E-NEWS 17TH OCTOBER 2025
As I mentioned in last week’s E-News, last Saturday was indeed a busy time!
The morning began with the YMCA 50-year reunion here at SAOTT, where I was invited to do the welcome by Barry Keenan. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces—old colleagues and lifelong friends reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating their shared years of service.
Later that evening, I made my way to the Wainuiomata Rugby Club for the victory celebrations of my cousin, Fauono Ken Laban, who made history as the first Pacific mayor—not only of Lower Hutt City but of any city in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It was an honour to be part of that moment by leading the blessings and prayers of thanksgiving, witnessing the pride of our community and the legacy of his family’s commitment to justice and service.
Living Wage Protest at Resene’s Naenae Lower Hutt. A group of us (see photo) joined many others outside the Resene’s Head office on Wednesday morning to protest for the Living Wage and stand in solidarity with its workers. The new mayor Ken Laban addressed the crowd at the start. Thankyou to those from SAOTT who joined us, thankfully it was nice spring morning weather for us to enjoy.
This Sunday – 19 October 2025
Theme: Give up? Or do I?
Reading: Luke 18 : 1–8 (The Persistent Widow)
Traditionally, this parable has been read as a lesson about prayer — that we should “pray always and not lose heart.” But this Sunday we are invited to look deeper beyond mere persistence in prayer to persistence in justice-seeking, faithful resistance, and structural transformation.
General Assembly 2025 – Christchurch
From Monday 20 to Thursday 23 October, Ellen Murray and I will be attending our Church’s General Assembly at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific in Christchurch.
The theme this year is “We Believe.”
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we represent St Andrew’s and the Central Presbytery. May wisdom, courage, and unity guide the Assembly’s conversations and decisions.
Ellen and I will be reporting back next Sunday on General Assembly as part of the reflection. Do take care everyone and enjoy the spring weather. Ka kite ano. Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/e5d35e80f965/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10136977
