New Zealand
New Zealand is a centralized democracy acknowledging titular
allegiance to the British Crown. Made a British colony in
1840 by the Treaty of Waitangi, signed by all but a few of
the indigenous Maori tribes, it has been self-governing since
1852 and fully independent since 1947. It is a member of
the Commonwealth. A full free trade agreement signed with
Australia in 1983 has closely integrated those two economies.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) works in partnership with
the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) in
Vanuatu, Fiji and Taiwan. A partnership relation has been
established between the Synod of Alaska-Northwest and the
Maori Synod. Exchange visits have taken place over the years.
Numerous. pastors in the PC(USA) participate in pulpit exchanges with
PCANZ pastors and work closely with them on peacemaking programs.
The PCANZ takes a clear stance in support of Nuclear Free Pacific.
The Maori Synod is in need of training for pastors and lay leaders
in working for racial justice and youth ministry. |
