E-News 28th August 2026
Talofa lava, tēnā koutou katoa, and warm Pacific greetings.
It has been one of those weeks that has held a mixture of sadness and celebration, remembrance and gratitude, as well as an opportunity to step away from the usual routines and enjoy something of the beauty that surrounds us here in Wellington.
Firstly we remember the people of Nepal and the tragic flooding and landslide that occurred yesterday. We pray for the country, families and people of Nepal as they recover from this terrible disaster.
Remembering Rev Dorothy Harvey
We were saddened this week to hear of the death of Rev Dorothy Harvey, a much-loved and respected minister of the Presbyterian Church. She was interim moderator here at SAOTT in 2001. Her Women’s Lectionary “Birthed from the womb of God” continues to be used throughout our church.
Dorothy’s family will hold a private family memorial service at the end of September. I will be meeting with Dorothy’s nephew on Wednesday, and we will be able to share a little more about Dorothy and her life and ministry in a later E-News. For now, we remember Dorothy with gratitude and hold her family and those who knew and loved her in our thoughts.
It goes without saying that we also pay tribute to Dolly Parton and the wonderful musical icon she was to the world.
Queen Margaret College Founders’ Service
Last Sunday we had the pleasure of welcoming the Queen Margaret College community to St Andrew’s on the Terrace for their Founders’ Service. It was 107 years since QMC was established. It was lovely to have students, staff, families and members of the wider QMC community at St Andrew’s, celebrating the College’s history and present life, as well as the generations of young women who have passed through its doors.
My First Visit to Zealandia! On Wednesday afternoon, I went for my very first visit to Zealandia. I’m ashamed to say that it’s taken me just over four years to finally go there!
Thanks to Pam Fuller for the guided tour and her expertise on all things Zealandia, nature and wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We even spotted a female tuatara in its habitat.
The St Andrew’s Lecture Series Returns: I am delighted that this year we are reviving the St Andrew’s Lecture Series, the first time we have held the series during my time here at St Andrew’s on the Terrace.
Our theme is: “Belonging in Aotearoa New Zealand: What Is My Culture?”
What does it mean to belong in Aotearoa New Zealand today? How do our different cultural backgrounds, histories, migration stories and experiences shape our sense of identity and belonging? And what do we mean when we talk about my culture in the place we share together?
We begin on Friday, 30 October, when Assoc. Prof. Dr Ben Gray will present the first lecture following his return from Europe. I will present the second lecture on Friday, 13 November.
Both lectures will run from 12.15–1.00pm, with an opportunity afterwards to continue the conversation, ask questions and engage with some of the issues raised.
It is good to be able to begin this St Andrew’s tradition again, and I hope the lectures will provide a thoughtful and stimulating space for conversation about culture, identity and what it means to belong in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Friday 30 October — Dr Ben Gray
Friday 13 November — Rev Dr Fei Taule’ale’ausumai
12.15–1.00pm, St Andrew’s on the Terrace
Please put the dates in your diary. All are welcome.
This Sunday – Standing on Sacred Ground
This Sunday our theme is “Standing on Sacred Ground,” as we explore the story of Moses and the burning bush. Sometimes we need to stop long enough to notice the sacred ground that is already beneath our feet.
I look forward to seeing those of you who are able to join us in person on Sunday, and also welcoming those who will be joining us online. Until then, have a wonderful and restful weekend as we look forward to the first day of Spring on Tuesday next week.
Ia manuia, Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/d404b30f01f0/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10142183
