The theme for this year’s hui is Whāia te Remu o Tōna: Foundations for Future Flourishing. The theme invites attendees to draw on the source of their love of faith, love of church and help others rediscover theirs.
This year’s Rūnanganui will start on Thursday with a pōhiri at Te Whare Hononga | Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary where those in attendance will hear from mana whenua and parish leaders about the shared history of Taranaki and the involvement of the Church in the region.
The hui proper will open later that evening with Archbishop Don Tamihere delivering his Bishop’s Charge followed by a panel with international guest of honour, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop and Presiding Elder of Sacred Circle, Chris Harper.
The programme continues on Friday 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 will pivot to the matter of funding and resourcing equity across the wider Church, before Te Rūnanganui moves to other matters for consideration. One such matter is the continuation of support and advocacy for Indigenous peoples within the Global Anglican Communion, particularly in how our mātauranga 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.
That evening will see 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 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.