Touchstone

July 2026

Welcome to the July edition of Touchstone.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic of conversation. As the pace of change accelerates, it is hard to comprehend the impact of what many are calling the ‘fourth industrial revolution’.

A group of Methodists representing the diversity of our church came together during a weekend in late June to consider what it means to be the church in the age of artificial intelligence. Wananga participant Garth Nowland-Foreman reported that “much of the discussion felt like a dance, sometimes confusing, other times elegant,” as the group considered how the church might respond to the emerging technologies.

In conjunction with the second of a two-part AI series written by Peter Lane – also a participant at the AI wānanga - the articles provide a valuable overview of the potential benefits and harm inherent in this revolutionary technology.

Rev Prof Nasili Vaka’uta was one of many representatives from Te Hāhi Weteriana of Aotearoa who travelled to Tonga to participate in celebrations commemorating 200 years of Christianity in the Kingdom. He writes, “anniversaries are not only occasions for celebration. They are also moments for honest reflection.” As a MCNZ minister in full Connection and a fully ordained minister of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, his personal views are perceptive and insightful.

Lifewise report on their annual Big Sleepout – an event dedicated to raising awareness, and funds to support those experiencing homelessness. In August Christchurch Methodist Mission will launch the first iteration of the event in the South Island. As homeless numbers increase, and government policies continue to exacerbate the lack of affordable housing, these initiatives raise the issue with civic, business and community leaders who can help make a difference.

Articles affirming Methodist opposition to the introduction of a toxic and divisive Gender Definition Bill and another about a creative initiative at a South Dunedin preschool highlight the Methodist commitment to social and climate justice.

Our people are celebrated and profiled in a variety of articles this month. Financial Services Manager Peter van Hout is stepping out of his role after 20 years. We farewell Peter, and welcome his replacement Keri Page-Kreis. Kai Hāpai Rangatahi National Youth Ministry DirectorLuisa Fuimaono-Gatoloai, writes about the new position and Fuatino Sagote shares her faith journey, after being selected as the only representative from New Zealand to attend the World Day of Prayer leadership programme in Thailand later this year.

Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha reflects on Matariki and Gillian Southey encourages readers to support Peace Sunday at a time when, “Internationally there is more talk of war than of peace.”

I extend my special thanks to the many contributors who have submitted articles. Their reflections, reports and stories reflect the diversity of the people of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa and the many ways in which they are sharing the Methodist ethos and mission in Aotearoa and globally.

I am heading away for a month’s leave so there will be no August Touchstone.

In closing, I share an extract from a Media Statement issued by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions on 10 June. The statement titled Unions continue to fight for workers on the world stage, called on the government to stop dismantling protections for workers. Concluding the media release, NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges wrote,

“As we debate decent work in the platform economy, as we advance the gender agenda, as we build standards for a changing world of work — what kind of future are we actually building? I submit to you that it must be one where technology serves human dignity, where equality is a reality, and where prosperity is shared by us all, not hoarded by a few. That is the future the union movement of New Zealand continues to fight for.”

I think that is a future we are all committed to fighting for.