Author: depon

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia

Anglican Women’s Studies Centre

Council for the Anglican Women’s Studies Centre

Report to 2020 General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui

Anglican Women’s Studies Centre Council and Links, August 2019,Waitoa Room, St Johns College, Auckland
Back row: Jenny Quince, Kaye Dyer, Val Riches, Bettina Maxwell, Mihimere Jaram-Thomas, Heather Riches, Akanesi Folau, Nyasha Gumbeze, Adi Tuidama ,Isabel Mordecai, Ceridwyn Parr
Front row: Nai Cokanasiga, Tapita Ching, Stephanie Clay, Helen Roud, Numia Tomoana, Carole Hughes, Evelini Langi

Membership as at General Synod 2018

Provincial Hui 2018 Na Mareqeti Ni Bula Ivakarau / Pasifika Perspectives – Valuing Tradition, Religion & Arts.
The Annual Provincial AWSC HUI was held Friday, 19th October – Sunday 21st October 2018 at Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi, Fiji Islands .
Organised by Nai Cokanasiga and her Hui Organising Committee, it was very well received, with nothing but glowing feedback. The hui was very well attended with 17 tikanga Pakeha, 18 tikanga Maori and 39 tikanga Pasifika attending. The Hui Committee provided accommodation for 30 women while the Council covered the accommodation and travel of the AWSC Council members and Links. Therefore, we acknowledge that for many, it was a significant personal cost to attend and feel humbled that so many made that sacrifice. The adoption of ‘Fiji Time’ on the first night helped introduce tikanga Pakeha and tikanga Maori to this concept and that the realisation that everything happens at its own time and pace.
We were all welcomed by Bishop Gabriel Sharma and Vicar General Venerable Orisi Vuki to Fiji and along with Revd Helen Roud, Acting Convenor for AWSC Council, they took part in a Sevusevu Ceremony (Traditional Welcome including a Kava Ceremony) to welcome AWSC holding its Provincial Hui in Pasifika for the very first time. Our Fijian sisters then showed us how to fully embrace and celebrate the traditional song and dances performed by the Sabeto Village which was followed by a smorgasbord dinner. Tikanga Maori led the Night Prayer to conclude the evening’s celebrations.Keynote Speaker, Professor Dr Unaisi Baba,spoke on “Indigenous Pasifika Knowledge, Spirituality & Responses to Mission”. Keynote Speaker, Revd Dr Cliff Bird addresses “The Magnificat – Spirituality & Our Faith Responses as Women. A challenging topic for Dr Cliff Bird to address as a man with some e good discussion .The Arts & Women’s Mission – Led by Link Reps, each tikanga showed art works that helped and informed their faith journey- kete and korowai and church decorations, crochet, gardens, movement, tapa cloth, and the plaiting of fibre.
The hui in 2018 was a highly successful three tikanga occasion of ministry development and theological learning, epitomising the whole Anglican Women’s Studies Centre project.
Provincial Hui in Three Tikanga 2019
Strengthening the tikanga base, and providing learning opportunities according to tikanga needs.
Tikanga Maori Hui was held at Waipatu Marae, Hastings from 29 November to 1 December 2019. Feedback from all attendees was positive, they all loved it, enjoying the energy and strength of being wahine Maori together. With the deep quality of experienced and gifted speakers, the hui was informative, interactive, challenging, exciting, and even healing. Our first esteemed presenter was our newly installed Bishop Waitohiariki Quayle who shared her story, standards and expectations from her Amorangi. Next was Ruihana Paenga who had just returned from the United Nations Women’s conference in Bangkok. Her interactive task of getting us to connect the 17 UN Sustainable goals, from local to global, in our own context was empowering. Associate Professor and daughter of Jenny, an Anglican priest, Khylee Quince spoke on Effective Leadership in the Community and youth justice. Jenny Quince offered practical gems of pastoral and spiritual karakia as we minister to the elderly, and unwell people in their homes, rest homes, hospice, and hospital.
Iwi leader and hau kainga local Ngahiwi Tomoana, took us on a guided bus tour to 2 significant sacred sites, the maunga of Rongokako, the sleeping giant in Havelock North, and Atea a Rangi, the original navigational compass site that guided our traditional waka to shore. Our kaupapa, theme for our hui Light Beyond the Horizon, (the hope, the light of Christ) in navigational terms Ngahiwi shared that when looking at a point to travel or reach beyond the horizon, that if you do everything right on the waka taking in wind shifts, currents, steering on course, with all your knowledge preparation and skill, the reference point on the horizon will come to you, rather than you travel to that point. Khylee also shared that in her session. As it is in everyday life. Our sisters from Te Waipounamu led our first Sunday Advent service before we ate breakfast together and saying our fond farewells until next time.
It was a successful hui, the first time that we had separate tikanga hui in 16 years. A highlight was having 4 rangatahi from Te Manawa o Te Wheke attend with their Kahui wahine. It was good to touch base with each other, to identify any needs, gaps, strengths, weaknesses, and to bring the feedback to the council CAWS, for addressing these needs, and celebrating what we are doing well.
Tikanga Pakeha Hui, was held at St Francis Retreat House, Hillsborough, Auckland, 10-12 November 2019.
There were excellent speakers on the theme of ‘Empowering Leadership’. Bishop Ellie Sanderson, The Revd Sue Burns, Ms Heather McRae, of Auckland Diocesan School, and the Ven Carole Hughes provided inspiring perspectives and drew out much thought and responses. All evaluations revealed that it was a great learning opportunity, with many moments of great enjoyment, such as Pecha Kucha, and many moments of deep connection. There were 25 participants from Southland to Auckland.
Tikanga Pasefika Hui in Tonga, 7-9 November 2019. Val attended as a council member, and made excellent connections with women from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. The conference was a very useful time of learning from each other and from outstanding speakers: Mrs Katrina Ma’u, Mrs Eleni Levin-Tevi of the European Union, Revd Ikani Tolu of the Tonga Council of Churches, and the Principal of StAndrews School. The Tongans were very enthusiastic about having the hui at their place- being local makes a difference, and enables women to attend who would otherwise be precluded because of distance, isolation, cost and language barriers.
Mentoring
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Reports – With continued support from the Archbishops, a representative from this Province is sent to this annual conference in New York. Representation is shared through the tikanga on a rotational basis. Each representative writes a report that is presented to the Archbishops and is published in our newsletter. Past representatives have formed lasting and effective relationships and the experience has helped significantly in their growth as leaders of this Church and their advocacy for and on behalf of women within the Church and society as a whole.
March 2018 The Revd Ellen Bernstein attended the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW62)
Theme: Challenges & Opportunities in Achieving Gender Equality & the Empowerment of Rural Women & Girls
New York: 11 – 23 March 2018
March 2019 Ms Ruihana Paenga attended the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women .
Theme: Social Protection Systems Access to Public Services and Sustainable Infrastructure. (see AWSC newsletter May 2019 Volume 9 Issue 2) Subsequently, she has been invited and attended 2 more international conferences for UN Women, one in Canada, the other in Bangkok.
Ruihana has just been appointed to the Tikanga Toru Commission on Youth.
March 2020 Ms Bridie Boyd was selected as one of just eight representatives to the 64th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women .
(Beijing+25: Realizing Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls )
At the time of writing this report, 8 March 2020, the conference has been postponed because of the global threat of Covid 19 Corona Virus.
Both Ruihana and Bridie were one of 8 selected (in their respective years) from 25 international Anglican women IAWN, delegates. We celebrate their selection which is based on their knowledge, experience, and gifts.
IAWN – Our links remain strong with the International Anglican Women’s Network Group for the Anglican Communion. Archdeacon Carole Hughes continues to be our link and is a frequent speaker at AWSC events.
The seven priorities are: Promoting gender equality and the participation of women in all levels of decision making throughout the Anglican Communion.
Promoting gender equality and the participation of women in all levels of decision making throughout the Anglican Communion.
Sharing stories of women in the Anglican Communion.
Supporting and accompanying Anglicans and others who are working to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence, including human trafficking.
Advocating access for all women and girls to education and health care, including reproductive and maternal health care and resources.
Advocating the eradication of extreme poverty, hunger and environmental abuse.
Promoting the physical and spiritual wellbeing of all women and girls, including those from migrant, rural, indigenous and other marginalised communities.
Supporting women’s sustainable economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, including gender budgeting and auditing.
EFM – AWSC wishes to promote and support the Education for Ministry programme. Over the past two years through providing financial assistance to those Anglican women who are unable to take part in this programme due to their financial circumstances. This grass-roots support is offered on a case-by-case basis and all who take part in the EFM programme speak highly of its content and learning. EFM is a significant part of theological development for many women.
Link Gatherings
The annual Link meeting (one delegate from each Amorangi/Diocese) is usually held at St John’s Theological College, Auckland and includes link reports, tikanga caucusing, consultation and updating of the Council for Anglican Women’s Studies projects, hui organisation and sometimes a guest speaker. The 2018 meeting was a day longer thus allowing for more mentoring, resource building and planning for the upcoming hui. The Link meeting for 2020 is planned for 25-27 June . Links are encouraged and resource to build networks of women in their local areas.
Publishing
Monthly Newsletters – The AWSC publishes and distributes via email a monthly newsletter. The email database includes women from across the three tikanga and our international relationships via IAWN and ACC. It is an opportunity for sharing resources stories, theology, poetry and art submitted from Anglican women throughout our Province. Back copies of the newsletter can be found on the Women’s Studies webpage on www.anglican.org.nz
Website– Planning has begun for a new, colourful and engaging website, which will allow all AWSC newsletters to be searchable, the story to be shared more widely, and the power of social media to be harnessed.
Tikanga Maori Art and Theological reflections.
Following Vashti’s Banquet: Voices from Her Feast in 2016, the Council published a beautiful and significant book on Tikanga Maori Art and Theological Reflections ,Ka Tuituia tatau e te Aho Tapu, – This publication project was nurtured by The Ven Mere Wallace and the Revd Numia Tomoana. Women Weavers from across the Hui Amorangi were invited to submit work along with the theological reflection that inspired their work.
40 Year Anniversary of Women’s Ordination
Talanoa, Telling our Stories, Korerohia o tatou purakau
In December 2017 our province celebrated forty years since the first ordinations of women to the Priesthood in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
The Council continues to recognise the importance of this event, and the four decades which have seen over 800 women offering their gifts and commitment to the Church in the province.
The beautiful new publication, Talanoa, Telling our Stories, Korerohia o tatou Purakau, will be a fitting record of many of these outstanding women. The book launch is planned for the three tikanga hui in October 2020.

TIKANGA MĀORI
The Ven Numia Tomoana
appointed 2013
Convenor from 2018
Revd Bettina Maxwell
Appointed 2016
TIKANGA PĀKEHĀ
Revd Canon Helen Roud
Appointed 2017
The Revd Val Riches
Appointed 2018
TIKANGA PASEFIKA
Ms Kelera (Nai) Cokanasiga
Appointed 2016
Revd Evelini Langi
Appointed 2015

From the Canon: The Council will have six members appointed for terms of four years, with three members appointed at each ordinary session of the General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui.
1.One member nominated by Te Runanga Whati o Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa
2.One member nominated by the Inter-Diocesan Conference Coordinating group.
3.One member nominated by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Polynesia.
after appropriate consultation with women’s organisations within the Church/Te Hahi Mihinare.
The Canon for the Anglican Women’s Studies Centre was amended in 2018 to provide for rotated change. For the 2020 election, The Council will decide which three members, one from each tikanga, are up for reappointment or replacement.
Standing down in 2020 are The Ven Numia Tomoana, and the Revd Evelini Langi.
Available for reappointment is the Revd Canon Helen Roud
Available for reappointment is The revd Canon Helen Roud.

From the Canon: The Council will have six members appointed for terms of four years, with three members appointed at each ordinary session of the General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui.
1.One member nominated by Te Runanga Whati o Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa
2.One member nominated by the Inter-Diocesan Conference Coordinating group.
3.One member nominated by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Polynesia.
after appropriate consultation with women’s organisations within the Church/Te Hahi Mihinare.
The Canon for the Anglican Women’s Studies Centre was amended in 2018 to provide for rotated change. For the 2020 election, The Council will decide which three members, one from each tikanga, as re up for reappointment or replacement.
Standing down in 2020 are The Ven Numia Tomoana, and the Revd Evelini Langi.

AWSC—Anglican Women’s Studies Centre 2020 General Synod Report—Page 2

The Anglican Women’s Studies Centre was set up to serve and
advance the interests and needs of the women of this Church,
especially those undertaking theological training.
The issue of increasing numbers of women in representative positions across the councils and committees of the church is seen as a high priority. The practice of intentional mentoring by those already in national and international roles is seen as a good way to enable women of this Church to develop their potential as leaders.
The six Councillors are appointed by General Synod, ensuring the people selected have the skills for these positions.
The Link representatives from each Diocese and Hui Amorangi are chosen for their leadership ability to identity, gather, facilitate, resource and encourage women in their educational preparation for ministry, whether it is lay or ordained.

General Synod Skills Matrix for AWSC Council

STRUCTURE OF AWSC	SKILLS REQUIRED FOR AWSC TIKANGA / COUNCILLORS	CONTEXTUALLY SPECIFIC	OTHER
Tikanga Maori Councillors x 2 / Tikanga Pakeha Councillors x 2 / Tikanga Pacifica Councillors x 2 / Administrator / Convenor of Council nominated by Councillors / Additional Infrastructure—appointed: / 5 Tikanga Maori Hui Amoranagi Link Representatives / 7 Tikanga Pakeha Diocesan Link Representatives / 4 Tikanga Polynesia Archdeaconry Link Representatives (2018)	Knowledge and some prior previous experience of AWSC / Leadership Development / Higher Education Experience / Writing / Communication / Verbal & written (comfortable with English) / Internet & email / (ready & able) / Good organisational skills / Wider Church Experience / Three Tikanga Understanding	Gender Partnerships within the three tikanga—interact and respecting each other’s values / Networking / He Whakatunga—among women and across the church / Duavata / Connecting / Gathering / Huihuinga / Mentoring / Kaiakopono / Whakaputa / Publishing / Monitoring / Tirotiro / Educating / Matauranga / Talanoa	Empowerment of Women / Gender Representation / Advocate for Women in all forms / Taunaki I / Hui Organisations / Information Distribution / Experience with Anglican Church Structures / Theology and Missiology / Partnership of Tikanga and Gender

AWSC—Anglican Women’s Studies Centre 2020 General Synod Report—Page 3

Council Meetings
The Council meets twice a year face to face, and at other times by video conferencing. We now use ZOOM, which is generally satisfactory, but there has been difficulty with ensuring that everyone is able to access and use the technology.
The Council met over 4 consecutive days during our visit to Fiji in 2018 from 18-21 October 2018. Whilst in Fiji the Council also visited St Christopher’s, Nadi, and met many local women. This ensured that more people are aware of the resources of the AWSC.
The Council met in February 2019, to plan the year, and also to select a new administrator.
The Council hosted the annual AWSC Link Gathering at St John’s Theological College on August 2019 . It was an excellent 2 day meeting, with Links from all three tikanga. Educational resources, the Library and further study and learning opportunities were all part of the agenda.
The first AWSC Council meeting for 2020 was held from Wednesday 4 March– Friday 6 March, at the home and parish church in Morrinsville, of the Revd Val Riches. As well as the planning , reporting and developing the work of the AWSC, the Council joined in with the World Day of Prayer, enjoyed a community dinner and welcomed local women clergy and lay leaders to an open evening.

AWSC—Anglican Women’s Studies Centre 2020 General Synod Report—Page 4

AWSC—Anglican Women’s Studies Centre 2020 General Synod Report—Page 5

AWSC—Anglican Women’s Studies Centre 2020 General Synod Report—Page 6

AWSC—Anglican Women’s Studies Centre 2020 General Synod Report—Page 6

Thank you
We continue to enjoy our ministry across our 3 Tikanga Church, and particularly with women who are offering so much in their local communities; the leaders, educators, nurturers, poets, weavers and mentors.
The ministry of the Council was facilitated and administered by the commitment and work of Karena de Pont as Administrator. Her enthusiastic, efficient, insightful, engaging contribution was deeply appreciated. She resigned from the position after 11 years, at the end of 2018. She was replaced by Ms Ceridwyn Parr in April 2019. Ceridwyn has already contributed significantly to AWSC, with excellent support of our Council and AWSC programs, ensuring their smooth running. Her energy, competence, patience, grace and good humour are all greatly valued.
Kia ora to General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui for your aroha and support.
AWSC Councillors
Tikanga Pakeha: The Revd Val Riches
The Revd Canon Helen Roud
Tikanga Maori: The Revd Bettina Maxwell
The Ven Canon Numia Tomoana (Convenor)
Tikanga Pacifica: The Reverend Evelini Langi
Mrs Kelera (Nai) Cokanasiga
AWSC Links

TIKANGA PASEFIKA—
Samoa Archdeaconry
Revd Sonja Hunter
sonja.hunter1@gmail.com
Fiji Archdeaconry
Ms Adi Lilieta Tuidama
fspa@ecrea.org.fj
Tonga Archdeaconry
Ms Akanesi Folau
nesifolau@gmail.com
New Zealand Archdeaconry
Position Vacant—tba
TIKANGA MĀORI—
Hui Amorangi o te Tairawhiti
Ms Ruihana Paenga
ruihanapaenga@gmail.com
Hui Amorangi o te Taitokerau
Revd Jenny Quince
quincemail@xtra.co.nz
Hui Amorangi o te Manawa o te Wheke
Revd Raumiria McRoberts
raumiria2014@gmail.com
Hui Amorangi o te Upoko o te Ika
Revd Teri-Rori Kirkwood
rangitahi.upoko@gmail.com
Diocese of Te Waipounamu
Archdeacon Mere Wallace
nganehu.mere@gmail.com
TIKANGA PĀKEHĀ—
Diocese of Auckland
Revd Nyasha Gumbeze
tamarisk1999@yahoo.co.nz
Diocese of Christchurch
Revd Stephanie Clay
stephaniedemytruk@msn.com
Diocese of Dunedin
Dunedin area: Ms Martine Cashell-Smith
Southland area: Ms Jenny Campbell
Diocese of Nelson
Revd Kaye Dyer
kaye@mightymessage.com
Diocese of Waiapu
Revd Isabel Mordecai
isabel.mordecai@gmail.com
Diocese of Waikato & Taranaki
Ms Heather Riches
heather.hilary@hotmail.com
Diocese of Wellington
Position Vacant—tba

Council Meetings
The Council meets twice a year face to face, and at other times by video conferencing. We now use ZOOM, which is generally satisfactory, but there has been difficulty with ensuring that everyone is able to access and use the technology.
The Council met over 4 consecutive days during our visit to Fiji in 2018 from 18-21 October 2018. Whilst in Fiji the Council also visited St Christopher’s, Nadi, and met many local women. This ensured that more people are aware of the resources of the AWSC.
The Council met in February 2019, to plan the year, and also to select a new administrator.
The Council hosted the annual AWSC Link Gathering at St John’s Theological College on August 2019 . It was an excellent 2 day meeting, with Links from all three tikanga. Educational resources, the Library and further study and learning opportunities were all part of the agenda.
The first AWSC Council meeting for 2020 was held from Wednesday 4 March– Friday 6 March, at the home and parish church in Morrinsville, of the Revd Val Riches. As well as the planning , reporting and developing the work of the AWSC, the Council joined in with the World Day of Prayer, enjoyed a community dinner and welcomed local women clergy and lay leaders to an open evening.