First Report of the UCANZ Commission 4 Nov 2025

The 2025 UCANZ Forum asked the partner churches to appoint a commission to consider and
report on the Cooperative Venture movement. The churches appointed Carole Hughes, Colleen
Kaye, Philip Richardson (Anglican), Michael Lemanu, Ngaire Southon, Nicola Grundy
(Methodist), Peter Dunn, Peter MacKenzie and Talaitupu Fa’amausili (Presbyterian). The initial
meeting of the Commission was held in Auckland, 28-29 October 2025.
The Commission members understand our task to be

• To seek a better way to support parishes in their life within the ecumenical partnership.
• To review the partnership of the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches within
  the context of UCANZ.
• To identify fundamental values and their impact on the church.
• To consider Te Tiriti and explore, where possible, the impact on the church’s relationship
  within UCANZ

The commission committed to wide consultation with parishes and partners in 2026. We will be
talking with national, regional and local leaders in due time.
There was an awareness that Cooperative Ventures are not the only ecumenical expression of the churches in New Zealand and that the context of ministry is difficult at this time. The Commission is seeking to address our situation with shared insight and pastoral care.