ABOUT US
Our History
The area comprising the Presbytery of South Auckland was originally a part of the Presbytery of Auckland. In 1931 South Auckland was constituted a separate Presbytery. At that time South Auckland was an area of small farms. Much of Auckland's fresh produce was produced in areas such as Papatoetoe, East Tamaki and Pukekohe. Much of what was market gardening land is now a sea of houses. At that time there was a total Presbyterian membership of 1,100 serviced by 4 fully sanctioned charges (parishes) and 8 home mission stations.
In 1856 when the Presbytery of Auckland was established two of the four ministers came from South Auckland - Revs John Macky and Thomas Norrie. Macky served the area now known as Papatoetoe whereas Norrie cared for the Papakura, Clevedon and Drury areas.
John Macky arrived in Auckland on 20th August 1854 from Northern Ireland, having been recruited by the Auckland minister, Rev David Bruce. Macky attended to the spiritual needs of Presbyterians in Onehunga, Mangere, Tamaki and Howick. He was first Moderator of the General Assembly (Northern Church) in 1862 and retired in 1889.
Thomas Norrie arrived in Auckland on 17th October 1855 and based his ministry in Papakura/Drury/Clevedon. Norrie was an inveterate church planter, being instrumental in erecting 19 churches, a manse and a teacher's residence. At one stage his "parish" extended from Papakura to Cambridge.
The building of the Great South Road (originally as a military road) gave impetus to the gradual settlement of large tracts of both Auckland and the Waikato. Bridle tracks and old Maori walking tracks gave way to formed roads. This enabled fresh produce to be transported to market. South Auckland was at one stage the "food basket" of Auckland.
During the 20th century South Auckland changed from the status of a "supply farm" for the Auckland markets to the home of large scale industry and from the 1950's particularly, the home for many Pacific peoples. Many Polynesian people had emigrated in the hope of work, education for their children and a better lifestyle. At the same time large scale state housing in Otara, Mangere and later in Manurewa provided housing for the rapidly growing population.
The Presbytery of South Auckland now has 19 separate parishes.
OUR OBJECTIVES |
OUR HISTORY |
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Our Roles
The Presbytery may exercise executive, judicial and administrative functions but has no legislative powers.
In performing its functions, the Presbytery may exercise its authority:
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Over its members, Sessions and Parish Councils and over ministers, students for the ministry and licentiates normally resident within its bounds.
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In relation to any matter committed to its charge by the General Assembly,
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By approving or disapproving any proposal referred to it by the General Assembly.
The Book of Order, approved by the General Assembly, provides a more detailed list of functions of all presbyteries within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
OUR ROLES |
OUR HISTORY
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Our Objectives
Our primary objective is set out in the Mission statement – “United growing congregations within a united, strong church.”
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