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Anglican e-Life | 1 April 2026

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Dear Friends,

Please pray for all our Easter Campers preparing to head to Spencer Park, Christchurch, tomorrow, Maundy Thursday, to share in teaching, worship, fellowship and fun. Pray for excellent camping weather, and for the speakers and workshop leaders preparing their contributions to the camp.

Yesterday, there were two Chrism Eucharist services: at St Christopher’s, Avonhead in the morning and at St Mary’s, Geraldine in the evening where clergy reaffirmed their ordination vows. Last week, the nationwide Diocesan Children and Families Ministry Enablers met in Christchurch.

I am very pleased to announce two new parish appointments, announced in the respective parishes last Sunday. The Reverend Dr Meg Harvey will be the Vicar of Highfield, Kensington and Otipua (0.8 FTE) and the Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Marchwiel (0.2 FTE). Meg will begin on Friday 1 May 2026, with her Induction service taking place that evening in St. John’s, Highfield, Timaru. Meg is well-known to us having served in our Diocese since her ordination, most recently being Vicar of Amberley. The Reverend Sue Paton will be the Vicar of Temuka-Te Ngawai (1.0 FTE). She will begin on Monday 6 July with her Induction at 6pm, Wednesday 8 July 2026, in St. Peter’s, Temuka. Sue is currently the Precentor in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Wellington. Previously she served as Chaplain and Teacher at Wanganui Collegiate and St. George’s Schools, Whanganui. Sue’s origins, including ministry training and ordination were in South Africa, where she served for 16 years before moving to New Zealand with her husband Josh and their children.

Please give thanks to God for these appointments. Pray for Meg and Sue as they prepare for their new roles and for their respective parishes as they prepare for the arrivals of their new vicars. Please keep praying about other vacancies in the Diocese, that God will supply workers for the vineyard.

In the search for a new Pihopa o Te Waipounamu, two candidates have been announced for the election set down for Friday 17- Saturday 18 April 20-26: the Venerable Hannah Pomare and the Venerable Susan Wallace. Further details can be read here. Please pray for Hannah, Susan and all the electors within Te Waipounamu as they prepare for the electoral hui in two weeks.

The latest edition of AnglicanLife, our magazine, is available to read online. The theme of this edition is “Light in the Darkness” and it offers excellent reflections in this season of Holy Week and Easter.

Thank you to everyone in the Diocese who made a submission in favour of the Christchurch City Council investing funding in four key heritage projects in our city, including Christ Church Cathedral. I am also grateful to Winston Peters, in his capacity as leader of New Zealand First, announcing last Friday afternoon, that, if in position to be a partner in the next coalition government, he will negotiate for $15m of central government funds to be made available to the Cathedral project. In response to people asking me whether this means Anglicans should vote for NZ First, I share this response with you:

“No, but please pray that every voter who has indicated in polls that they will vote for NZ First does indeed do so.”

There has been quite a lot of talk about “A Quiet Revival” taking place in churches in Western countries, with a specific statistical report underpinning this concept for the UK. Then, a few days ago, it was revealed that the statistical analysis of UK survey data was flawed. Quite a flurry of comment has taken place since then. For one careful reflection of what this is all about, I commend reading Bishop Graham Tomlin‘s commentary here.

The final March 2026 Quiet Day was on Saturday 28 March at St. Alban’s, Pleasant Point. It has been a privilege to conduct the Bible studies on John 1-13 through these Saturday mornings and to have Archdeacon Nick Mountfort lead the gatherings in prayer during the afternoons. It was wonderful to be at worship at St. Alban’s, Pleasant Point in the Parish of Temuka-Te Ngawai on Sunday morning.

Through last weekend, the Cursillo Movement within our Diocese led a weekend short course in discipleship at Cracoft, Cashmere. I enjoyed being with participants in this weekend during the closing events of Sunday afternoon, including a closing Eucharist. Thank you to all who contributed to the preparation for and experience of this Cursillo event.

Some readers may have seen a TV news item about me offering a blessing for Te Kaha Stadium, during its official opening on Friday morning. It was a privilege to be asked to do this, and I am delighted that the clip on TV One News captured the moment when I spoke the name of Jesus Christ. The stadium is amazing and I am looking forward to being there one day for a sports event or music concert. Nevertheless, the stadium will pose some challenges for our services at the Transitional Cathedral. This Sunday, for example, will be a test case: 8,000 fans are due at the stadium at 5pm to watch the Warriors play a game on the big screens, at the same time as the Cathedral’s Easter Day Evensong.

Pope Leo has written a beautiful letter of support to Archbishop Sarah Mullaly on the occasion of her installation as Archbishop of Canterbury. His letter can be read here. In a world of division and war, the importance of Christians demonstrating unity has never been more important.

This Holy Week, we journey with Jesus to the cross. May all our services, especially services tomorrow night, Maundy (or Holy) Thursday, those held through the day on Good Friday, and then vigils on Holy Saturday deepen our heart identification with Jesus who lived, suffered, died and was buried for our sakes, that we might be reconciled to God.

Then, this coming Sunday, 5 April 2026, Easter Sunday, let’s hear the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ afresh. The Gospel reading is Matthew 28:1-10 and the Epistle reading is Colossians 3:1-4. We tell the story of Jesus rising from the dead and revealing himself to his followers (the Gospel). We also reflect on what the resurrection of Jesus means for our daily lives in 2026 as we follow Jesus and live in the power of his resurrection life (the Epistle).

Finally, please note there will be no e-Life next Wednesday 8 April.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 25 March 2026

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Dear Friends,

The deadline for submissions to be made in support of the Christchurch City Council investing funding in four key heritage projects in our city, including Christ Church Cathedral, is midnight, this Friday 27 March 2026. Please head to this link to make your submission. It would be very helpful of we had 250 further individual submissions between now and midnight Friday being made. Thank you to all readers who have already made submissions.

Many people have questions about the reinstatement project for the Cathedral. Dean Ben Truman has published online an excellent set of FAQ videos, which can be viewed here. Among recent opinion features in The Press about the cathedral’s reinstatement I commend “‘Rebuild the cathedral, or find a new name for our city’: A Ngāi Tahu view” by Professor Te Maire Tau in The Press (may be behind a paywall), and in this e-Life.

Early tomorrow morning, NZ time, Archbishop Sarah Mullally will be installed in Canterbury Cathedral as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Several members of our church will be there, including our three Archbishops. The service will be broadcast on BBC1 from 2.30pm (UK time) and live streamed on YouTube. Head to this link. Please pray for ++Sarah as she is installed and pray that the Anglican Communion will work unitedly with her through the coming years.

Last Sunday morning Teresa and I participated in worship at Te Hepara Pai, Ferry Road, Woolston and enjoyed fellowship and hospitality afterwards. By the end of this week the nominated candidates for the election of the new Pihopa o Te Waipounamu will be made public. Please pray for these candidates, and all electors within Te Hui Amorangi o Te Waipounamu as they prepare for their Electoral Synod, Friday to Saturday, 17-18 April 2026.

Thank you to all who supported the Reverend Sammy Mould when she was ordained priest last Wednesday evening, and given her licence as the new Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Woodend-Pegasus.

Let’s continue to pray for peace, praying in hope, praying to the Prince of Peace, knowing that daily news informs us of continuing war and the loss of many innocent lives. Let’s pray for wisdom and compassion to prevail in our political leaders, especially as ramifications of the war with Iran begin to affect the whole world through rising costs for fuel and predictable consequential rises in everyone’s cost of living around the globe. As war and violence continues in the Middle East, it may be helpful to readers to view a recent webinar ‘Waging Peace in a World of Violence’ with NZ theologian Dr Chris Marshall, which you can watch here on YouTube. It is particularly timely as the horrific violence across West Asia/’Middle East’ continues to deteriorate.

The final March 2026 Quiet Day is this coming Saturday 28 March, 9am to 3pm, with Bible study/reflection in the morning, and prayer for the world and for the church in the afternoon at St Alban’s, Pleasant Point (morning Bible study/reflections on John chapters 11-13). Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea provided. I will be preaching and presiding in St. Albans, Pleasant Point, 9.30am, Sunday 29 March.

Pamela McKenzie has died and her funeral is at 11am, Friday 27 March 2026, at St Barnabas, Fendalton. Pam was 95. She served in ministry and mission with her late husband Archdeacon Alan McKenzie through many decades, mostly in this Diocese, but also for a few years in the Diocese of Singapore. Pam will be much missed in the Parish of Fendalton and across the Diocese as a beloved, gracious servant-leader within the church. Please pray for the McKenzie family as they prepare for this week’s funeral service.

This coming Sunday, 29 March 2026 is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. The Gospel reading is Matthew 21:1-11 (and, if following the readings for Passion Sunday as well, Matthew 26:14- 27:66). We currently live in a world where human “kingship” has led to multiple wars and global economic turmoil. Jesus follows the path of a different kind of kingship. What does this path say to us as his followers?

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of our Saviour to the Blessed Virgin Mary. One of the collects set down for the day is this:

God of grace,

Grant that Mary’s obedience may inspire us

To obey your will

And receive Jesus Christ in our hearts as Lord;

Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

One God for ever. Amen.

Finally, please pray for all our Easter Campers preparing to head to Spencer Park, Christchurch, on Maundy Thursday next week, to share in teaching, worship, fellowship and fun. Pray for excellent camping weather, and for the speakers and workshop leaders preparing their contributions to the camp.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 18 March 2026

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Dear Friends,

All are welcome to the Transitional Cathedral tonight, Wednesday 18 March, when the Reverend Sammy Mould will be ordained priest at 7pm. The Reverend Lucy Flatt, Vicar of Johnsonville, will be the preacher. Clergy should robe, alb and red stole. During this service Sammy will also be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Woodend-Pegasus.

Let’s continue to pray for peace, praying in hope, praying to the Prince of Peace, knowing that daily news informs us of continuing war and the loss of many innocent lives. Let’s pray for wisdom and compassion to prevail in our political leaders, especially as ramifications of the war with Iran begin to affect the whole world through rising costs for fuel and predictable consequential rises in everyone’s cost of living around the globe.

The Christchurch City Council is seeking submissions through this month on the question of investing more funds into four key heritage projects in the city, including Christ Church Cathedral. Please head to this link to make a submission. I ask that as many Anglicans as possible make a submission in favour of the Council supporting our Reinstatement Project so that we can complete it in a timely manner. Thank you!

Many people have questions about the reinstatement project for the Cathedral. Dean Ben Truman has published online an excellent set of FAQ videos, which can be viewed on this YouTube link.

The final two March 2026 Quiet Days are coming up. Each Quiet day runs from 9am to 3pm, with Bible study/reflection in the morning, and prayer for the world and for the church in the afternoon:
- 9am to 3pm, this Saturday 21 March, The Anglican Centre, 95 Tuam Street, Christchurch (John chapters 7-10). I am preaching and presiding the following day, 10.15am, Sunday 22 March, in Te Hepara Pai, Te Pa o Te Waipounamu, Ferry Road, Woolston.
- 9am to 3pm, Saturday 28 March, St. Alban’s, Pleasant Point (John chapters 11-13), with Sunday service in St. Albans, Pleasant Point, 9.30am, Sunday 29 March 2026.
All are welcome to these quiet days. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea provided. Our second weekend, based at the Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs, went very well – thank you Epiphany for your hospitality!

Pamela McKenzie has died and her funeral is at 11am, Friday 27 March 2026, at St. Barnabas, Fendalton Parish. Pam was 95. She served in ministry and mission with her late husband Archdeacon Alan McKenzie through many decades, mostly in this Diocese, but also for a few years in the Diocese of Singapore. Pam will be much missed in the Parish of Fendalton and across the Diocese as a beloved, gracious servant-leader within the church. Please pray for the McKenzie family as they prepare for next week’s funeral service.

This coming Sunday, 22 March 2026 is Lent 5. The Gospel reading is John 11:1-45. The high points in this story of Lazarus being raised from the dead are verses 25-27, where Jesus makes one of his seven “I am” declarations (25-26) and Martha, sister of Lazarus, responds with a faith-filled declaration that anticipates the ending of John 20, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 11 March 2026

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Dear Friends,

We continue to pray for peace, praying in hope, praying to the Prince of Peace, knowing that daily news informs us of continuing war. We pray for wisdom to prevail in our global and national leaders, especially as ramifications of the war begin to affect the whole world.

Last week, there was a pet blessing at St Margaret’s College. Chaplain Rev’d Stephanie Clay blessed the beloved pets of Years 1 to 6 students, amidst plenty of tails wagging, gentle purrs, and happy smiles. In this e-Life, there are also photos and reflections from last Friday’s World Day of Prayer services in Christchurch.

Christ Church Cathedral: Beginning on Friday, 13 March there will be another Open Weekend for visitors to walk through the cathedral. Places need to be booked. Please see details elsewhere in this e-Life.

Last Friday, a Special e-Life was published, informing e-Life readers that the Christchurch City Council is seeking submissions through this month on the question of investing more funds into four key heritage projects in the city, including our Cathedral. In that e-Life details were given about how to make a submission. Please head to this link. I ask that as many Anglicans as possible make a submission in favour of the Council supporting our Reinstatement Project so that we can complete it in a timely manner. Thank you!

Among Lenten “extra effort” possibilities this Lent are the following opportunities across our Diocese, March 2026 Quiet Days, when we can participate in Bible study together and then in prayer for the Diocese and for the world. Each Saturday will run from 9am to 3pm, with the morning spent in Bible study led by Bishop Peter, and the afternoon in prayer:
- This Saturday 14 March, Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs (John chapters 4-6), with Sunday service in the Church of Epiphany, 10am on Sunday 15 March
- Saturday 21 March, The Anglican Centre, 95 Tuam Street, Christchurch (John chapters 7-10), with Sunday service in Te Hepara Pai, Ferry Road, Woolston, 10.15am, Sunday 22 March
- Saturday 28 March, St Alban’s, Pleasant Point (John chapters 11-13), with Sunday service in St. Albans, Pleasant Point, 9.30am, Sunday 29 March 2026.
All are welcome to these quiet days. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea provided. Our first weekend, based at All Saints’, Hokitika, went very well—thank you, All Saints for your hospitality!

The Reverend Sammy Mould will be ordained priest at 7pm on Wednesday 18 March, in the Transitional Cathedral. All are welcome to this service for which the Reverend Lucy Flatt, Vicar of Johnsonville, will be the preacher. Clergy should robe, alb and red stole.

The Reverend Helen Roud has announced that she will conclude her ministry as Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Addington on Sunday 7 June 2026. I am very grateful for Helen’s eight years of ministry leadership in this parish. I am also grateful that Helen’s ministries in facilitating Clinical Pastoral Education courses based here in Christchurch will continue, along with her support for clergy through supervision.

Following a recent meeting with the Diocesan Council for World Mission, I encourage individuals and ministry units to continue generous support to the Anglican Missions Board, with special emphasis on each ministry unit maintaining or increasing their contributions to our “whole of Diocese” mission giving goal, as set each year at our annual Synod.

The Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership is partnering with the School of Emotionally Healthy Leadership to deliver the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and Emotionally Healthy Relationships courses again in 2026. In the school, we’ll journey together as a small cohort of pastors and leaders from around Aotearoa. We’ll slow down to be with Jesus and rediscover leadership from the inside out through live teaching and virtual table groups. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is running online, Tuesday mornings 9.30am-12pm from 28 April to 16 June. Registrations are limited. Please see details elsewhere in this e-Life.

This coming Sunday, 15 March 2026 is Lent 4. The Gospel reading is John 9:1-41. A common theme across the Gospels, as well as other parts of the Bible, is whether people see well or are spiritually blind. Those who see well grasp who God is and what God asks of us. Those who are spiritually blind may have a limited understanding of the things of God but ultimately fail to grasp the most important things. These differences and tensions play out in this narrative, about the healing of a blind man. One point of great interest in the chapter is the way in which the healed man develops a greater insight into who Jesus is as the narrative unfolds.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 4 March 2026

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Dear Friends,

The situation in Iran and surrounding countries is disturbing and full of dark portent because it is not clear today as I write that good will come from this war. I hope good does come, but we know from what happened in recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that worse things rather than better things can be the outcome of war. I also hope that we have a global re-think on what the rule of international law means: for 47 years the regime in Iran has exported terrorism while its borders have been respected by adherence to international law. As Christians, our theology of peace means that we seek peace which is much more than the mere absence of war. There is peace when people are at peace everywhere, within nations as well as between nations. Recent protests, and the violence of the Iranian government against the protestors, has demonstrated that Iran has no peace within itself. Let’s pray for peace – genuine and lasting peace in and between all countries of the Middle East. Let’s also pray for our Prime Minister and Government who are between a rock and a hard place as they respond to the breakdown of adherence to international law while seeking to avoid the tariff-raising wrath of a mercurial US president.

Archdeacon Ben Randall announced to his parishioners on Sunday that he is concluding his ministry as Vicar of St. Mary’s, Timaru and thus Ben has also resigned as Archdeacon of South Canterbury. After Pentecost Sunday (24 May 2026), Ben will relocate back to Christchurch in order to be nearer to family. He will be concluding a course of study that he has been undertaking before discerning his next ministry call.

Sunday 1 March was the last Sunday for the Reverend Patrick Chrisp in his role as Interim Priest-in-Charge for the Parish of Hornby, Templeton and West Melton. Thank you, Patrick, for your ministry in this parish.

One of Patrick’s last services in the parish was to lead the funeral for the Reverend Ray Salisbury, who died early last week and whose funeral was at St. Saviour’s, Templeton on Friday afternoon, 27 February. Ray served the parish well through many years of ministry before and after ordination. Please pray for Jean, his wife, and their family as they mourn his loss.

Now we are in autumn, likely we are all disappointed with the poverty of the summer just past: little sunshine, lots of rain, modest temperatures. Please spare a thought for our arable farmers in Canterbury, many of whom are struggling to achieve a good harvest because of the lack of true summer weather conditions.

It was good to be at St John’s, Highfield, Timaru on Sunday morning, to share in worship through two morning services and to meet with the church wardens afterwards. In this parish, along with all our parishes experiencing vacancies between vicars at this time, I am very grateful for the faithful service and hard work of our churchwardens, vestries, lay preachers, and all who serve to ensure God is praised through worship and glorified through mission in our local communities.

The Reverend Sammy Mould will be ordained priest at 7pm on Wednesday 18 March, in the Transitional Cathedral. All are welcome to this service for which the Reverend Lucy Flatt, Vicar of Johnsonville in Wellington, will be the preacher. Clergy should robe, alb and red stole.

Christ Church Cathedral: Beginning on Friday 13 March, there will be another Open Weekend for visitors to walk through the cathedral. Places need to be booked. Please see details elsewhere in this e-Life. The Christchurch City Council is seeking submissions through this month on the question of investing more funds into four key heritage projects in the city, including our Cathedral. This Friday morning, 6 March 2026, I will be writing to all on the e-Life mailing list, giving details of how submissions may be made. I ask that as many Anglicans as possible make a submission in favour of the Council supporting our Reinstatement Project so that we can complete it in a timely manner.

Among Lenten “extra effort” possibilities this Lent are the following opportunities across our Diocese, March 2026 Quiet Days, when we can participate in Bible study together and then in prayer for the Diocese and for the world. Each Saturday will run 9am to 3pm, with the morning spent in Bible study led by Bishop Peter, and the afternoon in prayer:

This Saturday 7 March, All Saints, Hokitika (Gospel of John chapters 1-3 for the Bible study)

Saturday 14 March, Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs (John chapters 4-6)

Saturday 21 March, The Anglican Centre, 95 Tuam Street, Christchurch (John chapters 7-10)

Saturday 28 March, St. Alban’s, Pleasant Point (John chapters 11-13)

All are welcome to the quiet days. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea provided.

I am looking forward to hearing the internationally acclaimed King’s Singers when they return to Christchurch Town Hall next Wednesday, 11 March 2026 for a very special concert marking Christchurch-born baritone Chris Bruerton’s final New Zealand performance with the ensemble. Tickets are still available from https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/the-kings-singers2/christchurch.

This coming Sunday, 8 March 2026 is Lent 3. The Gospel reading is John 4:5-42. This is a great story with lots to unpack in it – deserving of a series of talks and not just one sermon. One aspect of the story, in keeping with many Gospel stories, is in the last verse, when the Samaritans recognise that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. Jews and Samaritans were enemies in those days, but God wanted both in his kingdom. Today, in a divided world, we who are “gospel” people must seek, through prayer and preaching, through witness to Jesus Christ in word and in deed, to draw all people into the kingdom. Jesus is Saviour of the world, not just of part of the world.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 25 February 2026

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Dear Friends,

Big in the news this week is the Government’s proposal of “move-on” legislation regarding police powers in relation to homeless persons. Our City Missioner, Corinne Haines, has made an appropriately edgy response, as reported in The Press (may be behind a paywall): jail-time would be “the most expensive form of emergency housing” in the country. Rightly, responses to the Government’s proposal point out that we need solutions other than arrests to the challenges our society faces re homelessness and support for those who are mentally unwell. Moving people on is not in itself a solution to those challenges, let alone criminalising homeless people. If the Government found a few more pennies to invest in what the City Mission here, and similar missions in all our cities and towns are doing to meet these challenges, they would reap an investment worth dollars in terms of what the brilliant people working in these not-for-profit, non-governmental agencies are able to achieve with even a modicum of support.

It was good to be at St. Peter’s, Temuka on Sunday morning, to preach and preside for their 10.00 am service. Among our parishes with vacancies at this time, please pray for the Parishes of Temuka-Te Ngawai; Highfield, Kensington and Otipua; Upper Riccarton-Yaldhurst in particular as they begin or continue search processes for new vicars.

Ash Wednesday was a wonderful day, with four services in our Anglican schools, and a lovely Catholic-Anglican service in St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral here in Christchurch. Thank you to all who made extra efforts last week to ensure services were held in our ministry units, and jointly with other churches. As we move through these early days of Lent it is wonderful to learn of Lenten study groups underway in many of our ministry units.

This morning it was not so wonderful to read Joe Bennett’s Press column, in which he proposes that the Cathedral in the Square become a permanent monument to the Canterbury quakes (may be behind a paywall). Christchurch city already has a beautiful memorial for the quakes, on Oxford Terrace, beside the Avon River. The vision for the Cathedral remains that it will reopen and be a continuing witness to our Lord Jesus Christ and his Good News for all humanity, in the heart of our city.

On Sunday a wonderful exhibition in the Cathedral, Cathedral Square Unearthed, closed after 1,500 people were able to participate in it. In good news for those who were unable to obtain tickets to the exhibition, it has now relocated to The Crossing (accessible off Colombo, Lichfield and Cashel Streets) in the centre of Christchurch.

Open Heaven at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch, last Thursday evening, involved some 6,000 to 8,000 people drawn from a wide variety of churches around Canterbury. It was a privilege to be present and to take part with one prayer, as Christians united to praise God in song and to pray for our churches, our community and our world.

Among Lenten “extra effort” possibilities this Lent are the following opportunities across our Diocese, March 2026 Quiet Days, when we can participate in Bible study together and then in prayer for the Diocese and for the world. Each Saturday will run 9am to 3pm, with the morning spent in Bible study led by Bishop Peter, and the afternoon in prayer:
1. Saturday 7 March, All Saints, Hokitika (Gospel of John chapters 1-3 for the Bible study)
2. Saturday 14 March, Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs (Gospel of John chapters 4-6)
3. Saturday 21 March, The Anglican Centre, 95 Tuam Street, Christchurch (Gospel of John chapters 7-10)
4. Saturday 28 March, St Alban’s, Pleasant Point (Gospel of John chapters 11-13)
All are welcome to the quiet days. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea provided.

On the Sundays following the Quiet Days I will then preach and preside in the local church at the main Sunday morning service, except for Sunday 22 March when I will preach and preside at Te Hepara Pai, Te Waipounamu, Ferry Road, Christchurch. It would be a great encouragement to the Parishes of Westland, Hanmer Springs and Temuka-Te Ngawai if some members of the Diocese outside those localities planned to participate in one of those three weekends.

The internationally acclaimed King’s Singers return to Christchurch Town Hall on 11 March 2026 for a very special concert marking Christchurch-born baritone Chris Bruerton‘s final New Zealand performance with the ensemble. Tickets are available online.

The Reverend Sammy Mould will be ordained priest at 7pm on Wednesday 18 March, in the Transitional Cathedral. All are welcome to this service for which the Reverend Lucy Flatt, Vicar of Johnsonville, will be the preacher. Clergy should robe, alb and red stole.

This coming Sunday, 1 March 2026 is Lent 2. The Gospel reading is John 3:1-17. In this Year A of the three-year lectionary cycle, the Sunday gospel readings work through John’s Gospel and the encounters Jesus has with individuals: this Sunday, Jesus and Nicodemus. What stands out for you in this encounter? Nicodemus is eager to learn from Jesus but has to rapidly get up to speed with the message from heaven itself which Jesus brings. This message comes through the great love God has for the world – including you and me (3:16-17).

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 18 February 2026

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Dear Friends,

Our new students at St John’s College, Meadowbank, Auckland, Byron Behm and Alice Carrell, were welcomed at a pōwhiri and eucharist service on Sunday afternoon. They join continuing students at the College, Luke Watson and Jamie Somerville. I am grateful that Archdeacon Nick Mountfort, Archdeacon for Ministry, was able to be present in support of them all and their families. Please pray for our students and for the College as academic studies and ministry formation programmes get underway for 2026.

It was good to be at Holy Trinity, Avonside on Sunday morning, to preach and preside for their 9.30am service. The Parish of Avonside is one of 16 ministry units across the Diocese which have a ministry leadership vacancy or which have interim ministry leadership as we work on a longer-term way forward for provision of priestly leadership. Your continuing prayer for the challenge of finding stipended leadership in these ministry units is much appreciated. As we seek the Regeneration of our Diocese, it is vital that we secure a new generation of leaders. I am thankful to God for the provision of new generation ministers for our churches. At present, however, we could do with even more than we have been generously given by God.

Today is Ash Wednesday. As services are held across the Diocese, I hope that we can take up the opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ by receiving the sign of his cross through ash. I am looking forward to preaching at our annual Roman Catholic—Anglican cathedrals’ ecumenical service tonight in St Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Manchester Street, Christchurch at 5.30pm. All welcome.

Tomorrow night, 7pm to 8.30pm, Thursday 19 February, is Open Heaven, at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch. Doors open at 6.15pm and entry is free. This year the capacity of the arena for this event has been increased to 8,000 so there will be room for everyone. More details at www.openheaven.nz

March 2026 Quiet Days: 9am to 3pm, with the morning spent in Bible study led by Bishop Peter, and the afternoon in prayer for the world and for the Diocese:
1. Saturday 7 March, All Saints, Hokitika (Gospel of John chapters 1-3 for the Bible study)
2. Saturday 14 March, Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs (Gospel of John chapters 4-6)
3. Saturday 21 March, The Anglican Centre, 95 Tuam Street, Christchurch (Gospel of John chapters 7-10)
4. Saturday 28 March, St Alban’s, Pleasant Point (Gospel of John chapters 11-13)
All are welcome to the quiet days. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea provided.

On the Sundays following the Quiet Days I will then preach and preside in the local church at the main Sunday morning service, except for Sunday 22 March when I will preach and preside at Te Hepara Pai, Te Waipounamu, Ferry Road, Christchurch. It would be a great encouragement to the Parishes of Westland, Hanmer Springs and Temuka-Te Ngawai if some members of the Diocese outside those localities planned to participate in one of those three weekends.

The internationally acclaimed King’s Singers return to Christchurch Town Hall on 11 March 2026 for a very special concert marking Christchurch-born baritone Chris Bruerton‘s final New Zealand performance with the ensemble. Tickets are available online. Chris Bruerton’s musical journey was shaped by his years as a chorister and lay clerk at the cathedral.

The Reverend Sammy Mould will be ordained priest at 7pm on Wednesday 18 March, in the Transitional Cathedral. All are welcome to this service for which the Reverend Lucy Flatt, Vicar of Johnsonville, will be the preacher.

This coming Sunday, 22 February 2026 is Lent 1. The Gospel reading is Matthew 4:1-11. Testing times for Jesus through 40 days in the wilderness recall testing times for Israel through 40 years in the wilderness between Egypt and Israel’s promised land. Jesus does more than resist the temptations Satan puts to him: he pushes back against Satan, invoking authority from astutely chosen Scriptures. When we face testing times, we can recall for our encouragement that Jesus has faced testing times (Hebrews 4:14-16) and we can use Scripture to defeat the subtle, manipulative temptations of Satan.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 11 February 2026

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Dear Friends,

The post-summer holiday part of 2026 is well underway as we look ahead, to a busy period with many important and wonderful services/events coming up.

Ash Wednesday, 18 February 2025, is one of the most important days in the church’s calendar and I am delighted that ecumenical services for Ash Wednesday are planned across our Diocese. I am looking forward to preaching at our annual Roman Catholic – Anglican cathedrals’ ecumenical service which will be in St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Manchester Street, Christchurch at 5.30pm. All welcome.

The following night, 7pm to 8.30pm, Thursday 19 February, is Open Heaven, at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch. I attended this event last year and it was a highlight of the year as some 5,000 Christians from across our city and region came together to praise God and to pray for our nation. I will be there this year and I encourage all readers of e-Life to join me. Doors open at 6.15pm and entry is free. This year the capacity of the arena for this event has been increased to 8,000 so there will be room for everyone. More details at Open Heaven.

Coming up in early March is the World Day of Prayer. This is a global annual event, always held on the first Friday in March – so this year, Friday 6 March 2026. Please look at for a local, ecumenical, prayer service held in a church near you and join with others in praying for our world. This year Nigerian women have written the service based on Matthew 11:28-30. With all that has been in the news about Christians being persecuted, kidnapped and killed in Nigeria, it is timely to hear their voice. Further details are at on the AAW website, AAW events, and elsewhere in e-Life next week.

Clergy Announcements

At the end of January, the Reverend Lisa McInnes concluded her role as Vicar of Avonside, and the Reverend Steven Dunne concluded his role as Priest-in-Charge of Woodend-Pegasus. I thank Lisa and Steven for the respective ministries and wish them well for the next chapter in their lives.

The Reverend Sammy Mould will lead the Parish of Woodend-Pegasus as Deacon-in-Charge until Wednesday, 18 March 2026 when she will become Priest-in-Charge of the parish, following her ordination to the priesthood at 7pm on Wednesday 18 March, in the Transitional Cathedral. All are welcome to this service for which the Reverend Lucy Flatt, Vicar of Johnsonville, will be the preacher. Sammy will work 0.8 FTE for the parish and continue working one day a week in her Diocesan role as leader of our Under 40s Diocesan Ministry Team.

March 2026 Quiet Days: 9am to 3pm, with the morning spent in Bible study led by Bishop Peter, and the afternoon in prayer for the world and for the Diocese:
1. Saturday 7 March, All Saints, Hokitika (Gospel of John chapters 1-3 for the Bible study)
2. Saturday 14 March, Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs (John chapters 4-6)
3. Saturday 21 March, The Anglican Centre, 95 Tuam Street, Christchurch (John chapters 7-10)
4. Saturday 28 March, St. Alban’s, Pleasant Point (John chapters 11-13)
All are welcome to the quiet days. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go to a nearby eating place. Morning tea is provided.

On the Sundays following the Quiet Days I will then preach and preside in the local church at the main Sunday morning service, except for Sunday 22 March when I will preach and preside at Te Hepara Pai, Te Waipounamu, Ferry Road, Christchurch. It would be a great encouragement to the Parishes of Westland, Hanmer Springs and Temuka-Te Ngawai if some members of the Diocese outside those localities planned to participate in one of those three weekends.

The internationally acclaimed King’s Singers return to Christchurch Town Hall on 11 March 2026 for a very special concert marking Christchurch-born baritone Chris Bruerton‘s final New Zealand performance with the ensemble. You will experience an unforgettable evening of flawless harmony, wit, and a richly varied programme spanning Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary favourites, in a heartfelt homecoming and farewell celebration. Tickets are available online. Chris Bruerton’s musical journey was shaped by his years as a chorister and lay clerk at the cathedral. He and his colleagues in the King’s Singers are extraordinary singers.

The Reverend Jim and Sandra Robb write:

“Our heart-felt thanks for your comments and prayerful support following our son Timothy’s recent death. Some of you have asked for a link to view the service: A recording of his funeral held on Monday 2 February in St Mary’s Church Eaton Socon, England is currently accessible on You Tube as “Timothy Robb’s Thanksgiving Service”. We’re not sure how long this will remain on-line so as a back-up it’s now permanently stored on Vimeo and can be accessed.”

Last Friday was Waitangi Day. Teresa and I were able to be in Waitangi for our first experience of Waitangi Day celebrations and commemorations. It was a privilege to support local Māori Anglican Bishop, Kito Pikaahu, by sharing with other bishops and church leaders in the well-known Dawn Service and then in another, similar service at 9 am. I have written a few reflections about the experience of this important day in our history on my personal blog.

This coming Sunday, 15 February 2026 is Epiphany 6. The Gospel reading is Matthew 5:21-37. Being a disciple of Jesus is costly. Jesus calls us in passages such as this to live up to a very high calling. If we are challenged by this passage, let’s pray for God’s help through the Holy Spirit to live up to our high calling. If we are not challenged by this passage, let’s take care not to be proud of our righteous state!

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 4 February 2026

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Dear Friends,

Veronica Cross has given me notice that she will retire from her Bishop’s EA role on 20 April 2026. I am so grateful for her work with me, her support for many aspects of life in the Anglican Centre, and her extraordinary helpfulness to individuals, committees and boards across the Diocese on a wide range of matters. Closer to 20 April will be an opportunity to say more about Veronica and to wish God’s blessings on her and Dave, her husband, for the next chapter of their life together.

Following Nathan Muirhead’s conclusion of his role as Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, I am delighted to announce that Mr Phil Trotter has been appointed to the role and will begin work this coming Monday 9 February 2026. Among several roles in youth ministry, Phil has previously worked for the Diocese of Christchurch as Diocesan Youth Advisor for 11 years, as National Youth Advisor for Tikanga Pakeha for 5 years and as full-time lecturer at Laidlaw College teaching youth ministry and overseeing ministry internships. Phil’s most recent roles have involved youth work in the Hurunui District. Thank you, Phil, for rejoining the Diocesan staff team for this important work. Phil can be contacted at safe.edu@anglicanlife.org.nz

Thank you to all who gathered for Evensong at the Transitional Cathedral on Sunday evening, during which we commissioned Archdeacon Nick Mountfort as Archdeacon of Ministry for the Diocese, and we installed the Reverend Bosco Peters as a Clerical Canon of Christ Church Cathedral. Archdeacon Nick may be contacted on education, training and formation matters in the Diocese at education@anglicanlife.org.nz.

This Friday is Waitangi Day. Let’s continue to pray for our nation, that we will grow more deeply in being a diversity-in-unity people. From a Tiriti perspective we are the diversity of two peoples signing the one covenant for our life together. From a contemporary perspective we are the diversity of people from many nations arriving on these shores through intervals of time, with multiple cultures being expressed through a diversity of customs, religious practices and everyday aspirations for a better life. On Waitangi Day we have an opportunity as a whole nation to ensure that we truly, deeply “love one another” (even if that phrase sourced from Jesus himself is never used by any of our political leaders).

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent is two weeks away, Wednesday 18 February 2025. I commend ministry units organising ecumenical services for Ash Wednesday and look forward to joining in our annual Roman Catholic – Anglican cathedrals’ ecumenical service which will be in St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Manchester Street, Christchurch at 5.30pm. All welcome.

I commend Bible study groups for Lent and recommend for study the next instalment of Theology House’s Lenten study series, In the Spirit of Lent. The edition for Year A (2025-2026) again includes art by the Reverend Sarah West and text by Gareth Bezett, Director of Theology House. Orders can be made at Theology House and books will be posted to you as soon as possible. Copies are $9 each.

In March there will be a series of Quiet Days in four parts of the Diocese in March 2026. Each Quiet Day will consist of Bible study and prayer and take place on a Saturday, 9am to 3pm. I will then preach and preside in a local church the next day at the main Sunday morning service. The weekends are, 7-8 March, at All Saints, Hokitika, Westland; 14-15 March at the Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs; 21-22 March here in Christchurch (Saturday in the Anglican Centre; Sunday service at Te Hepara Pai, Ferry Road), and 28-29 March at St. Albans’, Pleasant Point. It would be a great encouragement to the Parishes of Westland, Hanmer Springs and Temuka-Te Ngawai if some members of the Diocese outside those localities planned to participate in one of those three weekends. More details to come.

The internationally acclaimed King’s Singers return to Christchurch Town Hall on 11 March 2026 for a very special concert marking Christchurch-born baritone Chris Bruerton‘s final New Zealand performance with the ensemble. Expect an unforgettable evening of flawless harmony, wit, and a richly varied programme spanning Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary favourites, in a heartfelt homecoming and farewell celebration. Tickets are available online from Eventfinda.

Let’s continue in prayer for the troubled places of the world, including Iran (which has gone somewhat quiet in the news, but great trouble continues there). The Anglican Missions Board page offers guidance on praying the news about Iran. The Reverend Edrick Corban-Banks has also supplied prayers for use in our Diocese and beyond which are available in this e-Life.

This coming Sunday, 8 February 2026 is Epiphany 5. The Gospel reading is Matthew 5:13-20. There are at least three significant Sunday messages to be brought out of this passage: being salt of the earth; being light to the world; being righteous in the context of the Law of Moses and the teaching of Jesus as it reinterprets that Law.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 28 January 2026

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Dear Friends,

Further to my encouragement in e-Life last week that we have a special focus in our Sunday intercessions and parish prayer meetings, I have been made aware of this helpful Anglican Missions Board page which offers guidance on praying the news about Iran. I am grateful for prayers supplied by the Reverend Edrick Corban-Banks for use in our Diocese and beyond which are available in this e-Life. There is now a consensus in world media that the Iranian government has carried out the most appalling mass executions of its own citizens in order to maintain power. A number as high as 30,000 deaths is being reported in reliable mainstream media.

On Friday night, 23 January, at 7pm in St. Barnabas, Fendalton, the Reverend Dr Andrew Butcher was inducted as Vicar of Fendalton, and the Reverend Kay Webster was commissioned as Senior Associate Priest for the Parish of Fendalton. I rejoice that we have clerical leadership in two parishes, Fendalton and Avonhead settled in the first month of this year. I ask for your prayers as we work on other vacancies in parishes ranging from South Canterbury to North Canterbury.

On Sunday morning Lily Beavan was confirmed in St. John the Evangelist, Cheviot, and on Sunday afternoon parishioners from across Mid Canterbury gathered in St. John’s Church, Barrhill, for an annual Archdeaconry service, organised by the Reverend Sage Burke, with Archdeacon Indrea Alexander as our preacher.

This Sunday evening, at Evensong, 5pm Sunday 1 February 2026 in the Transitional Cathedral, we will commission Archdeacon Nick Mountfort as Archdeacon for Ministry for the Diocese, and we will install the Reverend Bosco Peters as a Clerical Canon of Christ Church Cathedral. All are welcome to this service.

From 1 February 2026 the Parish of Upper Riccarton-Yaldhurst will be seeking a new vicar to replace Archdeacon Nick Mountfort. During the vacancy, the Reverend Dr Mike Baker will be the Interim Priest-in-Charge with the Reverend Peg Riley continuing her role of Associate Priest for this parish.

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent is three weeks away: Wednesday 18 February 2025. I commend ministry units organising ecumenical services for Ash Wednesday and look forward to joining in our annual Roman Catholic – Anglican cathedrals’ ecumenical service which will be in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Manchester Street, Christchurch at 5.30pm. All welcome.

I also commend Bible study groups for Lent and recommend for study the next instalment of Theology House’s Lenten study series, In the Spirit of Lent. The edition for Year A (2025-2026) again includes art by the Reverend Sarah West and text by Gareth Bezett, Director of Theology House. Orders can be made at Theology House and books will be posted to you as soon as possible. Copies are $9 each.

I am planning a series of Quiet Days in four parts of the Diocese in March 2026. Each Quiet Day will consist of Bible study and prayer and take place on a Saturday, 9am to 3pm. I will then preach and preside in a local church the next day. The weekends are, 7-8 March, at All Saints, Hokitika, Westland; 14-15 March at the Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs; 21-22 March here in Christchurch (venues to be confirmed), and 28-29 March at St. Albans’, Pleasant Point. It would be a great encouragement to the Parishes of Westland, Hanmer Springs and Temuka-Te Ngawai if some members of the Diocese outside those localities planned to participate in one of those three weekends. More details in the next few weeks.

Diana Smith, widow of Fr Ron Smith, has died and her funeral was held in St. Michael’s and All Angels, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch last Saturday. I give thanks to God for Diana’s life and for her gentle presence in the congregation at St. Michael’s and for her support for Fr Ron’s ministry.

This coming Sunday, 1 February 2026 is Epiphany 4 and likely in many churches to be celebrated as The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The Gospel reading is Luke 2:22-40. One way to read this story is to absorb and be inspired by the example of Simeon and Anna in their devotion to Jesus Christ. They anticipate the coming of the Christ, knowing not when this will be nor exactly whom this gift of God to the world will be. Their anticipation is expressed through many years in daily devotion in prayer and worship in their place of worship – the Temple in Jerusalem. They are faithful to Jesus whom they have not seen. May we be faithful to Jesus whom we have seen.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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