E NEWS 6 November 2026
Talofa lava and warm Pacific greetings to you all.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Sir Lloyd Geering Emeritus yesterday, 5 November, aged 108. At the time of his death, he was New Zealand’s oldest man.
Sir Lloyd’s family will farewell him with a private natural burial in the coming days. St Andrew’s on The Terrace will celebrate his life at a memorial service, with the date and arrangements to be confirmed following conversations with his family.
For now, let us pause to remember an extraordinary and world renown theologian, a deep thinker, and a courageous voice whose influence trail blazed and reached far beyond Aotearoa New Zealand. His courage, tenacity, and willingness to ask difficult questions helped shape theological thinking and opened conversations that continue to challenge and inspire us. Sir Lloyd was a prophet and progressive thinker way ahead of his time. The questions he raised about faith, humanity, and our life together remain profoundly relevant in the world we now face.
There will be an opportunity for us to gather, share memories, and give thanks for his remarkable life. I will let you know once a date has been agreed with his family. In the meantime, we can begin to consider how we might honour his life and legacy alongside them. Our love and aroha are with his family and all who mourn his passing.
I returned to work this week and had the opportunity to meet with the new Presbyterian schools Director Rev Josh Olds at the Presbyterian Church Head Office on Wednesday morning alongside other Presbytery representatives on our schools both at Scots and Queen Margaret Colleges and the PCANZ Staff also overseeing this connections. Yesterday we remember Parihaka amidst the loud fireworks that disturbed our quiet evenings last night.
I voted last Sunday so I could avoid the rush tomorrow at the polling booths. We will wait with baited breath to see how our country will fair over the next 48 hours. The USA elections were monumental and people made and continue to make their hopes for a more equitable future clearer through their vote. Let’s hope that we too can do the same and make every vote count for the things that matter.
This Sunday our gospel reading is Matthew 25:1–13, known as the parable of the ten virgins, or the five wise and five foolish bridesmaids. My reflection, “When Your Lamp Is Empty,” will explore what happens when our oil runs out—when we need to stop, rest, and replenish.
We might hope that those who still have oil will be willing to share. But what happens when they cannot, or will not? What might that mean for you and for me? And how might we become a community that notices when someone’s lamp is running low?
I imagine many of us at St Andrew’s will recognise the experience of running out of oil, whatever form that takes in our lives. Jacinda Ardern’s words about no longer having enough in the tank to continue as Prime Minister, she said “the tank is empty”. These words offer a familiar contemporary connection for us to consider also. Sometimes we reach a point when we simply have nothing left to give. Recognising that moment, and allowing ourselves to receive care, matters.
We will explore these questions together on Sunday. I look forward to seeing you, whether in church or joining us online.
Until then, enjoy the unpredictable weather we are having. Have lawns to mow and gardens to weed. Ka kite anō, Fei.
On a personal note: Thanks for 35 years of friendship 1991 to 2026
Moe mai ra e hoa. Ia manuia lou malaga.
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/5111f1d7c16e/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10143324
