Earlier this month parliament passed the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Act 2026. This specifies that a person in charge of a recreational craft of 6 metres or less in length must ensure that each person on board is wearing a lifejacket of an appropriate size while the craft is underway (except in…

It was quite a few weeks ago that I went to the presentation on the history of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand. Of course, I had read about aspects of that church history previously, but it was interesting to hear it again so well laid out. The presentation was by Mark Whitfield, the Pastor…

There is a tradition of Missions Month in the New Zealand church. Different mission organisations celebrate it during different months. The New Zealand Church Missionary Society promotes Missions Month for September 2026. At St Paul’s we have long cooperated with global missions through NZCMS. We are currently a Link Church for the Dunbar family in…

Last month I was invited to a ceremony for Student Volunteer Army awards that recognised disabled people overseen by Idea Services (associated with IHC) for the voluntary work they do in the community. Currently Idea Services have a group of young adults that meets at LOOP and the Kapa Haka group is practicing in our…