METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND

VAHEFONUA TONGA O AOTEAROA

“2007 AND BEYOND”

WHO ARE WE?

Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa is the Tongan in the Te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa family. It embraces all Tongans in Aotearoa New Zealand who are Methodists. The Vahefonua has been given, by the MCNZ Conference, the responsibility for oversight of all Tongan members of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, and to empower them in their worship of God through providing:

(a)a safe environment within the MethodistChurch for worshipping and practice of life affirming and life giving theology,

(b)A forum where Ministry, information, issues and any concerns (ministerial, cultural or social) relating to all Tongans can be transparently discussed.

(c)A forum through which all Tongans can relate directly to the MCNZ Conference and conversely act as the “body” to which Conference can direct issues relating to the ministry, care and oversight of all Tongan Methodists in New Zealand.

WHAT IS OUR THEOLOGY?

We believe in God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit to be life affirming and life enhancing for all peoples, of all places, and at all times. As Tongans within the Methodist family in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are committed to the Bi-cultural relationships and the partnerships within Te Haahi and rejoice in the richness of the diversity of peoples within the Church family.

MISSION STATEMENT.

Our mission is to reflect and proclaim the transforming love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and declared in the Scriptures, to preserve and maintain our Tongan heritage, culture and values, to welcome cultural diversity, and to witness to Christ in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand. This is the basis of our ministry and work whilst at the same time recognizing the particularity of and special relationship with the Tangata Whenua.

Brief History:

In the early 1970’s we had the beginnings of Tongan Methodist Fellowships in New Zealand as a result of migration from Tonga to New Zealand. These fellowships were set up to fulfil the Spiritual needs of the fast increasing Tongan Community in Aotearoa particularly in the Auckland/Manukau region, where the various congregations formed at the time eventually became the Auckland/Manukau Tongan Circuit.

In the mid-1970s, at the request of the Circuit through the NZ Conference, the Methodist Church of Tonga (Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga) Conference seconded a minister to the New Zealand Conference to act as the Superintendent of the Auckland/Manukau Circuit. Then in February 1982, the NZ Conference established a Tongan Advisory Committee (TAC) to oversee the Circuit and to embrace all Tongan fellowships nationwide.

At the time, there was recognition of growing difficulties faced by the TAC and the NZ church due to (a) the sheer size of the circuit, which had 13 congregations then, and (b) what was then perceived as “culturally sensitive issues” and the “Tongan culture of Worship”.

At the turn of the century (year 2000), after much deliberation, the TAC had a name change only, to Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa and was given the task of formulating an appropriate new structure to cater for the “particular needs” of the Tongan members within the Methodist Church Family. Consequently, after appropriate deliberations and advice, the NZ Conference 2002 gave Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa the status of a District/ (Synod) as the new platform for the Tongans in the Methodist Church Family to stand on in relation to the other members of the Church and to the Conference. The Vahefonua was tasked with continuing to develop a structure within the Church that would be most appropriate and effective for the Tongan worship culture and ministry.

Accordingly, a Superintendent and Executive Committee were elected and formally inducted by the President, Norman West, at the Vahefonua Meeting in February 2003, at Wesley-Taranaki, Wellington.

The formative years since 2003 had been difficult due to various administrative, structural and ministerial issues faced, yet in adversity we find and draw hidden strengths. We look forward to the challenges ahead and affirm our continuing commitment to the MethodistChurch in Aotearoa New Zealand. Just like Kezia Wesley said, “believers are granted new standing before God, a new nature, new outlook, new motivation, and new affections”, the Vahefonua seeks a complete change of heart and mind, a transformation that would result in a decisive break from the past. The Vahefonua will actively describe, promote and encourage Connexionalism within the Church.

CURRENT STRUCTURE

Vahefonua Parishes & Congregations

The Vahefonua Tonga was set up in accordance with Section 4 of the NZ Methodist Law Book. It is the biggest Synod in the Church and also has within it the biggest parish anywhere being Auckland/Manukau parish. Currently, there are five parishes under the Vahefonua Tonga.

(i)Auckland/Manukau Parish with 17 congregations.

(ii)Tokaima‘ananga Otara Parish with 1 congregation.

(iii)Papatoetoe Parish with 1 congregation.

(iv)Gisborne Parish with 1 congregation.

(v)Kosipeli Christchurch Parish with 1 congregation.

In addition, there are fifteen other Tongan congregations outside of the Auckland region who conduct their worship and ministry in Tongan and accordingly come under the care of Vahefonua. This makes a total of thirty-six congregations nationwide. The sheer size of the synod and the nationwide spread of congregations present the Vahefonua with ministerial, presbyteral, structural, administrative, travel and communications problems as well as cultural and liturgical issues. These “special ministry” problems are exacerbated by the lack of knowledgeable resources within Vahefonua itself.

The congregations who are not part of the 5 Vahefonua parishes (listed above) are affiliated to and are under the “umbrella” of the geographical Synods and Parishes of their respective lŏcalé. This further adds to the complicated administration of a national Synod. The Vahefonua’s role is to work with the “local” geographical Synods and Parishes to ensure that these Tongan congregations are fully resourced for their ministry and worship.

Vahefonua Executive & Ministry

The Vahefonua currently has an executive committee of sixteen, overseen by Co-Superintendents, a Secretary and a Financial Secretary. A Synod Property Advisory Committee was also appointed and confirmed by NZ Conferences.

The Vahefonua numbers around 9,300. There are over 4,800 confirmed members (excluding youth and children who number over 2,000) in the Greater Auckland area alone, with over 1,000 members throughout the rest of New Zealand not counting the 1,500 Tongans who worship with the “palangi” parishes.

The Vahefonua is ministered to by:

(i)1 Seconded Presbyter from the MethodistChurch of Tonga.

(ii)7 Local Presbyters (non-stipendiary) as well as 1 Lay Pastor in the Auckland/Manukau parish.

(iii)1 Local Presbyter (half time) at the Otara Tongan parish.

(iv)1 Local Presbyter (half time) at the Gisborne Tongan parish.

(v)1 Local Presbyter (half time) at the Christchurch Tongan parish

(vi)7 Tongan Presbyters in General Ministries

(vii)3 Tongan Presbyters in Probationary General Ministries.

(viii)3 Presbyters in retirement and 1 on secondment to the Methodist Church of Tonga.

(ix)In addition, we have 5 Tongan students currently undergoing ministerial training at TrinityTheologicalCollege.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  1. To express a Tongan response to the Gospel within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and thereby participate fully in the life and mission of the Church.
  1. To bring together all Tongan Methodists under the New Zealand Conference, to cater for their Spiritual needs, and to help maintain their identity as Tongans in the Church and in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  1. To provide robust and responsive Governance and leadership.
  1. i. To provide a safe environment for all Tongan Methodists to worship in, for their ministry, training opportunities and study.

ii.To carry out or to oversee all necessary functions relating to legal issues.

  1. To nurture and encourage our young people’s faith and ‘attitude’ to worship in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.
  1. To foster and encourage harmonious working relationship between all groups, not only within Vahefonua itself and the MethodistChurch but also throughout the wider society and internationally – (Unity through Diversity). Due to the diminishing resources, both human and financial, available to the Church, all “groups” are increasingly interdependent and codependent – obligated and responsible for each other. The call for dialogue takes on a different sense, albeit sublime. We are called on to “talk in-deed”. We talk a lot about needing to talk, about the importance and fruits of dialogue, but there is not much evidence of actually doing it. It is hard to do dialogue when we are not present for the “other” and harder still when we do not listen.
  1. To maintain the link and relationship with the Methodist Church of Tonga (Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga).
  1. To provide fully itinerant Presbyters to all Tongan Parishes and Congregations.
  1. To be financially independent, self-sufficient, and to provide, produce and disseminate resources in the Tongan language for all Tongan Methodists. Ensure adequate resourcing in both personnel and funding and to ensure that future leaders of Vahefonua are adequately trained.
  1. Ensure the effective dissemination of all information and correspondence as appropriate both within and external to the Vahefonua thereby establishing positive relationships.

STRATEGY FOR 2007 AND BEYOND

To achieve the Goals and Objectives, the following strategies will be implemented during the next 2 years as the first phase of a ‘Five Year Plan’.

  1. Establish more manageable sized parishes within the greater Auckland and Manukau regions.

We currently have 3 parishes – Otara with 1 congregation, Papatoetoe with 1 congregation and the Auckland/Manukau parish with 17 congregations. The Auckland/Manukau parish would function more effectively if it was restructured into 4 or 5 smaller parishes.

  1. Establish more Tongan congregations outside of Auckland.

The Blenheim congregation was the last one established within the Blenheim Methodist Parish in 2004 and there are prospects of establishing Tongan congregations in Nelson and Asburton.

  1. Explore possibilities of establishing Tongan Parishes outside the Auckland region.

The Wellington Wesley-Taranaki Tongan congregation is listed in the conferences of past years as a separate Parish.

The congregations, which are not in the five Vahefonua Parishes, are under the “umbrella” of the respective Parishes/Synods of their lŏcalé. Accordingly, the Vahefonua’s role is to work with and in conjunction with the respective geographical Synod and Parish Superintendents to provide all the ministerial and worship needs and resources for those congregations.

  1. Increase the number of Vahefonua Executive meetings.

The Vahefonua synod currently meets at least 2 times a year, and in light of the present need for dialogue during the next 3 years, we are looking to have the Executive Committee meet on a more regular basis, at lease 6 times a year.

The Vahefonua will engage in theological reflections so that the decisions we make reflect our Mission Statement.

  1. Run Training Workshops and Seminars for presbyters, stewards, treasurers, secretaries and any other prospective congregational leaders in consultation with the Administration Division and Board of Studies.

The on-going problems currently experienced within Vahefonua are largely due to (a) the lack of knowledgeable resources within Vahefonua itself and (b) that a large portion of the Tongans in the Church are not sure whether the ‘governing laws’ are those of the Methodist Church of Tonga (Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga) or that of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. We must complete the translation of the NZ Law Book and from within those translated Laws and framework, formulate appropriate authority for the Vahefonua that all Tongans Methodists can understand and adhere to.

Suggested actions being:

  1. A Law Committee will be set up to facilitate this task.
  2. Workshops will be run in conjunction with the Connexional Office, the Board of Ministry and Mission Resourcing unit to ensure the Vahefonua leaders (and potential future leaders – presbyteral and lay) are fully au fait with the laws of the Methodist Church of NZ, it’s processes and Conference.

These actions are viewed as critical considering the changing demography of the church - the Tongans currently being about 30% of the MethodistChurch Family. The Vahefonua needs leaders, both ministerial and lay, who can convey and articulate with confidence the needs of the Tongan Methodists at every level, forum or court of the church.

The Vahefonua will ensure that adequate professional development, supervision, training, pastoral and other support is provided to its leaders.

  1. Explore possible alternatives for the Vahefonua Structure in light of the requirements of the Conference 2003.

A Structure Committee has been set up to continue dialogue with the congregations and in particular with the Auckland/Manukau Parish.

  1. To provide resources in the Tongan language especially for the youth and Sunday school.

The Vahefonua National Sunday School syllabus was launched in May 2006 and work has begun on a nationwide “Youth” programme.

  1. Ensure suitable presbyteral candidates are encouraged to candidacy.

Vahefonua believes that “ministry training” should reflect the multi-cultural reality that New Zealand society has become.

All ministry training should ensure that presbyters can be in ministry to any congregation or parish irrespective of the ethnic make-up of that parish, whether they are Pakehas, Samoans, Tongans or of any other ethnic origin – a Pacific Ministry context. The Board of Ministry is urged to employ suitably qualified staff from our Pacific neighbours as a first step towards achieving this “Pacific Ministry” training regime.

Vahefonua has begun a process whereby when any prospective presbyteral candidate is put forward for consideration, the sponsoring parish/congregation must submit the following:

(i)A support plan for the candidate as she/he prepares to come before the Vahefonua and National assessment.

(ii)A support plan during the student’s “college” years.

(iii)A plan for probationary ministry years.

(iv)A plan for the continued ministry of the presbyter.

  1. The Vahefonua believes in “Breaking the Cycle” of poverty and reliance on the “State”.

An Education and Welfare Committee was set up at the July 2006 Vahefonua and the first Vahefonua EXPO on Education and Training opportunities was held in January 2007. Over 60 booths were set up by government departments, educational institutions and prospective employers.

This committee has been tasked with:

(i)Promoting “Making a Difference” through Peace and Dialogue.

(ii)Promoting the early awareness of study and training opportunities.

(iii)Empowering of children and youth to take charge of their future.

(iv)Promoting equality between all people and gender.

  1. The Women’s Fellowship is an integral part of Vahefonua Tonga.

The Tongan Women’s Fellowship is very active in all aspects of the life of theVahefonua fromWomen’s Group worship, helping with fund raising, to group fitness activities.

  1. Explore the possibilities of:

a)The Vahefonua Superintendent being in full time ministry within 2 years.

b)Establishing a Vahefonua Administration unit suitably staffed and together with the Vahefonua Superintendent tasked to:

(i) Co-ordinate and ensure all ministries and functions of the Vahefonua as specified by the NZ Law Book are suitably resourced and performed.

(ii) Undertake tasks specified from time to time by the Vahefonua Synod or Conference.

(iii) Ensure proper stewardship of all finances and properties of all Tongan Parishes and Congregations nationwide.

(iv) Ensure all required resource materials are available at all times.

(v) Liaise between all groups of the Church to ensure close working relationships thereby enhancing understanding of each other’s needs. Develop a culture of service and work ethics, internally and externally, which show due care and love for the “other”.

(vi) Ensure the continued link and relationship with the Methodist Church of Tonga (Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga).

May the Grace of God empower all church ministries during the years ahead.

Suggested Solutions:

1.That the report be received.

  1. That the Committee considers and accept the ‘Goals and Objectives” and the suggested ‘Strategies’ set out above.

Rev. Kilifi Heimuli

Tevita Finau

Co-Superintendents

Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa.

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