Vacancy for Vicar of the Parish of Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Diocese of Waiapu

Bishop Andrew Hedge is seeking to make an appointment of a priest as full time Vicar of the Parish of Taupō. The parish is on the north-eastern shore of Lake Taupō near the town centre, which is distinguished by its lakefront setting and popular outdoor sports ranging from fishing to jet-boating along with plenty of cultural activities. To the south are the three volcanic peaks in the National Park; Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro, providing a stunning background. Taupo has a population of 35,000. It is a very popular holiday destination for local and overseas visitors.

The Diocese of Waiapu has 33 parishes over 3 regions. In all that it offers, Waiapu stands for a church that is welcoming and inclusive of all, open, broad-based and ecumenical in its understanding of the Christian faith, committed to a ministry of all the baptized and committed to Tikanga Rua, a partnership with Māori built on justice and mutual respect. Anglican Care Waiapu (ACW) is the social services arm of Anglican Diocese of Waiapu, providing social services in various forms.

The parish has one worship centre, St Andrew’s Anglican Church, which was rebuilt in 2000 and comfortably seats 250 people, it has wonderful acoustics and is often used for concerts by local and international musicians. An accompanying lounge and kitchen attached to the church complex, with the hall adjacent to the Church. There is also a 3 bedroom vicarage backing onto the church, just a short walk from schools and the town centre. The parish offers a range of worship options on Sunday and mid-week, and has adapted well to remote services during the various lockdowns. There are five rest homes within the boundaries where regular monthly services are held.

The parish has a mission: “To Reveal Christ in Word & Action”. The parish is inclusive and welcoming of all God’s people of different faith backgrounds, culture and sexuality. They seek to see all people nurtured in God’s love and grow into all that God has called them to be.

Bishop Andrew and the Parish are seeking to find a priest who:

• has strong pastoral and interpersonal skills, is encouraging, sincere and approachable

• is energetic and passionate

• a clear communicator, enabler, and facilitator of teams

• is committed to participating in bi-cultural partnerships in our 3-tikanga church

• will support current ministry within the Parish and will be open to discerning new opportunities for ministry and mission

• is grounded in Anglican liturgy and adept at providing worship in traditional and contemporary settings

• is a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Resident with the appropriate visa

For a copy of the parish profile, please contact in the first instance Sandra Gifkins (PA to Bishop Andrew Hedge)

sandra.gifkins@waiapu.com. Your formal application should contain a letter of application from you, a copy of your updated Curriculum Vitae and the names and addresses of three referees.

Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 19th November 2021.

Sandra Gifkins

sandra.gifkins@waiapu.com

29/10/2021

19/11/2021