On Saturday 14 September, about 200 people gathered at Ohope marae to witness the graduation of the Amorangi class of 2008.
Nine Amorangi ministry students from Auckland, Rotorua, Putauaki, Taneatua, Turakina and Wellington graduated, with three of the students being second-generation Amorangi ministers.
People from around the country travelled to be at the graduation, including representatives of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches.
Then-Moderator of the General Assembly the Right Rev Pamela Tankersley was conferred with the Honorary Scholar of Te Wananga a Rangi for her outstanding leadership in the bi-cultural journey
of the Presbyterian Church of Aoteoroa New Zealand during her term as Moderator. Pamela then delivered the graduation address and officiated during the licensing.
The Rev Dr Graham Redding, Director of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, also participated, addressing the students and co-celebrating Holy Communion. Graham had the final words with the students as they gathered at the marae the previous night and talked into the small hours.
One week later, in the small town of Te Teko, 400 people gathered for the first of the ordinations. The service, which was covered by Maori Television, included ministers from the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Ringatu and Ratana Churches.
In 2009, some of the Amorangi ministers will study towards a Bachelor of Theology via the University of Otago as part of their continuing education.