A TIME OF CELEBRATION
Mrs Victoria Mary Mee MNZM
For services to women and business
We are very blessed to have Vicky as a very dedicated and active member of our parish, and it is great to see her being recognised nationally for her many skills and breadth of her knowledge, sharp thinking, sharing and caring for others and contributions to the wellbeing of all.
Vicky has worked for many years as a financial mentor to those in hardship in the Pukekohe area. She was involved early on in the setting up of a national “Generator programme” to support and encourage people trying to create a business and generate some income. The programme supports participants to seek the opportunities and reach the goals they’re aspiring to – whether it be starting from scratch or if they already have a project underway in setting up a business.
They are encouraged to explore handy budgeting calculators and planning templates, check compliance requirements, while finding opportunities to learn, build their skills or seek advice and support about their finances and setting up business systems.
Vicky does this on Zoom with people all around the country. At the moment she is working with people making coffins, a caterer, a man doing automotive detailing, several women starting hairdressing businesses and a woman making balms from herbs she grows in her garden.
Vicky has become hooked and excited about the businesses she is helping people to explore! She loves the energy of these Generites and seeing their potential unlock as hopes and dreams become a reality.
Vicky’s huge range of work experience – from working for many years in the corporate world (with an IBM business partner), potter (for five years), building a small orchard business (600 feijoa trees, 1200 tamarillos and 300 fig trees) and for the past 15 years working in the community as a financial mentor – provided her with plenty of skills to share.
Vicky has chaired several national organisations focusing on improving working conditions and advocating for those in hardship.
Some hobby/ fun facts from Vicky about herself:
“Self-sufficiency gardening and particularly growing fruit trees and composting. I’m now developing a mini food-forest so that I can pick fruit every month of the year.
“One of my favourite things to do is to get up in the morning and wander around the garden picking breakfast (but not in the rain!). In the summer there are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, passionfruit and then in late summer grapes, figs, apples, pears, feijoas and persimmons and as the weather cools there’s citrus and persimmons and tamarillos. At the moment with four different varieties of mandarin I have mandarins four months of the year! Pretty cool on a suburban section! I am now experimenting with mini avocados and smaller banana plants.“
While Vicky acknowledges that her happy place is in her garden and amidst nature, personally I think she is also happiest when she is helping people to enhance their lives as individuals and families. Vicky has also been involved in presenting several significant issues to parliamentary select committees, mainly relating to social justice and the environment. She has been both Pukekohe and national president of Business and Professional Women Association and convened United Nations meetings on issues relating to women and women’s empowerment policies.
A very well-deserved recognition. We are all very proud of you, Vicky, demonstrating our parish motto “where faith and life meet” and demonstrating love and acceptance of all.
SHARING IN THE CELEBRATION OF DOROTHY GIBBONS’ 100TH BIRTHDAY
Thank you for allowing us to share this special time with you, Dorothy.
Dorothy and Susan have now moved to Possum Bourne Retirement Village and I know they are looking forward to meeting up with other members of the parish living there. Please do introduce yourself to them. They have separate rooms on level 3 in the rest home – Dorothy’s room is 384 and Susan’s is 361.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Over the past few weeks we have had a few special services, including a baptism, a funeral and a celebration of the life of Judy Donovan. Judy was a member of the tramping club and became separated from the rest of the group when they were out doing some conservation work in the Pureora Forest, just outside of Ōtorohanga. Her remains were found 10 months later.
Judy had been very involved in the Pukekohe community and her family asked me to pass on the link to the video of her service. If you would like the link, please email me.
It is sad to note that John Robinson also died recently. John and Cath have been active members of the parish over many years. When the time is right for them, John and Cath’s family will gather for a private funeral. Our love and sympathy go to Cath and her family.
PENTECOST
Next Sunday, June 8, is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit descending on people from many places. Pentecost Sunday is celebrated as the birthday of the church.
The following week, June 15, is Trinity Sunday.
RECOVERY PLANNING
It is interesting watching groups of people coming together in the community seeking to develop a plan for recovery in Pukekohe from any future significant events in our community such as floods, fires, or other natural disasters. If you have any suggestions on how things could be done better, please feel free to chat with me. We are intending to have a hub here at St Andrew’s if required.
Blessings to all – Jan
FAREWELL TO ARCHDEACON MICHAEL BERRY
Michael has resigned from his position as Archdeacon of the Southern Region and will be returning to his previous position as full-time Naval Chaplain.
A service will be held at the Papakura Anglican Church on Sunday June 8 at 2pm. For catering purposes can you please let me know if you will be attending this service. Jan 0274521366 or email jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz
The new Archdeacon will be the Reverend Peter Jenkins, previously vicar of Warkworth. My apologies for the lateness in sending out this message and the Messenger.
SUNDAY READINGS FOR JUNE 2025
June 1: First reading: Acts 16:16–34; Gospel: John 17:20–26
June 8: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17 (25-27) June 15: Proverbs 8:1-4; 22-31 John 16:12-15
June 22: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7); Luke 8:26-39
June 29: 2 Kings 2:1-2; 6-14 Luke 9:51-62
REST HOMES AND HOSPITAL SERVICES
Singers welcome to help
Wednesday June 4, 10am: St Andrew’s
Thursday June 5, 10.30am: Franklin Village
Tuesday June 10, 11am: Palms Hospital
Thursday June 19, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tuesday June 24, 11am: Possum Bourne Village
REGULAR SERVICES
Every Sunday
8am and 9.30am at St Andrew’s Pukekohe
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month
11.30am St Paul’s Buckland
1st Sunday of the month
11.15am Nora Brown Hall behind St Andrew’s Church
Weekdays 10am at St Andrew’s
1st Wednesday of the month – 3rd Thursday of the month
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK, JUNE 15-21, 2025
Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together
This month we’re celebrating all of our volunteers – your contribution is truly valued. Thank you all.
The following is a poem from the Lovell Flats Women’s Institute:
The Value of Volunteers
A rare breed they the volunteers
opposite of the profiteers
They give their time, seek no return
of gratitude they little earn
They give their each and talent too
Their gifts are known by very few
They rarely hear the accolades
or ride in front of big parades
Day after day they help mankind
a better lot in life to find
They lead the young, assist the old
and yet their stories are rarely told
unlike the greedy of this Earth
who count their gold to fix their worth
The volunteers with hearts of gold
can count their worth a million-fold.
National Volunteer Week celebrates the collective contribution of the millions of volunteers who enrich Aotearoa New Zealand. Volunteering weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our community. Volunteers are our unsung heroes. They deserve our recognition and our thanks.
SUSTAINABILITY
LOOKING AFTER BIRDS IN WINTER
By Keith Gardner
With the drop in temperatures, we can retreat to our heated homes, thick blankets, and warm socks and slippers. Sadly, birds don’t have such luxuries and are forced to brave the harsh elements over the next few months.
During winter, food becomes scarce. Some plants keep flowering, providing nectar and berries. Worms are a treat for blackbirds while small birds hunt for insects.
We can make life easier for them. The cold slows down some birds at night, so they need protection from predators. A bell on a cat does wonders as does keeping them indoors at night if possible. You can put food outside for the birds. Some people feed birds bread, seeds, fruit and sugar water, but it’s important to think about which bird you want to help.
Bread and seeds are likely to attract more introduced birds such as starlings, sparrows and finches. To help endemic and native birds like koromiko (bellbird), tui and tauhou (silver eye), it is best to provide fruit or sugar water.
Sugar water can be made with one part sugar and four parts water. It is best to boil the mixture so the sugar can dissolve. When it is cooled, it’s loved by the birds.
Placing your fruit or filled sugar water container on a bird table or hanging it from a tree branch or another safe place is ideal. It’s important to make sure the birds feel safe to feed without cats or rats sneaking up on them.
Native and endemic birds love chopped up fruit such as oranges, mandarins, apples and pears. But don’t feed them kiwifruit as the birds could poo out seeds into the native bush. Kiwifruit plants are invasive and their vines strangle and kill other plants.
There are some things you should never feed birds. Anything salty is bad for them. Honey can spread bee diseases, so it is a no-no. Birds cannot handle milk. Dry cat and dog biscuits tend to choke the birds because they’re hard.
Mould on stale food should be avoided as birds don’t like it, just as we don’t.
I am sure our birds will appreciate the efforts we make to keep them happy over winter.
SOCIAL SERVICES EXPO
Need Help? We have the answer. Come to our Social Services Expо, Wednesday July 23, 10am – 2pm, at Franklin: The Centre in Massey Ave, Pukekohe.
Community Networks Franklin – weaving strong communities – Te wera i ngå hapori kaha ake.
Our members offer services from parenting help, housing and budgeting to health & wellbeing, education and aged support. Find out what’s available to you and your family.
CONTRIBUTIONS
For those wishing to make contributions to the parish, the account numbers are:
• Parish general expenses including automatic payments: 06-0405-0012157-00
• Restoration of the church: 06-0405-0078359-01
• Pukekohe Community Action (for community out-reach in our community): 12-3023-0071016-00
• Make sure you put your name in the reference field and email Jan at jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz so we can send you a tax receipt. Many thanks in advance for your generosity.
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
THERE IS A DEFIBRILLATOR INSTALLED BY THE OFFICE DOOR
A copy of the Parish Health and Safety Policy, along with the processes required for the implementation of the policy, is available on our website or from the parish office. An evacuation plans are in each area of the church and complex.
Assembly areas are the car park beside the Reid Anderson Hall, by the road in front of the church or on the vicarage lawn depending on the location of the emergency.
St Paul’s Church: Assembly area is by the road at the front of the church.
First aid kits and accident reporting sheets are located:
1. Reid Anderson — In the cupboard over the small hand basin, by the back door in the kitchen.
2. Nora Brown — on the shelf above the microwave. Record sheets are next to the microwave.
3. Parish office — 2nd to top shelf on left side in the back room. The office is locked when unattended. Forms are to be completed as soon as the accident has been dealt with and the form put through the slot by the office door and the vicar or wardens are to be notified. Treatment including resources that are used are to be recorded on the accident sheet.
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SUPERB HAIR MOBILE HAIRDRESSER
Convenience — I come to you!
Most aspects of hairdressing (including perms).
Professional service,
Award-winning stylist,
Top products.
Text or phone Susan 021 499 194
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DK CONCRETE
Floors/Driveways/Footpaths/Patios etc
Daniel Kircher
Ph 021 066 8356
E: kirchaz@hotmail.com
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HALLIWELL’S OF PUKEKOHE
Stockists of fine Quality Leather Shoes
81 King St, Pukekohe. Ph 09- 2387686
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PUKEKOHE TRAVEL
Locally owned and operated since 1978
Contact Eve Murphy, 89 King St, Pukekohe.
Ph 09-237 0013
info@pukekohe-travel.co.nz
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FRANKLIN LONG ROOFING LTD
We cover buildings with the best Colorsteel
in corrugated or styline profiles
“Steel Yourself for the 21st Century”
Franklin Rd, Pukekohe. Ph 09-238 9249 or after hours 09-238 0027
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PARISH DIRECTORY
Vicar: The Rev’d Jan Wallace 238 7723 Home
238 7228 Office 0274 521 366 Mob
Email: jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz
Vestry
Chairperson Rev’d Jan Wallace
Vestry secretary Karen Stevens
Wardens Pauline Brown 021 182 3703, Richard Anderson 021 081 68724
Synod Reps Vicky Mee, Helen Halliwell
Vestry members Renton Brown, Helen Halliwell, Glenis Kerr, Vicky Mee
Buckland Rep Glenn Morse
Parish Ministry Team
Vestry Wardens Pauline Brown and Richard Anderson
Communications Cecily Daroux & Judith Tucker
Community needs response Jan Wallace & Vicky Mee
Sustainability Pauline Brown, Vicky Mee, Keith Gardner
Pastoral Care Rev Jan Wallace, Rev Merlene Walker
Administration
Central Vestry Trust Board Treasurer Ros Phillips
Parish Recorder Keith Gardner (Parish Envelope Scheme)
Parish Administrator Judith Tucker
Office Hours Monday to Thursday | 9am — 2pm
Address 31 — 37 Queen St, PO Box 338, Pukekohe
Phone 09 238 7228
Email address pukekoheanglicanchurch@xtra.co.nz
Op Shop 9am — 12 noon on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
PASTORAL CARE
Community Programmes at Pukekohe Anglican Church — Pukekohe Community Action
SPACE for you and your baby
For the first year of baby’s life. Several groups are run each week to keep the age range of the babies within about 3 months. Term time only.
The Selwyn Foundation
For the older members of the community
A hot lunch is available for a small charge. Transport can also be arranged. Tuesdays 9.30am.
Seasons
An after-school group held at 4pm on Thursdays for children who have experienced a significant loss or grief in their lives. An adult programme runs at various times. Ph 027 452 1366 for information.
Oasis Play Group
Music & Coffee group, a natural progression from Space, for preschool children. Mon & Fri, 9.15-11am. Term time only.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
FAREWELL TO ARCHDEACON MICHAEL BERRY
Sunday June 8, 2pm: A service will be held at the Papakura Anglican Church to farewell Archdeacon Michael Berry. For catering purposes please let Jan know if you will be attending. Ph 027 452 1366 or email jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz
Thursday June 19, 10am: Parish Communion Service. Fellowship Group meets at the church at 10.30am for cafe outings.
PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday July 2: No Parish Communion Service. Mothers’ Union members will meet for coffee.
GARAGE SALE
Saturday July 12, 8am-11am: Set up from Tuesday July 8 to Friday July 11. It would be appreciated if you could store large items at home until then but if not, we would still love to receive your contribution.
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday July 23, 10am-2pm: Community Networks Franklin holds its annual Social Services Expo upstairs above the library at Franklin: The Centre. Its members offer services from parenting help, budgeting and mobility to personal health and wellbeing, education, aged support and more. Find out what’s available to you and your family. Entry is free.