E te whanau a te Karaiti, tēnā koutou,
I’m writing to you to share the news of upcoming clergy movements in the Diocese:
Resignation of The Very Reverend Di Woods, Dean of Waiapu Cathedral
I have received notice of the resignation of The Very Rev’d Di Woods.
Di has served the Diocese and Parish as Dean of Waiapu Cathedral over the past three years. During the past three years we have been blessed with Di’s commitment to build the church by encouraging the faithful, recalling those who have fallen away and proclaiming the love of God in word, sacrament and action.
I am grateful for the many attributes of Di’s ministry in the parish which have reflected God’s gifts in Di’s life particularly as the parish has faced significant challenges with the Cathedral building. Di has worked hard to encourage an openness of the Cathedral building and congregation to the wider community welcoming visitors, making space for those on the margins and encouraging those who are enquirers. Di has also nurtured the parish community building relationships across the congregation and helping develop God’s gifts within each member of the parish. In all these aspects of ministry, and many more, we have seen reflected Di’s deep love of God and desire to follow the way of Christ, hallmarks of the expression of our faith.
Di will conclude her ministry in the parish with a liturgical farewell on Sunday 25 May 2025. More details will come out closer to the date.
I am sure that you will want to join me in recognising Di’s commitment to the Cathedral parish and to Waiapu and to wish Di well for the next phase of her life and ministry.
Resignation and Retirement of The Reverend Linda King, Vicar of Co-operative Parish of Whakatāne
I have received notice of the resignation and retirement of The Rev’d Linda King.
Linda has served the parish as the Superintending Minister since November 2018, returning home to her roots in Whakatāne. During the past seven years Linda has committed herself fully to the role in the parish and to the wider communities surrounding Whakatāne.
I am grateful for the many attributes of Linda’s ministry in the parish which have reflected God’s gifts in Linda’s life; gifts of careful and meaningful liturgical preparation and delivery, gifts of hospitality and inclusion, gifts of teamwork and collaboration, gifts of foresight and imagination. Linda has also brought a care for the management of the assets of the parish to her role and has assisted in moving several significant projects forward. In all these things I have seen Linda’s faith shine through, her clear love for God and desire to follow the way of Christ – the very things we delight in as a whole community of Christian believers.
Linda will conclude her stipendiary ministry in the parish at the liturgical farewell on Sunday 29 June 2025. I have arranged for my Vicar General, The Rev’d Robert Kereopa to be present with you to represent me at the liturgical farewell in June. Again, more details closer to the date.
I am sure that you will want to join me in wishing Linda well in retirement.
Appointment of Acting Dean of Waiapu Cathedral, The Reverend Alister Hendery
I am pleased to announce that I have appointed The Rev’d Alister Hendery to be Acting Dean of Waiapu Cathedral to help support the parish in the transitional ministry for the next 12 months with the possibility of extension of this ministry after review. Alister will hold a 0.75FTE stipendiary role and will commence on Monday 12 May 2025 allowing for a handover from Dean Di. Alister comes to the role with many years of experiences in supporting parishes through transitional times of ministry and I have every confidence that the gifts and experience of his ministry will be a blessing for the Cathedral community.
Appointment of Priest Associate, Waiapu Cathedral, The Reverend Dr Deborah Broome
In support of Alister’s role I have also appointed our Diocesan Ministry Educator, The Rev’d Dr Deborah Broome at 0.25FTE to contribute dedicated time to the Cathedral community. Deborah knows this parish community well and is a regular presence in the congregation and as part of the clergy team supporting ministry. Deborah’s role as Priest Associate will commence on 25 May 2025.
Yours in Christ,
The Rt Rev’d Andrew Hedge
Bishop of Waiapu
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