Presbyterian Church elects Moderator-designate

Presbyterian Church elects Christchurch minister as Moderator-designate

6 October 2018

The Rev Hamish Galloway of Christchurch will be the next leader of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hamish has been elected Moderator designate and will take up the role of Moderator in late 2020. The result of the election was announced at the Church’s General Assembly 2018 in Christchurch on Saturday 6 October.

Hamish is senior minister at Hope Presbyterian Church in Christchurch.

Born in Timaru, he studied at the University of Canterbury. After graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Laws, he worked as a law clerk and solicitor in Christchurch. He then studied at the Presbyterian Theological Hall from 1981, completing his training in 1983.

Hamish ministered at St Stephens Presbyterian Church, Timaru from 1983 until 1988.

From 1989 to 2010, Hamish served at St Andrew's College, Christchurch, first as Head of Religious Education and chaplain, and then as Head of Pastoral Care and chaplain. He studied through Massey University for a Master of Business Studies, graduating in 1999. Hamish was called to Hope Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, in 2011.

Hamish has spent time studying and working overseas: in 1989, he was minister at Lake Cowichan United Church, Vancouver Island; in 1999 he was chaplain at Scots College in Sydney for six months and also studied at the University of Wisconsin for three months. In 2009, he was minister at Bromley Methodist Church, London.

He has served the Presbyterian Church as Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery, clerk of the South Canterbury Presbytery, two separate terms on the Council of Assembly, Co-convenor of the Facilitation Committee, member of the Doctrine Committee, and as 2004 General Assembly co-ordinator.

Hamish says he will bring to the role of Moderator, “A vibrant and passionate love of God and leadership and strategic thinking skills honed over years of ministry in different contexts”.

“My range of ministry experience in parish and chaplaincy, in a variety of countries and denominations, provides a base that will helpfully inform my time as leader.”

Hamish plans to focus on a number of areas during his Moderatorship, including, “Being pastorally attentive to the wide diversity of people in the Church.”

“A particularly important focus for me will be encouraging the Church to steward resources wisely and effectively to empower the next generation of the Church. Hangaa e te Atua he whakapaparanga mo nga wa e heke mai nei - Build O God a generation for the times that are coming.”

Hamish is married to Anne. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.

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