May 2004

Balloons remind us to soar with the spirit
The Balloons Over Waikato Festival is a major icon in Waikato’s civic calendar and New Zealand’s premier hot air ballooning event. This year 35 balloons took part in the spectacular five-day event. read more

Charities Bill may hold fishhooks for churches
The Church is asking lay and ordained leaders to inform themselves about the Charities Bill the government is currently drafting. The bill has the potential to make life much more difficult for parishes and they should make their concerns known. read more

Athens Olympics official date for Wesley College principal
As principal of Wesley College Ian Faulkner has the ultimate responsibility to ensure 400 students observe school rules. The experience should serve his well this August when he heads to the Olympics in Athens as one of the technical team that will oversee the men’s hockey competition. read more

New CWS head passionate about community, social justice
By Liz Martyn
It was the Christian commitment to work for justice and equity that attracted Jonathan Fletcher to apply for his new job as national director of Christian World Service (CWS). read more

Energy, ambition fuel NZ Tongan synod
With bulging congregations, lively youth groups, and numerous outreach programmes, the newest district synod of the New Zealand Methodist Church is also its largest and most dynamic. Vahefonua Tonga ‘o Aotearoa met as a synod for the first time in February 2003... read more

Congregation shines leading light in Otara
The Tongan Methodist church is a distinctly Pacific landmark in Otara. It is in the oval shape of a traditional Tongan fale, complete with an interior of large round support pillars and coconut wood floor and ceiling. But the church building is just one aspect of the congregation’s presence. read more