January 23, 2017
New Maori bishop for the South Island
Onuku Marae near Akaroa was full to capacity on the weekend for the ordination of Richard Wallace as the Anglican Bishop of Waipounamu.
Bishop Wallace, who was baptised at the tiny Onuku Church in 1945, was elected in October to succeed the late John Gray.
He will have spiritual responsibility for Maori Anglicans from Picton to Bluff as well as Rakiura and the Chatham Islands.
He’s the first bishop to also have an active role in Ngai Tahu governance, serving as upoko of South Westland’s Makaawhio runaka.
Bishop Wallace started his working life as an engineer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force before joining the church.
He was became a priest in 1987 and spent a decade as Maori Missioner for the Diocese of Nelson.
He has also had roles with the Ministry of Maori Affairs in social services: particularly in matua whangai and iwi development.
http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/Features/Extra/Richard
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