Announcement from Bishop Andrew

E te whanau a te Karaiti/Dear friends in Christ,

I am writing to you today to announce that the Rev’d Alan Burnett has let me know that he has accepted the role of Chaplain to Iona College, a Presbyterian school for girls in Havelock North.Alan will commence his role at the school in Term 2 and will conclude ministry as Vicar of this parish on Sunday 1 March, 2026. There will be a service in the afternoon of that Sunday to mark the liturgical ending of ministry for Alan. Alan has served as Vicar of Taradale since October 2020 and the liturgical farewell will provide an opportunity for the Parish and Diocesan colleagues to give thanks for the ministry he has offered and supported during his tenure.

The Parish Wardens will be working with members of the Ministry Team and Vestry to provide a framework for stability and continuing pastoral and priestly ministry, and governance within the parish as we enter a time of interregnum. In due course I will lead the process for an appointment of a new priest as Vicar of the Parish. At an appropriate time there will be information throughout the parish about that process, and ways you will

be invited to participate and contribute to that process. During the time of transition your Parish Wardens will be kept up to date on any progress and so should be your first point of contact if you have any queries.

We will try to provide as much information as possible in a timely manner to reduce uncertainty during an unsettling time of change. Today, please join with me in congratulating Alan on his new appointment. We wish Alan, Sarah and their whole family every blessing as they move and adapt to this new focus for ministry for Alan and a new

community to settle into for the whole family this year.

With prayerful support and encouragement,

The Right Reverend Andrew Hedge

Bishop of Waiapu

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