The Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia is a three tikanga church. That is, the church is comprised of members of three cultural streams; European, native Maori and native Polynesians. These cultural streams are represented by each of the tikanga having their own respective episcopal units in the church. All of Polynesian island nations and territories in ACANZ&P are represented by the Diocese of Polynesia. The Tikanga Pakeha (European) has dioceses throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand, while at the same time the Tikanga Maori of Aotearoa has its own episcopal units called amorangi. Dioceses and amorangi geographically overlap on the North and South islands.
Recently 600+ folks from Tikanga Pakeha and Tikanga Maori gathered at the Diocese of Christchurch’s Transitional Cathedral for a joint diaconal ordination service for candidates of both the Diocese of Christchurch and the Amorangi Te Wai Pounamu, which currently does not have a bishop. Bishop Victoria Mathews of Christchurch has been guiding Amorangi Te Wai Pounamu in the process of electing a new bishop, but an electoral college held in March did not elect a bishop. Another electoral college will meet this coming September.
Amorangi Te Wai Pounamu chose Maori bishop, the Rt Revd Kito Pikaahuthe to ordain its diaconal candidates. Bishop Kito is Vicar General of Amorangi Te Pihopatanga. Bishop Kito ordained three deacons and Bishop Victoria ordained five. Bishop Kito felt that experiencing the joint service was a real example that deacons also were ordained within the whole church. Additionally Bishop Kito preached and Bishop Victoria celebrated the Eucharist.
Information and photos for this story were gathered from Anglican Toanga.