Thanks for all the feedback to last week’s blog/article, in which we sought to give a balanced Christian perspective on Te Tiriti matters. If you didn’t see it, here’s the (slightly revised) website version.

On Waitangi Day earlier this week, against the backdrop of much concern and pain, and heard by large crowds and the whole range of politicians, there were some outstanding Christian voices. We particularly commend the talk at the Dawn Service by Dr Alistair Reese, who spoke inspiringly of the Christian undergirdings of Te Tiriti, You can watch it here [Please note you’ll need to sign in to Shine], or read his script. He also spoke similarly at the interdenominational service later that morning. Watch here, or read his script. You may also wish to watch the whole Dawn Service or the whole Interdenominational Service. In the former, it was great to watch the testimony of Angela Pehi.

In the footage, both on the platforms and in the crowd, many good friends of NZCN, both Māori and Pākehā can be seen. These include Bishop Pikaahu (who gives excellent Christian leadership), and Andrew Urquhart (fronting the SHINE coverage).

Let’s continue to pray for our nation, that this unique taonga that is the Treaty of Waitangi may be upheld in a way that honours God, and that a renewed Christian faith, love and generosity of spirit may grow in this land, among all its peoples.

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.