The North New Zealand Conference (NNZC) held its 93rd constituency meeting this weekend (September 14-15) at Papatoetoe church in Auckland, where 200 delegates gathered to elect a new leadership team for the next four years.
Pastor Adrian Webster, who had been serving as NNZC ministerial secretary, was elected the new president, and Pastor Andrew West, who was serving as the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regional pastor, was appointed the new secretary. They will serve alongside Chiedza Ndlovu, the returning chief financial officer.
In addition to the leadership appointments, delegates voted on several key items, including the election of the Executive Committee, which will also serve as the Constitution Committee. The Appointments Committee was also voted in, and delegates approved changes to align the NNZC constitution with the South Pacific Division’s model constitution.
The two new officers replace outgoing president Pastor Bob Larsen and secretary Rosalie McFarlane, who served in these positions since 2020 and are now stepping into semi-retirement.
At the session, they were acknowledged for their years of dedicated service, particularly through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “They did a fantastic job of really setting the conference up for success into the future,” said New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC) president Pastor Eddie Tupa’i. “They’ve built a great team and ensured that all the entities are strong and that the conference’s finances are in a good place.”
Pastor Tupa’i praised the outgoing leaders for their experience and expressed excitement about the new administrative team. “The new leadership team—as in the president, secretary and treasurer, and the executive committee— are quite a younger team. I see them coming in with ideas and plans that really connect with younger generations and also the rapidly changing, complex world that we’re in.”
The new officers
Originally from South Africa, Pastor Webster graduated in theology from Helderberg College and served as a church pastor in his home country for five years, where he was also ordained. He moved to New Zealand in 2010, serving in various districts and churches across NNZC. Pastor Webster is married to Laura and they have five children.
Reflecting on his new role, Pastor Webster acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the support of his team. “I’m humbled by this appointment and keenly aware of my insufficiencies,” he said. “I take confidence in the fact that I’m going to be working with excellent people.” He added that while the role feels daunting, he looks forward to stepping out in faith and seeing what God has planned.
Pastor West began his work with the church as the camp manager at Tui Ridge Park, a position he held for 15 years. He later transitioned into pastoral ministry after completing his theology degree through Avondale University. Over the past 14 years, Pastor West has served in various pastoral roles across NNZC. He is married to Norah, and they have two children.
The newly appointed secretary expressed excitement about stepping into his new role. “I’m excited to try something new, accept the challenges, and see where God leads,” he said.
