Media Advisory 14 March 2005

Race relations report marks Te Aka Puaho’s 50th jubilee

Race relations commissioner Joris de Bres will commemorate the 50th birthday of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Maori Synod by releasing a report on race relations in 2004.

The report will include an analysis of race-related complaints made to the Human Rights Commission, statistics on New Zealand’s demographics and ethnic inequalities, and an overview of race relations research.

People from around the country will gather at Ohope marae for the jubilee, which is being held from 17-20 March.

The head of the Presbyterian Church, Moderator Rt Rev Garry Marquand, past and present church members and other senior figures from within the Presbyterian Church will be attending the celebrations.

Date: 17 – 20 March 2005
Time: see attached programme
Location: Ohope marae, Ohope

For further information, to arrange an interview or to confirm your attendance, please contact Josephine Reader on 021 353 020. Interviews may also be arranged prior to or following the celebrations. Race relations commissioner contact: Callom Basham (04) 473 9981

Background information:

- The Presbyterian Church has been associated with tribes of the Urewera, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Central Plateau and King Country regions (Tuhoe, Te Arawa, Te Whanai a Apanui, Tainui, Tuwharetoa) since early last century. Te Aka Puaho now has 13 pastorates including Auckland, Gisborne, Taumaranui, Rotorua and Wellington.
- The current Moderator of Te Aka Puaho is Mrs Millie Te Kaawa, who was inducted into this office on 26 February 2005.
- More information about Te Aka Puaho and its role within the Presbyterian Church can be found at www.presbyterian.org.nz/teakapuaho

Programme – Te Aka Puaho 50th Jubilee celerations

Wednesday, 16 March Powhiri 4:30pm

Thursday, 17 March “Memories of Gisborne” – reflections by R Koia
10:00am
Presentation: Whakatane “Kia taka tu tahi tatou”
11 :00pm
50th jubilee service including re-enactment of handing over of scroll
5:00pm
“Race Relations in 2004” – Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres
7:30pm

Friday, 18 March Hikoi to Waimana/Matahi
9:00am
“Mission of the Church” – General Assembly Moderator, Rt Rev Garry Marquand
2:30pm
Thanksgiving service for bi-cultural journey of Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
3:30pm
Concert 9:00pm

Saturday, 19 March Presentation: Lindisfarne, Te Whaiti nui Toi (boys’ school) and other matters - Sir Rodney Gallen, QC

Presentations from various people about the life and mission of the Church will be held throughout the day

Sunday, 20 March Sunday service 9:00am

Please note the programme is subject to change.

ENDS

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