded leadership within Te Hāhi. We want to ensure that our Pīhopa are supported, our processes are transparent, and that relationships across our Church remain strong and connected,” said Commission Chair, Khylee Quince.
Each workshop brought together a mix of voices to discuss key questions in small groups. The kōrero was lively, good-humoured, and often ran over time, reflecting a real hunger to engage. Grounded in karakia, waiata, and shared kai, each wānanga fostered openness and whanaungatanga.
Workshop at Te Tōmairangi o Ihu Karaiti in Ōtautahi
Representatives from across Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Waipounamu gathered at Te Tōmairangi o Ihu Karaiti in Ōtautahi for a wānanga that offered space to listen, learn, and share whakaaro feeding into COEL’s ongoing work. The kōrero was honest and rich, reflecting both the urgency of an episcopal vacancy and the shared hope for their next Pīhopa. Participants affirmed that while expectations are high, the Amorangi must wrap their aroha and support around their bishop, ensuring they are upheld in their ministry.
The Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Upoko o Te Ika hui at St Michael’s Marae in Highbury, Palmerston North, brought together clergy and lay representatives from across Te Upoko o te Ika for an open and wide-ranging wānanga led by Bishop Waitohiariki. Discussion centred on clergy wellbeing, safeguarding, retirement, and inclusion, with contributions from Rangatahi leader Levi Torrey, Hera Clarke, and Reverend Don and Ruhina Rangi. Though small in number, participants shared rich, heartfelt kōrero that affirmed kotahitanga and the deep commitment of priests serving their whānau with faith and aroha.
Workshop in Rotorua
Other Hui Amorangi also hosted workshops across their rohe. Te Tairāwhiti held hui in Te Matau-a-Māui, Wairoa, and Tairāwhiti, while Lucy and Mere Mangu presented to Te Tai Tokerau both during their Hui Amorangi gathering and in an online session. Te Manawa o Te Wheke hosted their workshop at the Hui Amorangi offices in Rotorua.
COEL will now meet to review the recommendations from each Hui Amorangi and finalise its outputs in preparation for presentation at Te Rūnanganui in December.